NBA Rumors: Analyzing Buzz on Paul Pierce, Goran Dragic and More
Much of the attention goes toward Jahlil Okafor, Karl-Anthony Towns and the upcoming NBA draft, but perhaps more important in the Association right now is how each team prepares for free agency.
Think about it—with the collegiate season and the NBA Draft Combine in the books, the prospect stock market won't change much between now and the draft.
What Goran Dragic and others might do in free agency will, especially with the draft impacting the free-agent market.
So while the playoffs are on and the draft steals the headlines, be sure to keep up to date with free agency. Here's the latest.
Jason Terry Goes for 17
Remember when the Houston Rockets obtaining Jason Terry was just about gaining future trade assets, the general consensus on his arrival suggesting he wouldn't see much playing time?
Whoops.
Some 77 games later, the 37-year-old veteran averaged 7.0 points, 1.9 assists and 1.6 rebounds per game as a key contributor for a team deep in the playoffs.
Both sides seem interested in a reunion, too, as ESPN.com's Marc Stein breaks down:
"The Rockets are thus expected to try to bring Terry back via free agency come July. He's in the final season of a three-year, $15.6 million deal he landed from the Boston Celtics in the summer of 2012 after a eight-season run with the Mavericks that featured a championship in 2011 and an NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2009.
"
If Terry wants to keep this thing going, there are few more ideal locations than a contender with Patrick Beverley in need of a backup next to a star like James Harden.
In Houston, Terry will get shots at the playoffs and plenty of playing time, a rare combo for a player of his age. Of course, it helps he continues to defy age itself and produce in a meaningful manner.
Goran Dragic Part of Master Plan?
Dragic put on a show last season in 26 games with the Miami Heat, averaging 16.6 points and 5.3 assists despite erratic playing time by the stars around him.
In the stint with his new team, the proverbial elephant in the room was Dragic's impending free agency. While assumed since he seemed to have a say in where he went that he would re-up with the Heat, there are sure to be max offers on the open market.
It seems the Heat are doing whatever it takes to keep him around, though, with Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reporting president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra have "assured" the 29-year-old guard he is part of the "master plan."
Jackson adds more: "We’re told Dragic very much likes Spoelstra and Riley and nothing to this point has changed regarding the Heat’s status as front-runners to keep him. The Lakers, Knicks, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Sacramento are all expected to have interest."
The Heat need Dragic in the fold to act as contenders, with the rest of the core already in place. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are still around, Hassan Whiteside is a promising big man, Luol Deng is a great role player and the team has quality depth such as Mario Chalmers and Josh McRoberts, not to mention a top-10 selection.
While it sounds like Dragic loves his spot in Miami and rumblings suggest there's nowhere else he'd rather be, it's still something to keep an eye on as things progress.
Paul Pierce Moving West?
Another 37-year-old star, it seems Paul Pierce differs from Terry in that he might want to switch teams this offseason.
Which he can do, of course, by opting out of his current deal with the Washington Wizards, freeing him to do whatever he wants with the remainder of his career.
David Aldridge of NBA.com provides one sentiment in league circles making the rounds: "Washington's main issue is complacency. The Wizards could stand pat if Pierce decides to return to D.C. next season rather than opt out of his deal, but many around the league believe Pierce will do just that and finish his career back home in Los Angeles with the Clippers."
In other words, Pierce might see a championship opportunity with the Los Angeles Clippers and a chance to reunite with coach Doc Rivers.
Not that things were bad in Washington, where Pierce averaged 11.9 points, 2.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game. Wizards coach Randy Wittman says he would "love him back" next year, per Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post, but it's never easy to read the mind of a veteran in the final throes of his career looking for titles.
Pierce has plenty to offer contenders at his age, and it is easy to imagine Rivers would find him a suitable role. It seems too obvious to not happen, which is why it is one of the main storylines to watch in the coming weeks.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
