NBA Rumors: Latest Info on Kevin Garnett and Other Trade Buzz
The chances that Brooklyn Nets center/forward Kevin Garnett won't finish the season with the team appear to be growing. Per Zach Lowe of Grantland, Garnett could be on the move:
"Garnett has a no-trade clause, but he holds some appeal to playoff teams who can use a boost off the bench and/or some long-term salary relief — Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, and others. The Nets won’t engage in any series of deals that leaves them with more long-term salary, so it will be tough to find the right combination of trades that makes dealing Garnett’s expiring contract palatable. But the cranky one can still knock down a midrange jumper and play solid defense.
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Garnett is in his 20th season, but he's stuck in a situation with a team without a realistic chance to contend. Brooklyn is 21-31 and sits ninth in the Eastern Conference.
While he's known for his loyalty, one has to wonder whether Garnett would waive his no-trade clause for one last chance to play for a contender.
Teams like the Raptors could certainly use a frontcourt presence like Garnett. If the Raps could convince him to come north of the border, it could be one of the biggest acquisitions before the trade deadline.
Dragic and Thomas Could Be on the Move
There have been a few rumors surrounding Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic. However, RealGM's Andrew Perna reports executives have told him that fellow guard Isaiah Thomas is likelier to be moved:
Having Dragic, Thomas and Eric Bledsoe (guard) makes no sense. Thus, it makes sense to move one of them. Of all the teams with potential assets at the deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers may be the only team with the stock of available players on par with the Suns.
Either Dragic or Thomas could drastically boost the backcourt of several contenders. The Houston Rockets could stand to upgrade at point guard. Dragic or Thomas would be an improvement over Patrick Beverley.
Lance Shall Not Be Moved
The Charlotte Hornets may want to move shooting guard Lance Stephenson, but according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski (h/t SiriusXM NBA Radio), Charlotte can't find any takers:
Just six months ago, Stephenson was one of the hottest free agents available. Now it appears no team really wants him. Stephenson is averaging a disappointing nine points, 4.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Perhaps a change of scenery would do Stephenson some good. Maybe a desperate team that believes it has the formula to turn Stephenson around will take a chance on him.
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