NBA Rumors: Analyzing Buzz on Ty Lawson, Nate Robinson and More
The NBA transaction department is a lot like the discount section at a grocery store.
While the trade deadline is a thing of the past, players available on the buyout and free-agent markets still offer great value, and if used right, can act as one small part of a much bigger puzzle.
As any seasoned fan should know, the rumor mill never truly sleeps. Too many teams have too many decisions to make about backups, potential free agents and trades in the future.
Without further ado, the latest rests below, highlighted by a blockbuster trade possibility.
Minnesota's Gary Neal Situation
So much for that presumed Gary Neal buyout.
Neal came to Minnesota by way of Charlotte in a deal highlighted by Mo Williams in early February, although the seemingly obvious next step was for the Timberwolves to cut him loose as the coaching staff gives as much time to its young core as possible.
Or not.
According to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, talks of a buyout are at an impasse:
It's an interesting decision for the 13-win Timberwolves. Neal is 30 years old and in the final year of his current contract, which absolutely gives him some value to the organization.
With an average of 9.6 points per game, Neal is by no means a horrible rotational player, although he's played in just four of six games since joining the team. As Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders notes, contenders initially monitored the situation in Minnesota closely:
No dice, apparently.
If contenders still desire a rotational guard who can score and provide a strong semblance of experience, they'll need to look outside of Minnesota. Options certainly exist.
Backcourt Depth Once Again a Focal Point in Chicago
One such option is Nate Robinson.
The Chicago Bulls know a thing or two about the veteran guard—and also know plenty about how to massage a wound left in the wake of a Derrick Rose injury.
The Bulls are better off than in recent years after a Rose hiccup. Kirk Hinrich isn't a big-minute guy anymore, but Aaron Brooks is a great platoon who figures to soak up most of the minutes even if the front office chooses to bring on another body.
According to RealGM's Shams Charania, Robinson might be that body:
"The Chicago Bulls have held exploratory conversations with free agent guard Nate Robinson as a potential roster addition, league sources told RealGM.
Discussions have yet to advance, but the Bulls were made aware Tuesday night that Robinson has a strong desire to sign with the franchise. Robinson is a natural fit for the roster, familiar with its core players and coaching staff.
"
Now 30 years old, Robinson surely holds the hearts and minds of Chicago fans after his epic performances in the postseason a few years back in which he dropped 20 or more points four times to make the Bulls a serious threat before running into the buzzsaw that was Miami.
The good news is that Robinson won't be asked to do as much this time around if he joins, which is probably a good thing since he struggled in 33 games with Denver this season, averaging a career-low 5.8 points and 2.3 assists per game
Still, if Chicago chooses to go the cheap route as a stopgap, Robinson has the experience with the organization necessary to help and will come at a relatively cheap price.
George Karl and a Potential Blockbuster
Things are getting weird in Sacramento.
George Karl apparently has control over roster moves in Sacramento, and his first order of business appears to be re-upping with one of his preferred point guards, Ty Lawson.
Even at the expense of shipping away DeMarcus Cousins.
Bleacher Report's Howard Beck provides the details:
"Sources say Karl would love to acquire Ty Lawson—if the rebuilding Nuggets were to make him available—or any other members of his last Nuggets team, which won 57 games in 2012-13. Karl wants players who move the ball and push the tempo, and that could mean wild upheaval on the Kings roster. Even DeMarcus Cousins, their franchise center, is not untouchable, according to a source with insight into Karl's thinking.
"
Shipping away one of the best big men in the game seems a premature maneuver. At 24 years old with 23.7 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, the sky truly is the limit for the Kentucky product.
Then again, a legend's desire to rebuild a roster in his mold is not something to take lightly. Perhaps Cousins will see the light and alter his game, or maybe not, but either way, Karl seems to have his eye on Lawson.
Karl and Lawson spent four productive seasons in Denver together in which the North Carolina product blossomed into a consistent scorer and facilitator. This season alone he averages an impressive 16.5 points and 9.8 assists.
That sort of leadership and production makes an entire roster better, so it's no wonder Karl wants to reunite with Lawson as one of the league's more serious rebuilds begins in earnest.
At what price is one of the most interesting storylines to watch as things get underway.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
