NBA Trade Rumors: Dwight Howard to Lakers and 15 Rumors, Fact or Fiction?
So much is going on in the NBA world right now.
As soon as the postseason concludes there will be much speculation about the offseason, most notably through trade rumors that will undoubtedly headline all that is to be.
I'd like to play a little game with you readers, something called "Fact or Fiction?"
In the following 15 slides, I will bring up the 15 most relevant trades and discuss whether they will or will not indeed go down. I will place the statement as the title of the slide and at the bottom of every slide, I give the answer to that statement.
Thanks for reading!
Dwight Howard Will Be Traded to the Lakers in 2012
1 of 15
FICTION
Much has been made about Dwight Howard's contract expiring in the summer of 2012.
There have been many teams that have been brought up as possible suitors, and perhaps the most intriguing one is the Los Angeles Lakers.
What exactly would it take to get Superman in the purple and yellow? Obviously Andrew Bynum would be the biggest trade chip, along with perhaps Shannon Brown or Ron Artest.
The thing on everyone's mind has to do with whether they are actually able to execute the deal.
Do I think so?
Nope, and I'll tell you why—it all has to do with Dwight's heaping salary, and the fact that the Lakers don't have much money to spend in the first place.
Even if Bynum was let go in the trade, they would still be owing Kobe almost $28 million and Pau Gasol $19 million. Dwight is set to make $19 million himself during the 2012-13 season. This would in turn send the Lakers into financial hell.
If the Lakers want any shot at Howard's rights, they better dump some of their lagging contracts in the process.
Brandon Jennings Will Be a Buck Next Season
2 of 15
FICTION
Brandon Jennings might be out of Milwaukee by the end of the summer, and it seems at this point (based on his relationship with the organization) that he has overstayed his welcome in only two seasons.
In all, he has averaged 15.8 points and 5.3 assists over this time.
Jennings recently took shots at Bucks' management, claiming that some of last year's acquisitions weren't good, and that not everyone is focused on winning.
Yeah, he'll be out of town by the conclusion of summer.
The Timberwolves Will Trade the Second Pick of the 2011 Draft
3 of 15
FACT
As soon as the Gilberts' Cavs sealed the first overall pick at the draft lottery last Monday, it was eminent that the Timberwolves, mad they didn't receive the aforementioned pick, would trade their second overall selection.
Now rumors have been afloat about Andre Iguodala or Danny Granger being traded for the pick.
If David Kahn wants to keep his job, he should trade this pick.
The Atlanta Hawks Will Be Shopping Josh Smith
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FACT
The Atlanta Hawks are due for a big offseason. Jamal Crawford will obviously be one of the big-name free agents, and his value has risen drastically ever since he starred in the playoffs, acting as the last-second shooter for Atlanta.
In addition to Crawford, Josh Smith has thrown his name into the trade rumor and speculation hat.
His name will likely be a big one this offseason, and the Hawks will undoubtedly be shopping the talented all-around big.
Steve Nash Will Be Traded Before the 2011-12 Season
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FICTION
It's a shame to think that one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, Steve Nash, might not win a title during his illustrious career.
It's also a shame that people want the 37-year-old to skip town, but Nash won't be heading anywhere this offseason. He has made it clear that he likes being a Sun and that things are good for him in Arizona.
Don't expect him to be shipped this offseason.
Andre Iguodala Will Be Traded Elsewhere This Summer
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FACT
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the league's best young teams.
Their leader, however, is wanted out. According to Philly.com, 70 percent of voters do not approve of the play of Andre Iguodala.
I am honestly flabbergasted by this. I've always thought of Iggy as a poor man's LeBron James—a guy who can shoot, play great defense and has the skills necessary to lead a club.
Unfortunately, he'll be out of the city of brotherly love by summer's end. Many teams will want to court the 6'7" Iguodala's services.
O.J. Mayo Will Be a Bull Next Year
7 of 15
FICTION
There is no question O.J. Mayo will be out of Memphis by the time the 2011-12 season rolls around.
Mayo's No. 1 target might be the Chicago Bulls, a team who is in dire need of a real shooting guard. O.J. fits the bill, but I'm not sure they'll be able to sign the USC product.
The reason I say this is that there will be a lot of teams trying to snag him, and I doubt the Bulls will follow through. They will instead go for a guy like Courtney Lee of the Rockets.
Chris Kaman Will Head East Next Season
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FACT
Chris Kaman's worth is still pretty high, but unfortunately his talents aren't being fully displayed lately as a Clipper.
One fit for him might be in the city of Philadelphia, where Spencer Hawes clearly isn't cutting it as a starting center.
This move would in turn give more money to DeAndre Jordan, and everyone would be happy.
Ricky Rubio Will Join the Timberwolves Next Season
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FACT
As a Timberwolves fan, I can't help but be anxious at a slide like this.
The Wolves are getting closer everyday to signing the 6'5" Rubio, and it seemed that once they sealed the second pick in June's draft that Ricky would take his talents to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
So for now, I won't rescind that statement.
He could end up being traded this summer, though. The Celtics and Mavericks are reportedly interested.
The Chris Paul-to-Charlotte Rumors Have No Validity
10 of 15
FICTION
Back in March, Chris Paul noted that playing for Michael Jordan would be a cool opportunity and it was something he wouldn't rule out.
I have seen everything having to do with the matter posted on this website, from "If Chris Paul wants to win, he shouldn't go to Charlotte" to "No chance haha, LOL".
But who is to say they can't build a nucleus of solid players around him?
It is for that reason that I am not ruling out the possibility yet.
Tim Duncan Will Either Retire or Be Traded This Offseason
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FICTION
There has been much speculation as to what Tim Duncan will do this offseason.
14 years into his career, the 35-year-old Duncan is already considered the greatest power forward of all-time. The Spurs owe him over $20 million next season if he chooses to remain with them, but will he ultimately do that?
There were scuffled rumors of him being dealt somewhere, but then you must realize one thing: he's Tim Duncan. There's no way he's going anywhere.
Marc Gasol Will Refuse Any Offers and Remain a Grizzly
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FICTION
The above prediction doesn't say he won't be a Grizzly, just that he will entertain offers from a plethora of teams.
One possible fit for the seven-footer is the Knicks, where both a defensive-oriented center is needed. Gasol fits the bill, and you know the Knickerbockers are willing to pay.
The Grizz will likely throw out a large number for teams to match, and it will be interesting to see how this saga will turn out. Quite frankly, no one is giving Pau's younger brother enough attention.
The Knicks Will Acquire Some Defense This Offseason
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FACT
The New York Knicks had one glaring weakness this season—defense.
This offseason can be a huge one for the team if they follow the proper steps.
If Marc Gasol is signed and Kenneth Faried is drafted, there will be no stopping this team, but they have to execute the deals first.
The Raptors Will Trade Up to Select Enes Kanter
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FICTION
The Toronto Raptors figure to be a big part of this offseason.
They may try to trade up to pick Turkish big Enes Kanter, but seeing as how point guards Brandon Knight and Kemba Walker will both be available it's doubtful.
There Will Be a Great Movement Among Centers
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FACT
Many of the league's second-tier centers (I use that phrase because Dwight Howard is the only first-tier) will undoubtedly be on the move this summer, and it's not even debatable.
Notables like Nene, Tyson Chandler, Marc Gasol, Chris Kaman and Samuel Dalembert will most likely hit the road for new cities.
The Knicks and the Warriors will be two teams who will almost be assured of making a move for a big.
It will become a mass exodus of the important centers.
