NBA Rumors: Latest on Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen and More
It's not 2012, but Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen dominate the headlines as NBA free agency continues.
Really, it's the summer of Kevin Durant, which doesn't need further explanation; the emotions that are sure to flare up when reading such a sentence will vary according to one's team loyalty.
No matter where NBA fans fall on the spectrum, though, they have to agree that it's interesting to think about Wade not rocking a Miami Heat uniform or Allen ending his retirement in Brett Favre fashion to chase a ring.
Who says free agency gets boring after almost a week of action? Here's a look at the latest must-know buzz.
Lance Stephenson Going Home?
How easy it is to forget that Lance Stephenson is only 25 years old.
After playing with the Indiana Pacers for four years, Stephenson fizzled out with the Charlotte Hornets in 2014-15 and the Los Angeles Clippers in 43 games last year.
Then a funny thing happened. Stephenson landed in a strong environment, suiting up for 26 games with the Memphis Grizzlies. He went on to average 14.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from deep.
It might have been the push Stephenson needed to get a decent contract this summer. According to Nate Taylor of the Indianapolis Star, Stephenson and the Pacers seem to have mutual interest:
"Stephenson has discussed the possibility of agreeing to a multiyear deal with the Pacers, a league source confirmed to IndyStar. Stephenson, a combo guard who became an unrestricted free agent last week after Memphis declined his team option, is open to returning to the Pacers next season.
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Stephenson and the Pacers parted ways after they came up short in the postseason all those years ago, but a reunion could certainly benefit both sides.
It's clear Stephenson needs the right environment to thrive, and he would get the stability necessary to turn his career around by rotating at shooting guard with Monta Ellis in Indianapolis.
With Jeff Teague, Paul George and Thaddeus Young leading the lineup, Stephenson would give the Pacers strong depth off the bench and help them make a run at the Eastern Conference title.
Dwyane Wade Leaving Home?
Seeing Wade wearing any other jersey than Miami's would feel wrong.
But folks said the same thing about Durant.
As with the case of Durant and Oklahoma City, many presumed Wade would re-up with Pat Riley and the Heat and help the team lure major free agents to town.
Instead, Wade continues to make the rounds. Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical detailed the visits the veteran shooting guard will make:
Wojnarowski also noted that Wade is seeking a third year on a deal:
The most notable offer so far has come from the Denver Nuggets, who are willing to offer two years and "north of $50 million," according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
So much for the idea that Wade will take less cash to chase a ring.
Wade has rings. What he hasn't had, though, are the eye-popping contracts of a superstar. At 34 years old, it's clear he wants a Kobe Bryant-type deal to perhaps finish things off. Teams such as Denver and the Milwaukee Bucks would be more than happy to cough up the cash to get a guy who still averaged 19 points, 4.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game last season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have also shown interest, but it doesn't seem like the cap-space situation would work out. This makes it seem like visits with non-contenders such as Denver and Milwaukee are leverage plays by Wade to get more cash from the Heat.
But again, Durant going to Golden State just happened. Wade could be the next major domino to fall and rearrange the Association in unexpected fashion.
Ray Allen Return?
Though he's about to turn 41 on July 20, there's little doubt that contenders would have an interest in Allen, should he choose to lace up the sneakers again.
It takes a lot to get a guy like Allen out of retirement; namely a surefire title contender with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Durant.
Kidding. Kind of. According to ESPN.com's Chris Broussard, Allen and the Warriors find themselves locked in a what-if dance.
"Ray Allen, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, is considering making a comeback, according to league sources. Allen's representatives reached out to the Golden State Warriors recently about the possibility of Allen joining the Western Conference champions," Broussard wrote.
Apparently, this isn't new, either, as Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders shared on Twitter:
Age isn't really an issue with Allen, and this is a case of better late than never. While he hasn't played in two seasons, the Warriors would simply ask Allen to come off the bench and do what he does best—shoot the long ball.
Allen shot 40 percent from deep in his career and played 18 seasons as one of the league's top athletes, averaging 35.6 minutes per game. He would give the Warriors another elite shooter and veteran leadership to boot.
It sounds like it's the Warriors or bust for Allen, so keep an eye out as the organization continues to attempt to build the strongest team of all time.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
