NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Ricky Rubio, Andrew Bogut and More
Business is beginning to pick up around the NBA with the free-agency moratorium period getting underway Friday. Between a talent-laden group of free agents and the potential for an active trade market, this offseason could reshape the league's landscape.
On the trade front, the action really began in earnest last week when the New York Knicks acquired former MVP point guard Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls. Now the question is whether more notable names will be on the move in the weeks ahead.
Let's check out some of the latest buzz concerning that possibility along with a breakdown of what it could mean for the teams and players involved.
Ricky Rubio Market Expected to Grow
Rubio hasn't become the offensive dynamo the Minnesota Timberwolves hoped for when they grabbed him with the No. 5 pick in 2009. That said, he's one of the league's most effective floor generals, ranking fifth in assists per game last season.
Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported the Wolves tried to deal the point guard around the draft, but teams felt the asking price was too high at the time. A rival executive told the outlet he expects teams to circle back around to Minnesota in the coming weeks, though.
"Check back around July 10, July 15," an NBA general manager told Sporting News. "Once teams are left holding the bag, he's going to be a pretty big target. They will get better offers, better ones than they have been."
Deveney stated league sources suggested the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks are three of the potential landing spots. He also listed the Dallas Mavericks as an option depending on what happens with Mike Conley.
The most intriguing team in that group is the 76ers. The rebuilding franchise has built a promising frontcourt, including this year's first overall pick, Ben Simmons. Now it's time to work on the guard spots, and a pass-first player like Rubio, who's still just 25, would be an ideal fit.
Andrew Bogut Could Become Available
Bogut is exactly the type of player the Warriors need on the interior. He's a player who can make an impact without seeing much of the ball offensively thanks to his defending and rebounding. But apparently the front office isn't pleased with his impact this past season.
Monte Poole of CSN Bay Area reported there's uncertainty within the organization about whether the 31-year-old center is still the right man for the job. He also noted that's why the team used its first-round selection on a post player:
"That taking Damian Jones was a pointed message to backup big man Festus Ezeli.
Drafting Jones also was, according to league sources, an indication of the team's frustration with starting big man Andrew Bogut, who is a candidate to be moved should the Warriors succeed in their pursuit of upcoming free agent Kevin Durant.
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Bogut is under contract for one more season with a cap hit of just over $12.6 million, according to Spotrac, which could make a deal tougher to make. But Poole pointed out the center's extensive injury history, including missing part of the Finals with bone bruises, is part of the frustration.
The question is whether the Warriors believe the combination of Jones and Festus Ezeli could provide equal or greater value. If so, then trying to move Bogut to create more cap space would be the right move, even if they aren't able to attract Durant.
Nerlens Noel Targeted by East Contender
Noel is likely to become one of the offseason's best value additions if he does get traded. He's not generating a ton of attention, but, as mentioned with Bogut, there's a lot of value when it comes to post players who can defend and rebound with more of the scoring focus on wing players in today's NBA.
The 22-year-old power forward averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks last season for the 76ers. Despite that solid production, it wouldn't be surprising to see him moved with the team also having Simmons, Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor among its frontcourt options.
Zach Lowe of ESPN reported the Toronto Raptors have already engaged Philadelphia in trade talks surrounding a player like Terrence Ross and other assets. He also noted those discussions haven't reached the advanced stages, though.
Toronto is a nice match if the sides can find common ground. The team is looking for another defensive stopper on the interior with Bismack Biyombo entering free agency. Noel would represent a cheaper option, and there's a good chance he would blossom with a more talented Raptors roster around him.
