NBA Rumors: Hottest Trade Buzz as Deadline Approaches
There's no shortage of NBA rumors, and one of the hottest comes from the Mile High City. The Denver Nuggets are apparently looking to dump salary and acquire a meaningful piece for their future. Killing two birds with one stone is usually a good thing, but Denver has to find a willing trade partner.
That has proven to be difficult so far. Per ESPN's Marc Stein, the Brooklyn Nets haven't warmed to Denver's overtures for center Brook Lopez:
There's no question that Lopez is one of the more productive big men in the NBA when he plays. He's averaging 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in just 27.2 minutes per game. If he were to land in Denver, his minutes would go up, and it would be interesting to see what he and Nuggets' star point guard Ty Lawson could do together.
In Brooklyn, the key to the potential deal would be JaVale McGee. He's as physically talented as any big man in the league, but he's yet to maximize that potential. He's primarily a shot-blocker and low-post defender. The impact of playing with Kevin Garnett—for as long as KG is around—could be huge for McGee's development.
Garnett is possibly facing a trade or buyout near the trade deadline, but it seems he might be receptive to a mentor role with Brooklyn. Recently, the future Hall of Famer said this per Michael Lee of The Washington Post:
"I’m all-in here. It’s not easy, but I look at my position here as more as strength and encouraging and encouragement to the guys here and kind of put my own personal to the side for the sake of the better and the reality that I’m living with. I’m not a quitter, and I won’t let anybody around me quit. That’s never been in my M.O. or in my makeup, and nor will it be around me.
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If the Nets would be willing to take McGee back in a deal for Lopez, it could turn out to be a steal with Garnett's help.
One of Garnett's former teams is also in the midst of trade rumors. Here's what's buzzing in Beantown on the trade front.
Tayshaun Prince's Future
Though he's not as athletic as he used to be, the Celtics' Tayshaun Prince is still long, versatile and experienced. That combination of traits is going to make him a desirable target for contenders around the trade deadline.
According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, "NBA execs are telling [the Boston Herald] that Tayshaun Prince has the greatest immediate value on the market. He’s on the last year of his contract ($7 million), and, despite a recent hip issue, he’s shown he can still play."
The Celtics are said to be seeking a second-round pick for Prince. If teams balk at Boston's asking price, they may wait for him to be bought out and then attempt to sign him as a free agent.
There are a few teams who could use him. The Chicago Bulls and head coach Tom Thibodeau would love his defensive approach and his versatility. In addition, a team like the San Antonio Spurs might covet his experience and unselfishness.
A few other dominoes might have to fall first, but it would be a shock if Prince finishes this season as a member of the Celtics.
League Cooled on Brandon Bass?
Bulpett also discussed the market for the C's Brandon Bass. According to Bulpett's sources, teams are up and down on the 29-year-old power forward. One Western Conference source said: "People have seen how well he’s played in Boston, but it’s as if they’ve backed off him because of how he played in Dallas or Orlando. I don’t get it. We don’t have a need for him right now, but whoever gets him is going to like what he can do, even if it’s just in limited minutes."
I'm not sure why Bass' production—or lack thereof—with his previous teams would be weighing on the minds of executives now, but perhaps there are unknown factors involved.
Teams in need of power forward depth like the Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors should be interested. It remains to be seen whether either would be willing to part with the future assets the Celtics are undoubtedly seeking in exchange for Bass.
From an energy and physicality standpoint, Bass would be the best fit in Toronto. He may not supplant Amir Johnson at the 4, but he could ensure that the team doesn't lose much at the position when head coach Dwane Casey goes to his bench.
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