NBA Trade Rumors: Rounding Up Latest Buzz on Ty Lawson and More

Is it any surprise point guards rule the NBA rumor mill?

In the aftermath of Stephen Curry winning the MVP and the Finals, it is more apparent than ever the Association remains a guard-driven league. There are a ton of guards out there, too, especially after another deep class at the position. 

The above would help explain why someone such as Rajon Rondo hitting the open market wasn't much of a big deal. 

Odd, right?

Some of the names on the trade block are a big deal, though, so here is a look at the freshest offerings from the mill. 

Mario Chalmers on the Block

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

There is never too much of a good thing in the NBA.

Well, unless it starts to hurt the bottom line.

Such is the case with the Miami Heat, habitual cap tax offenders able to bring back big names such as Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade. At point guard, this means Dragic and young Shabazz Napier are the names to watch.

That sounds like it leaves Mario Chalmers as the odd man out.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported on the matter:

"The Heat has time to move Chalmers, because a team's tax bill is based on the roster on the final day of the regular season, an NBA spokesman said. But Miami appears interested in moving as soon as it can find a suitable deal, according to a league official who has spoken to the Heat."

Given how crowded the depth chart looks and how little playing time there is, it makes sense the Heat would turn to a $4.3 million cap hit this year for relief, per Spotrac.

Chalmers is 29 and averaged 10.2 points and 3.8 assists last year, so there is some value other teams would see in bringing him on, although the problem now becomes the fact everyone knows the Heat want out of his contract. 

Expect something to get done when it comes to Chalmers. Whether it looks like a great value for the Heat is another conversation.

Ty Lawson Update

Jim Mone/Associated Press

Ty Lawson might be the hottest name in sports right now.

Even before his arrest for DUI, as reported by the Associated Press (via USA Today), Lawson was a big name because it seemed the Denver Nuggets wanted to part with his big contract.

Per Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, Lawson's repeated off-court issues have not deterred some teams from still having an interest:

"

Despite a second DUI arrest in the last six months, embattled Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson is generating interest on the trade market, NBA sources told SI.com. Houston, Detroit and the L.A. Lakers are among the teams that have expressed interest in Lawson recently, and there remains a strong possibility the Nuggets could unload Lawson before training camp.

"

Lawson isn't a bad player on the court, and it makes sense some teams would have an interest. He is just 27 years old and averaged 15.2 points and 9.6 assists last season, although he has a $12.4 million cap hit next year, per Spotrac. 

Some of the teams Mannix brought up shouldn't shock, either. The Los Angeles Lakers just drafted D'Angelo Russell, but a rebuilding team on the hunt for a quick turnaround would not mind taking the risk.

Ditto for the Houston Rockets, a team able to bring back Patrick Beverley. Great, but it is hard not to wonder what a Lawson-James Harden backcourt could do. Detroit is another rebuilding team worth watching, too.

There are perhaps others, though. A destination like the Sacramento Kings would be nice given Lawson's history with head coach George Karl. Other options are sure to emerge if the process continues.

Regardless, it's clear Lawson's stay atop the mill won't end soon. Issues aside, he's one of the most valuable assets available, and teams continue to treat him as such.

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