NBA Rumors: Latest Trade Rumblings on Tiago Splitter, Draft Buzz and More
Call it the calm before the storm in the NBA.
The playoffs are underway, and the horizon offers the draft and a critical stretch of free agency. In the interim, teams attempt to prepare for both through scouting measures and working contract options of upcoming major decisions.
This is just the beginning, where teams start to show favoritism toward certain prospects, rumblings come up about how teams want to handle players with options and even trade possibilities come to light.
Let's take a look.
Portland's Arron Afflalo Situation
Back in February, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired veteran swingman Arron Afflalo from the Denver Nuggets, a deal both parties seemed happy about despite its status as one of the quieter exchanges in one of the most active trade-deadline days in a couple of decades.
Now the Trail Blazers might want out.
Afflalo holds all the cards with a 2015 player option, and Joe Freeman of OregonLive.com hears he might not opt out despite assumptions he would: "I've seen reports suggesting that Afflalo has decided to opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent. My sources say those reports are a bit premature and it's too early to lock that. But, for the Blazers' sake, they should hope that's what ultimately happens."
Freeman goes on to note how the front office's dreams of Afflalo acting as a critical missing piece came crashing down, as he never fit well before suffering an injury.
It's a fair point, as in 25 games, he only averaged 10.6 points despite 14.5 with Denver in 53 games. He also posted just 1.1 assists, down from his 1.9 in Denver.
Conventional wisdom suggests Afflalo would opt out, though. He is 29 years old, meaning there may be another massive contract on the market for him. Then again, opting into a $7.75 million deal, per Spotrac, before hitting the market the year after may work, too.
Regardless, Afflalo is once again a top name to watch in the transactions department.
Bucks' Draft Plans
The Milwaukee Bucks have one of the brighter young cores in place. By all accounts, things should only get better if a prospect the team likes falls to the middle of the first round.
One problem—the Bucks are already losing out on players they want.
According to Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times, the Bucks coveted Utah center Jakob Poeltl, who decided to return to school rather than enter the draft:
"According to sources, the Bucks had more than a passing interest in the 7-foot Poeltl, a native of Austria who averaged 9.1 points and 6.8 rebounds as a freshman this season.
The decision by Poeltl to remain in college certainly doesn’t help the Bucks in their quest to draft a big man.
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It's an unfortunate turn of events for a team in need of a serious upgrade to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo and others, but hope remains.
The report notes Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky as a big man who could fall to the Bucks. Kaminsky is a pro-ready big who can shoot well and space the floor, noted by his 55 percent conversion rate from the floor last year and 42 percent mark from deep.
Even if Kaminsky doesn't fall and provide the perfect running mate for the roster in place, it seems quite clear where the team wants to upgrade in the draft.
Tiago Splitter on the Block?
The San Antonio Spurs sound like they have major, major plans this offseason.
In a report penned by ESPN.com's Marc Stein in which he drops hint-bombs by the name of LaMarcus Aldridge, the insider suggests the front office may look to deal Tiago Splitter:
"One scenario on the personnel grapevine gaining steam is the notion that the Spurs could elect to explore the possibility of dealing away Tiago Splitter to create more financial flexibility. Splitter has two years left on his contract valued at just under $17 million and is quietly regarded as a key contributor in San Antonio given how well he fits as a frontcourt sidekick next to Duncan. But if you're the Spurs -- and if the increasingly loud rumbles about Aldridge having San Antonio as the preferred destination atop his wish list prove true -- examining Splitter's trade market might suddenly become unavoidable.
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Wow, right?
Forget Aldridge for a moment, as it might not be the most realistic scenario floating around. More important must be the ability to extend Kawhi Leonard, and if dealing Splitter is what it takes, the Spurs might be ready.
While he's a nice complement to Tim Duncan down low, the 30-year-old big man averaged just 8.2 points and 4.8 rebounds last year and clutches a rather large chunk of cap space. He also struggled to provide a major contribution this postseason while dealing with injuries.
It's not an easy situation for the Spurs, a team that seems to contend no matter what and often avoids major maneuvers. This time, though, the front office may feel it necessary, and Splitter is a strong trade chip, as teams in need may want to see what he can do as a full-time starter.
Unlike most offseasons, it's time to pay close, close attention to how the Spurs proceed.
Stats and info courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
