NBA Rumors: Latest Reports on Dwyane Wade, Lance Stephenson and More
Although many of the big names are already off the board in the NBA free-agency period, plenty of available players remain heavily pursued by teams around the league.
Kevin Durant made the most noise so far when he announced on the Players' Tribune that he would sign with the Golden State Warriors. However, this won't be the last noteworthy deal taking place this week.
The moves come quickly this time of year, and it isn't easy to keep up, but here is a look at the latest rumors surrounding free agents still on the market.
Not including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade is arguably the most notable free agent still available. The 12-time All-Star has a chance to return to the Miami Heat as many expect, but they aren't the only ones in the race.
According to ESPN's Dan Le Batard Show, the Heat offered a reasonable deal for the 34-year-old veteran:
While the money and familiarity will go a long way, other teams could potentially beat that price in a bidding war. According to ESPN.com, the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks remain interested while other teams drop out.
Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the Milwaukee Bucks have a meeting set with the shooting guard:
With ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne also reporting that "negotiations are at a bit [of] an impasse" with the Heat, other teams have to feel good about their chances of snagging the three-time NBA champion.
There is also plenty of speculation about Wade joining forces with James in Cleveland, but there doesn't appear to be enough cap room, and he doesn't seem interested in reducing his asking price.
Despite all the options, however, the chances appear likely he will still end up in Miami.
"He's a lifer," Heat president Pat Riley said about Wade, per Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel. "What he's done in this city over the last 13 years is irreplaceable. So, we want to do the right thing. There's no doubt."
As strange as negotiations have been to this point, it's likely the two sides will come to an agreement, and Wade will stay in the only home he's known.
Lance Stephenson
It has been an impressive fall for Lance Stephenson, who just two years ago was one of the top free agents on the market.
After averaging 13.8 points per game in a secondary role for the Indiana Pacers, he signed with the Charlotte Hornets and then was traded twice. In 130 games over the last two seasons, he averaged just 8.3 points per game, not exactly the breakout many were expecting.
Now Stephenson is a free agent again after the Memphis Grizzlies declined his option. While a few teams could be interested, perhaps the best scenario is rejoining the last team where he was successful.
According to Nate Taylor of the Indianapolis Star, this is a possibility:
Stephenson not only put up solid numbers in his final year with the Pacers, but he was also an important part of the team's run to the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals. The squad lost in six games to the Heat with James, Wade and Chris Bosh, and his return could potentially help make Indiana a contender once again.
The guard is still just 25 years old and had a good end to the year with Memphis. Teams are afraid to take a chance on him again, but the Pacers know what he can do at his best. He won't be a star, but he can be a quality option alongside Paul George as the team tries to chase the Cavaliers in the East.
Jordan Hill
Although he isn't the type of free agent that creates excitement among a fanbase, Jordan Hill has been a solid contributor throughout his career and could be a useful player either in the starting lineup or off the bench.
The 6'10" forward averaged 15.3 points and 10.7 rebounds per 36 minutes this past season, which likely is the reason he has so much interest in the open market.
Sean Deveney of Sporting News provided a look at a few options:
According to Darren Wolfson of KSTP, the Minnesota Timberwolves are also interested:
Meanwhile, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported apparent interest from the Charlotte Hornets, although that plan is likely dead after he also reported the team's deal with Roy Hibbert.
Of all the options, the Chicago Bulls might make the most sense as a team that desperately needs help in the frontcourt after losing Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah this offseason. While the squad is clearly in some form of rebuilding, it needs someone to play down low besides Robin Lopez.
Hill won't be able to replace two All-Stars in the frontcourt, but he could make a positive impact in his short trip from Indianapolis to Chicago.
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