NBA Rumors: Rounding Up Buzz on Paul Pierce and Team Draft Plans

At this time of year, the NBA rumor mill resembles a melting pot.

A melting pot with teams attempting to woo future free agents, make player options work, perhaps hint at a trade here and there—all while scouting prospects as those same prospects work out and interview for many teams.

So yes, "hectic" would be a great way to describe this time of year with the 2015 NBA draft on approach. A new week means new rumors, so let's take a look at how teams continue to prep for the draft and what may go down with one potential big-name free agent, Paul Pierce.

Emmanuel Mudiay Making the Rounds

The teams with the second, third and fourth picks all have a shot at international sensation Emmanuel Mudiay, and he seems to have an interest in all, too.

Adam Zagoria of SNY.TV revealed Monday Mudiay will work out for all three but in a particular order: "A second source told SNY.tv that the order of the workouts will go Lakers first, Knicks second and then the Sixers last. Mudiay has been working out in New York, including at House of Sports in Ardsley to prepare for NBA workouts."

It's a chance for the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks to get a closer look at Mudiay, who comes in at 6'5" and 196 pounds and will remind some of John Wall thanks to his struggles with his shot but the ability to use his elite athleticism and IQ to get others involved.

ESPN.com's Chad Ford reveals, though, teams weren't too happy Mudiay skipped the NBA Draft Combine:

"

Most of the key decision-makers in the NBA haven't seen him live. While he never was going to do 5-on-5, having the medical testing, measurements and interviews would've been really helpful. His decision clearly is affecting his draft stock as more than one GM asked how they could have him higher than Russell when Russell has done and proved so much more. There are still a handful of trusted, high-profile scouts who argue Mudiay is the second-best player in this draft.

"

In other words, these three workouts are key if Mudiay is to come off the board before Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell.

If it all goes according to plan, it's easy to see how each of the three could pull the trigger on draft day. Philadelphia only has Isaiah Canaan at the point. Los Angeles has Jordan Clarkson but needs someone to get Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle going. Ditto for New York, which could upgrade on Shane Larkin and help Carmelo Anthony. 

Keep a close eye on rumblings from the workouts. 

Mavericks' Plan Revealed?

It's not easy to figure out what the Dallas Mavericks plan to do with the No. 21 pick, but there may be a general idea with some of the team's workout plans revealed.

According to Michael Scotto of the Associated Press, the Mavericks have worked out a few different guards in recent weeks:

Guards were a bit of an obvious target with Rajon Rondo on his way out and the team needing someone next to Monta Ellis. Or, at least adding depth had been an area of focus, but the "who" part of the question had always been a mystery.

This may help to clear things up a bit. Michigan State's Travis Trice touts senior experience and averaged 15.3 points last year. Ditto for Stanford's Chasson Randle, who poured in an average of 19.6. Jordan Sibert out of Dayton features the same experience at 16.1, and so too does Wesley Saunders out of Harvard at 16.6.

It's not hard to see the way the Mavericks might go with the pick—it seems all about experience. After a rocky ride last season, consistency and players with a desire to lead seem to be the target, so keep an eye on all four, as well as similar prospects.

Paul Pierce to Move West?

This seems a marriage too obvious not to happen.

Paul Pierce spent most of his time with the Boston Celtics. A solid amount of said time happened with coach Doc Rivers, who now directs the Los Angeles Clippers. Pierce has a player option, allowing him to opt out of his current deal with the Washington Wizards and sign wherever he wants.

It's obvious, right?

Perhaps so, as Robert Morales of InsideSoCal.com says the Clippers like the idea: "The Clippers remain interested in bringing small forward Paul Pierce to Los Angeles, a league source told us today, but that Pierce would first have to opt out of his current contract with the Washington Wizards, which he can do."

As they should be.

At the least, Pierce provides an upgrade as someone who could pair with Matt Barnes or others. It's one of the obvious needs for a team in a bit of flux with DeAndre Jordan entering free agency, not to mention the team could use some leadership.

For the 37-year-old forward, though, he stressed last month his family will have a say in the matter, per David Aldridge of NBA.com:

For Pierce the individual and player, there might be a better chance to retire with a title in the Western Conference a year removed from averaging 11.9 points, 2.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds on 26.2 minutes.

Reuniting with Rivers may be just what Pierce needs, so keep a close eye on the situation. 

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.