NBA Trade Rumors: Updates on Andre Iguodala, Brandon Jennings, and More
The lottery balls have bounced and the Finals matchup is set, which means that 28 NBA teams find themselves in full-fledged off-season mode.
While the Heat and Mavericks battle for the right to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy, the rest of the league is focused solely on ways to improve next year and beyond.
Each off-season is inevitably accompanied by a swarm of rumors, as fans and analysts lust for storylines like vultures seeking fresh roadkill. Every comment by players and management is deeply scrutinized, each subtle hint magnified by the absence of actual games.
Quotes are often misinterpreted or taken out of context, leading many to jump to bold and occasionally ridiculous conclusions.
We must be rational in our digestion of the information that's constantly churning in the rumor mill. Some rumors are true; most are not. But all must be consumed with proper perspective and understanding of the principles hovering over each situation.
With those cautionary parameters established, let's get updated on trade rumors currently circling over the heads of several teams.
Andre Iguodala
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Iguodala has been immersed in trade rumors for the last few years due to his relatively large contract, desire to play for a contender, and the crowded backcourt in 76ers">Philadelphia.
When asked whether he expected to be with the team going forward, Iguodala was less than reassuring, leading some to assume he no longer wanted to play in Philadelphia. However, owner Ed Snider was adamant in stating that Iguodala has not asked for a trade.
Snider also said he thought Iguodala's defensive abilities and multi-faceted game made him a "valuable commodity." This could be interpreted as either an insistence that they want to keep him, or perhaps as a sales pitch to potential suitors.
The Sixers are hoping for more playing time for Evan Turner—last year's second overall draft pick—and an upgrade at their woefully unproductive center position. Both could be achieved by dealing Iguodala.
Some have tossed around the idea of Philly sending Iguodala to the Clippers in a deal based around veteran center Chris Kaman, although it is uncertain whether the oft-injured Kaman would be enough incentive for the Sixers to pull the trigger.
As of now, though, it is all speculation. It is not yet known if Philadelphia is currently engaged in any serious talks regarding Iguodala, but it seems increasingly doubtful that we will see him in a Sixers uniform next year.
Brandon Jennings
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Reports sprouted up last week that Milwaukee would be open to trading their 21-year-old point guard. Jennings struggled through his second season, dealing with a nagging foot injury and increased attention from opposing defenses.
In April, a frustrated Jennings ranted about his teammates and management, which is never a smart move from a young, unproven player—particularly one as inefficient as Jennings.
His decline in production and controversial remarks have led many to believe that he may not be the point guard of the future in Milwaukee after all.
However, the Bucks must be realistic about this situation. Jennings, although inefficient, is an incredibly talented player who has shown flashes of brilliance.
He certainly has his flaws (his tendency to jack low-percentage threes and lack of assists stand out most) but he is still very young. As he grows and matures, Jennings could become one of the league's top point guards.
Also, he is still on his rookie contract, which means he is a relative bargain at just over $2 million per year. It is highly unlikely that Milwaukee would be able to get equal value for an inexpensive, quality young point guard who has yet to reach his full potential.
Although the rumors will continue to swirl around Jennings, he will most likely be suiting up for the Bucks next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
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As reported by ESPN's Chris Broussard, Cleveland—possessors of the No. 1 overall pick in the draft—are currently attempting to work out a three-team trade that would also land them the second overall pick.
The deal proposed by Cleveland would involve the Cavs absorbing Richard Hamilton's contract from Detroit with the $14.6 million trade exception they acquired last summer, as well as receiving the Pistons' draft pick (#8).
Cleveland would then buyout the remaining $25 million of Hamilton's contract (leaving him free to sign wherever he chooses) and ship the fourth and eighth picks to Minnesota for the second pick.
With the top two picks, Cleveland would select point guard Kyrie Irving from Duke and forward Derrick Williams from Arizona.
However, Broussard's sources say Detroit will not sign off on the deal as currently constructed, stating that they want at least one player in addition to the financial flexibility gained by trading Hamilton.
If the trade falls through, expect Cleveland to draft Irving with the top pick, then hope that Enes Kanter falls to them at No. 4.
O.J. Mayo
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O.J. Mayo could be on the trading block again, after it appeared he would be dealt back in February.
In a bizarre trade deadline fiasco, the Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers actually failed to submit their transaction to league offices before the 3 p.m. deadline. Thus, Mayo remained a Grizzly.
This display of incompetence actually worked out for Memphis, who relied heavily on Mayo's scoring off the bench following Rudy Gay's season-ending shoulder injury.
But with Gay on pace to return at full strength next season, Mayo has become expendable. The Grizzlies' backcourt is overpopulated with Sam Young, Tony Allen, Shane Battier, Mayo, and Gay all competing for minutes.
The most likely suitor for Mayo's services is the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls desperately need scoring from the 2-guard position, as clearly evidenced in their defeat to the Miami Heat.
With defenses forced to account for Mayo's superb shooting ability, Derrick Rose would have much more room to operate.
It is unclear what Memphis would ask for in return, as they reportedly shot down a deal in February that would have sent Ronnie Brewer, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick to Memphis.
Chicago has been unwilling to include big men Taj Gibson and Omer Asik in past trade discussions, but the Grizzlies may refuse to bargain unless one of them is involved.
If the Bulls do not acquire Mayo, look for them to pursue free agents Jason Richardson and Jamal Crawford. However, both may prove to be too expensive for Chicago.
The more likely option would be for Chicago to sign Richard Hamilton if he is bought out in the aforementioned Cleveland trade.
