NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz on Glen Davis, Tristan Thompson and More
All seems quiet on the NBA rumor mill, especially in the shadow of an active MLB trade deadline, but more moves are on the way with notable names left on the market and in need of contracts.
This time of year, contenders can still add a proverbial missing piece. Given the clear depth disparity between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, it's nothing to scoff at.
Rebuilders can find a nice piece, too. Sometimes, the little glue guy pairs well with a major draft selection years down the line. Some front offices still need to wrap up some of their own, even if it's fallen under the radar.
Without further ado, here's the latest from the mill.
Knicks Make a Move?
President Phil Jackson and his New York Knicks continue to take baby steps toward a notable roster.
The latest move? Reviving Sasha Vujacic's NBA career, of course.
According to reporter David Pick, the Knicks reached out to the sharpshooter:
ESPN.com's Ian Begley reported rumblings of an agreement based around training camp:
It's easy to wonder why in the world the Knicks just took a gamble on a 31-year-old wing who hasn't played significant time in the NBA since 2011.
For Jackson, it isn't much of a gamble. Vujacic will need to get used to NBA ball again, but all the Knicks will be asking him to do is shoot. Considering he shoots 37 percent from downtown on his career, it shouldn't be a problem.
Also keep in mind that he spent time with Jackson in Los Angeles, meaning he has experience in the triangle offense. This gives him an edge in training camp, and he could wind up seeing playing time behind Arron Afflalo.
Keep an eye on the Knicks. It's underrated reported rumblings like this that help push a team in the direction it wants to go.
Glen Davis
The fact that Glen Davis still doesn't have a job is starting to enter "odd" territory.
There's nothing wrong with the Big Baby. He's 29 years old and was an important role player with the Orlando Magic (he averaged 12.1 points in 2013) before becoming a critical piece of depth with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Conventional wisdom suggested Davis would re-up with the Clippers. It just hasn't worked out, and now E. Carchia of Sportando.com reported an eye-popping bit of information: "Glen Davis is open to playing overseas if he doesn’t sign a contract in the NBA, a source told Sportando."
Talk about a wild turn of events.
The Clippers don't have a major need for Davis. The front office got DeAndre Jordan back and brought on Josh Smith for depth at the 4. It explains the holdup with Los Angeles, but not with other teams.
Davis is respectable depth, but it is starting to sound more and more like this is an issue with playing time. If a team cannot offer him the time he desires on the hard court, it looks like he will find it somewhere outside of the Association.
Tristan Thompson's Contract
Here is one of the nuggets that continues to fly under the radar.
The Cavaliers won't lose talented big man Tristan Thompson this offseason considering his free-agent status, but they might next offseason if a longer deal isn't worked out soon.
Thompson is 24 years old and averaged 8.5 points and 8.0 rebounds on 26.8 minutes per game last season. He was an especially bright spot during the postseason when injuries hit, but now he's a restricted free agent.
According to Cleveland.com's Terry Pluto, the two sides continue to work on an extension: "They are talking to restricted free agent Tristan Thompson. He will either play for the one-year qualifying offer ($6.8 million) or sign a lucrative extension."
Money isn't easy to come by in Cleveland with names like LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving on the roster. The team can offer Thompson the tender, keeping him in town one more year, but he'd hit unrestricted free agency the year after.
James has made it pretty clear to the Cleveland front office where he stands on the matter:
In other words, Thompson is a lock to stick around for at least one more year. James' public backing might mean a long-term deal gets sorted out soon, too.
Regardless, James and the Cavaliers see the value in keeping around a young guy who continues to develop and play well within the system. Now the two sides just need to shake on a contract.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
