NBA Rumors: Analyzing Reports on DeMarcus Cousins, Goran Dragic and More
We've seen some intriguing trades this season, and with the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on Feb. 19, there could be a late frenzy of activity before the buzzer sounds.
Rumors continue to run rampant across the Web as players are made available—or, in Enes Kanter's case, attempt to make themselves available. Not all will find new homes before the deadline, but with some teams actively shopping players who are coveted by other franchises, we're bound to see a few more moves.
So that brings us to the burning question of mid-February: Which players are rumored to be on the move, and where are they likely to end up? Here's a look at a few recent pieces of gossip that could have a substantial effect on the back half of the season.
Fresh off a 14-point, seven-rebound performance in the All-Star Game, DeMarcus Cousins is suddenly the foundation of a trade rumor. It's not what you might think, though. The Sacramento Kings aren't actively shopping the center, but, according to Sam Smith of NBA.com, that's not stopping the Boston Celtics from pursuing him:
"Another Celtics' big man rumor floating around during All-Star weekend has been their pursuit of All-Star DeMarcus Cousins. There is no indication he's available from the team, but the speculation has been he and George Karl won't work together and Karl wants to play faster without a low post center. So Boston is rumored to give it a try.
"
Cousins is having a fantastic season in Sacramento. He's averaging career highs with 23.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting a solid 46.5 percent from the floor. Due to Boston's current frontcourt carousel, the team's interest in Cousins' services isn't a surprise.
The Kings currently have Cousins locked up on a four-year, $65.6 million contract that is good through the 2017 season. Boston has the cap space to absorb that salary; however, the team would likely have to give up a great deal to acquire Cousins. The Celtics do have a surplus of future draft picks at their disposal, so Sacramento could entertain the idea of a trade for a high price.
Still, the chances of anything happening here are slim.
Goran Dragic
The Phoenix Suns have placed guard Goran Dragic on the trade block for the price of a first-round pick, and it didn't take long for interest to generate.
Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported two interested teams—the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers: "The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers are among many teams expected to try to persuade the Phoenix Suns to part with star guard Goran Dragic before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, according to league sources."
Despite the interest, the Suns changed their tune, according to a tweet from Stein:
Well, the team apparently altered its plans once again, as Bleacher Report's Howard Beck tweeted the updated intentions Monday:
So there we have it. Dragic's contract expires at the end of this season, and with a crowded backcourt in Phoenix, there's no guarantee he'll stick around. At this point, it would be wise for the Suns to get a first-rounder for the guard to ensure they aren't left empty-handed.
Dragic has put together a fine year in Phoenix, averaging 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 50.1 percent from the floor. That kind of production would be welcomed by both the Lakers and the Rockets. Los Angeles would have a player to build a team around, and Houston would have a dangerous backcourt duo in Dragic and James Harden.
The way things look right now, expect Dragic to move before the deadline.
Amar'e Stoudemire
Amar'e Stoudemire isn't on the trade block, but multiple teams are pursuing him. The center is in the final season of his five-year, $99.7 million contract with the New York Knicks, and, according to Tim MacMahon and Marc Stein of ESPN.com, he recently agreed on a buyout from the team.
That report also noted Stoudemire is looking to join a playoff contender, and Ken Berger of CBSSports.com tweeted which of the interested teams is the front-runner:
Why the Dallas Mavericks? Berger tweeted that too:
Stoudemire has played both as a starter and off the bench this season. However, he continues to produce, averaging 12.0 points and 6.8 rebounds in 24.0 minutes per game while shooting 54.3 percent from the floor.
With Tyson Chandler in the fold for Dallas, Stoudemire won't see a starting role alongside Dirk Nowitzki, but he will bring some necessary depth to the center position on a team that is currently jockeying for position in a competitive Southwest Division.
