NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding DeAndre Jordan, Eric Bledsoe and More
With the NBA draft now behind us, teams are looking at other ways to improve for next season and beyond.
This offseason will feature a number of high-profile players searching for greener pastures through free agency as well as potential impact starters currently available in trades. The most aggressive organizations could have a chance to set themselves up for a big year by making some key additions.
Meanwhile, the fight for each player among interested teams often becomes as interesting to watch as games themselves. With that in mind, here is a look at the latest buzz surrounding some top players who could be on the move this summer.
DeAndre Jordan Done with L.A.?
One of the top free agents on the market this offseason will be DeAndre Jordan, a player who led the NBA with 15 rebounds per game and has topped the league in field-goal percentage in each of the past three seasons.
Bleacher Report's Jared Zwerling first reported the multiple contenders for the center's services:
While returning to the Los Angeles Clippers remains an option, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times provided some reasoning why that won't happen:
"The season ended with Rivers denying reports Jordan and Chris Paul had a beef with each other.
But other NBA officials not authorized to speak publicly on the matter said there indeed is a rift between Jordan and Paul.
The officials said Jordan wants to be more involved in the offense and wants to be an All-Star, and he's not sure whether those things can happen on the Clippers with All-Stars Paul and Blake Griffin.
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This could allow a team like the Dallas Mavericks to swoop in and sign the top player. Zwerling and ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon both reported a high possibility of the Texas native ending up with the Mavs.
Although Jordan would probably miss being on the receiving end of Chris Paul's passes, Dallas could end up being a good fit if he truly wants to develop offensively. With shooters all around him, there would be more space on the floor for him to work in the post.
If he wants to become one of the top offensive options for his team, however, perhaps young teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks would be better locations.
High Demand for Draymond Green
This was truly a breakout season for Draymond Green, who posted career highs with averages of 11.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He was also named to the league's All-Defensive Team and played a major role in the NBA title run for the Golden State Warriors.
All of this happened just in time for the former second-round pick to get paid as a restricted free agent.
When asked about Green potentially leaving after the season, though, Warriors general manager Bob Myers made sure everyone knew the intention was to keep the forward around.
"Tell the Warrior fans they shouldn't worry," he explained during the NBA Finals, per Jeff Faraudo of the San Jose Mercury News.
The problem is Green's great play might cause other teams around the league to open up the checkbooks to lure him elsewhere. After explaining the possibility of returning home to play for the Detroit Pistons, Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports broke down the options for Green:
"Despite the expected interest from Golden State and Detroit, Green told Yahoo Sports he would do his due diligence with all suitors when free agency arrives Wednesday. The Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets are also expected to be among the teams interested in Green, a source said. The 2015 first all-NBA defensive team selection said he is open to face-to-face team visits with any serious free-agent opportunity, too.
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While it makes sense for Green to stay with a team that has already won a championship and could become a dynasty, it could also be tough to turn down a lot of money, especially if it comes with a more featured role within an offense.
With Golden State having a lot of players it will need to lock up long term, the organization might not be able to match a high offer for Green. This will keep things interesting as the player is forced to make a decision in the coming weeks.
Eric Bledsoe Newest PG Target for Kings
The Sacramento Kings remain heavily in pursuit of an upgrade at point guard, and it seems Eric Bledsoe is the latest target.
Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported the Phoenix Suns' interest in dealing away the point guard after deciding to re-sign Brandon Knight. He explained Sacramento's position in a possible trade:
"The Kings, one source said, are expected to express interest in Bledsoe. While Sacramento has been buried in rumors involving center DeMarcus Cousins, a league executive said the Kings have been far more focused on improving the point guard position. The Kings started Darren Collison at the position, but would like to move him into a backup role. And if Sacramento keeps Cousins, bringing in his former Kentucky teammate and good friend surely would help to keep him happy.
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Of course, this isn't the first point guard the Kings have been linked to in recent weeks. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported there was "mutual interest" with free-agent point guard Rajon Rondo.
Additionally, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated noted there was a chance Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson could be reunited with his former coach:
The Nuggets could have a logjam at point guard after drafting Emmanuel Mudiay with the No. 7 pick (after the Kings passed on him at No. 6), so dealing Lawson while he still has value is a reasonable decision.
As for the Kings, it seems like they will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of an upgrade at point guard.
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