NBA Rumors: Latest on Derrick Rose, Jamal Crawford and More

The names might not be as big as they were a week ago, but NBA free agency and an eye on the future continue to produce some head-turning rumblings.

Major dominoes such as Gordon Hayward have settled, leaving the rest to fall. Of note lately, Rudy Gay agreed to a deal with the San Antonio Spurs, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, and Kelly Olynyk put pen to paper with the Miami Heat, per Wojnarowski.

Intriguing names such as this still pepper the rumors market, as does a simple look down the road.

With teams like the Los Angeles Lakers clearly planning for 2018 and others such as the Chicago Bulls apparently entering tank mode, it's not hard to see why the theme of the summer also centers on how to best prepare for the next summer—and helps explain one of the following rumors about a budding star.

Here's a look at the latest fresh off the mill.

Rose-Mavericks Drama Unfolds

Aaron Gash/Associated Press

Derrick Rose is one of the biggest names on the market now—and it's not as crazy as it sounds.

Throw drama and injuries aside, and Rose is all of 28 years old and a former MVP, meaning it isn't too wild to think teams want to take a chance on him at an affordable cost even after the disaster that was his tenure with the New York Knicks.

The latest team to pursue Rose's services is the Dallas Mavericks, according to the New York Post's Marc Berman:

But the above says drama for a reason—the Dallas Morning News' Eddie Sefko reported the Mavericks don't have an interest: "A source said that the Mavericks are not in the market for Rose, even though they have had good success in the past with players coming off major injuries."

So which is it? Hard to say with smokescreen season in full effect. Dallas seeking a veteran at the point to mentor Dennis Smith Jr., the No. 9 pick this year, isn't the most shocking theory. Rose can be an upgrade on, or at least push, Yogi Ferrell and J.J. Barea.

Though last year was a mess with the Knicks because Rose didn't pair well with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, he still averaged 18.0 points, 4.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game while appearing in more than 60 games for the second consecutive season.

Though there are conflicting reports here, Dallas sure seems like a team in need of a gamble like Rose.

Crawford's Possible Trip to Market

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Veteran guard Jamal Crawford is another major name to watch on the open market now as he presumably chases a ring.

Crawford, 37, joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 2012-13 and has pursued a ring there since, though times have changed with Chris Paul gone and the front office dealing him as a piece of a three-team blockbuster including the Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks, per Wojnarowski.

Of course, Crawford isn't a free agent yet, though a buyout with the Hawks seems likely. Hoops Hype's Alex Kennedy rattled off several teams sure to have an interest, ranging from the Lakers to Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Thanks to a new report from Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon, those Cavaliers are now the most important in the race. Said report mentions Crawford is "very interested" in joining the team after speaking with LeBron James.

"Sources indicated it was Crawford who reached out to James, who is vacationing with his family. James and Crawford have known each other for all of James' 14 pro seasons (Crawford has played 17), and Crawford has other friends on the Cavs, too," Vardon wrote.

Crawford would be an interesting piece for the Cavaliers. His averages of 12.3 points, 2.6 assists and 1.6 rebounds over 26.3 minutes speaks to his ability to keep producing at his age and the smart fit he'd be in a rotation with or behind J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver.

The price will still need to be right here, but Crawford signing on for a minimal contract so he can chase a ring is a case of the rich getting richer. Keep in mind, too, the man has plenty of experience dealing with the Golden State Warriors over the years.

Greek Freak's Future

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Giannis Antetokounmpo is the star hinted at above.

While most of the spotlight shines on guys such as LeBron and Paul George when looking ahead to 2018, it's never too early for the rumor mill to alight with talk about the Milwaukee Bucks star.

Here's where things get interesting—Antetokounmpo is still under contract for three more years, yet we're talking about his future with the team.

The chatter comes from Wojnarowski, who appeared on ESPN's Russillo Show (h/t Jordan Heck of Sporting News):

"Milwaukee's going to go through this with the Greek Freak. That day's coming, right? Where he's going to look and say, 'Where is this organization? What are they doing here?' Like, you don't think Giannis has been watching what went on there for the last several months? Of what they allowed to go on with the front office? He's watching it. And the clock has started. Everybody in the league is trying to figure out how they are going to get him out of there. That has started." 

A superstar looking ahead and watching what his team is doing isn't groundbreaking news, nor is teams looking to steal stars (remember the reference to the Lakers in the intro?). But this is notable because of some recent chaos in the front office concerning who the team wanted to hire as general manager.

Either way, the Bucks aren't in a position to lose Antetokounmpo. And play on the court will weigh the heaviest when it's time for him to make a decision. Flanked by a young core featuring Malcolm Brogdon, Jabari Parker and Thon Maker, it seems last year's trip to the playoffs was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

With Antetokounmpo only 22 years old, it's fitting we mention him alongside LeBron and PG13 above. He might be the NBA's next big star considering the way he's revolutionizing the sport with his 6'11", 222-pound frame. Last year was a good start, where he posted career highs of 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists on 52.1 percent shooting, also a career mark.

It isn't time to start overly freaking out about where Antetokounmpo might go, if anywhere, but if he keeps ascending at this pace, Milwaukee will be walking on eggshells soon enough while the rest of the league lurks in the background ready to swoop in and steal a franchise player.

At the least, the Bucks are worth watching next year for more than the simple fact they're a playoff contender again thanks to one of the league's emerging superstars.

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