NBA Trade, Free Agency Rumors: Dwight Howard, Ricky Rubio and More

As the NBA regular season comes to a close, several rumors will start to pop up in anticipation of the offseason.

Despite the threat of a lockout, there will be numerous transactions that will occur during the NBA offseason.

Coaching changes, trade rumors and contract negotiations are just some of the rumors swirling around right now.

Here are ten NBA rumors that are making headlines.

Omri Casspi

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DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 16: Forward Omri Casspi #18 of the Sacramento Kings makes the slam dunk against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on February 16, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

According to a story in the Jerusalem Post, Casspi is unhappy in Sacramento and wants out.

This doesn’t come as a shock, seeing as how Tyreke Evans is the point guard of the future.

Casspi should get his wish in the offseason and be traded away.

Kevin Love

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 05: Kevin Love #42 of the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center on March 5, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this P

The front runner for Most Improved Player in 2010-2011, Kevin Love addressed his future with the Timberwolves in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Love states that he does want to remain in Minnesota when he becomes a restricted free agent in the summer of 2012, but they need to improve their team in order to keep him happy.

One big move the Timberwolves can make to appease Love is to bring Ricky Rubio over from Europe to play alongside the double-double machine.

Mike D’Antoni

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Mike D'Antoni of the New York Knicks gestures from the bench against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on February 23, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

There has been much speculation regarding Mike D’Antoni’s future with the Knicks past this season.

Regardless of what the Knicks’ front office decide, D’Antoni wants to remain in New York, according to the New York Daily News.

His future is most likely tied to how the Knicks do in the playoffs, and their opening round series will most likely be against the Heat or Celtics.

Doc Rivers

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 01: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on April 1, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph,

Rivers is undecided about returning next season to coach the Celtics.

Many people think Rivers should walk away, including Shaun Powell of nba.com.

Much like D’Antoni’s situation, Rivers’ future with the team is contingent on how the Celtics perform in the playoffs.

Another ring would make it easier for Rivers to walk away.

Zach Randolph

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BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies takes a shot as Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics defends on March 23, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow

After being involved in numerous trade rumors the past few seasons, it seems like Z-Bo will get a contract extension with the Grizzlies, according to commercialappeal.com.

The new contract would be for four years, and it should be finalized relatively fast.

John Calipari

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts from the sidelines against the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April 2

According to the New York Daily News, John Calipari wants to get back into the NBA.

Citing an unnamed source, the article states that Calipari has not gotten over being fired after 20 games when he coached the Nets in 1999.

With a close relationship with William Wesley, the CAA powerbroker, look for Calipari to get back into the NBA in the next couple seasons, possibly in New York or Miami.

Eddy Curry

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 04: Eddy Curry of the New York Knicks sits on the bench and watches his teammates take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on November 4, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow

Apparently, things are so bad in Miami that they invited Curry to work out with the team, according to the Miami Herald.

Though other players were involved as well, the focus was on Curry.

Pat Riley and the Heat are hoping that Curry gives them another big body for the playoffs, but after only playing in ten games the past three seasons, they might just be grasping at straws.

Kris Humphries

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 14: Kris Humphries #43 of the New Jersey Nets shoots against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 14, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 100-88. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees t

Humphries is having a career year, and it just so happens that it is a contract year for the Nets’ big man.

According to northjersey.com, the Nets’ top priority this offseason is to resign Humphries.

The final say may be made by Humphries’ girlfriend, Kim Kardashian.  She could persuade him to sign with one of the Los Angeles teams.

Ricky Rubio

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 07: Ricky Rubio #9 of the Regal FC Barcelona in action during the NBA Europe Live match between Los Angeles Lakers and Regal FC Barcelona at the at Palau Blaugrana on October 7, 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/

Twincities.com reports that Ricky Rubio is open to playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves next season.

Rubio’s family is the source that has put out this story, so it still remains to be seen what Rubio will say on the matter.

Rubio has only averaged five points and four rebounds this season in Europe, so it may be wise for him to come over to the NBA before his stock starts to fall.

Dwight Howard

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 13: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on March 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by dow

With Dwight Howard set to become a free agent in 2012, rumors have circulated that the Orlando center could be on the move.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that though Magic general manager Otis Smith realizes that teams will be calling him this offseason about the availability of Howard; he will not trade Howard.

Though Howard could sign elsewhere after next season, the Magic will try everything to keep Howard in Orlando.

A trade is highly unlikely this offseason, especially with a lockout looming.