NBA Rumors: Teams Determined To Make a Big Splash This Season
Many NBA teams have their sights set on the summer of 2012 and all the potential it holds, but there are a number of teams who need to make a splash now.
Not every team is going to have the opportunity to chase the premiere free agents set to hit the market next year, so the best time for them to make some major moves is now.
That being said, even some teams who have their heads turned toward next summer are in need of some serious additions, as they prepare to stay in the hunt for one of the superstars that will be available.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have a desperate need for a competent shooting guard, and while free-agent veterans Michael Redd and Jason Richardson could be options, the team has at least looked at a few other moves that are more substantial in nature.
Chicago contacted the Memphis Grizzlies regarding O.J Mayo's availability prior to last season's trade deadline, and he remains an option. The Bulls have also been linked to the offensive savvy Monta Ellis.
When the Bulls fell to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, it left them hungry. They are on the brink of championship contention and seem set on not only breaching that line, but blowing right by it.
New Jersey Nets
Acquiring Deron Williams without assurance that he would sign a contract extension is a risk that the New Jersey Nets had to take, but it is now up to them to ensure they aren't burned by it.
Williams made the Nets instantly relevant, but it is unclear whether he would be willing to stay long term with New Jersey's roster the way it currently is. As a result, the Nets are on a fishing expedition for players that will entice Williams enough to make New Jersey/Brooklyn his permanent home.
The Nets are reportedly prepared to make a strong push for Dwight Howard, and have already put together a package in anticipation of him hitting the open block. They have also been dubbed a potential landing spot for the ever explosive Josh Smith.
All indications are that New Jersey is not going to wait for next summer's potential to come to them; the Nets have already hit the ground running in an attempt to make a major splash this season.
Houston Rockets
Somewhat surprisingly, the Houston Rockets have been extremely active in the constantly churning rumor mill.
Houston has already been named as a potential destination for Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith and has reportedly made it clear that they are going to pull out all the stops in an attempt to lure free-agent Nene Hilario into a Rockets uniform.
With most of their roster still intact from last season, the Rockets seem determined to make a major addition or two, and thus place themselves amongst Western Conference's top teams.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics' days amidst the best of the Eastern Conference are numbered, and with the recent development that has Rajon Rondo on the chopping block, it seems they are aware of it just as much as we are.
Using Rondo as trade bait for Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook is no mere afterthought of a decision. The Celtics are trying to rebuild their organization while remaining competitive, and have to make a major splash now to do so.
The Celtics are clearly motivated to flip Rondo for a franchise-altering player. If that doesn't qualify as being determined to make a major splash, then nothing does.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite making it to the playoffs last season and falling to the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks are itching to make some major moves now.
With the Lakers having no cap space, the only way for them to make a major splash is via the trade market. In terms of staying relevant in the rumor mill, the Lakers have already succeeded in making a major splash.
Los Angeles has been linked to combo guard Monta Ellis, the ever versatile Andre Iguodala as well as the endlessly dominant Dwight Howard. The Lakers have even managed to squeeze their way into the Chris Paul rumor mill.
Kobe Bryant is entering the tail end of his career, and the Lakers want to ensure his remaining days are spent chasing a title.
That means making not just a splash, but waves, and they have to do it now.
You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.
