NBA Rumors Roundup: Latest on Chris Paul, Free-Agent Signings and More

Chris Paul trade rumors, a changing NBA landscape prior to the 2011-12 season and free agency set to kick off in 24 hours is a lot for hoops fans to be excited about.

Although things have cooled down around Dwight Howard, Paul's name has been mentioned in the same breath with numerous other clubs, and there are several different beliefs about where he'll call home in the future.

The Hornets don't have a choice but to deal him, and although it's going to be exciting to see where he lands, there are plenty of other hot rumors circulating around the league as well.

Jason Kapono

Kapono toiled in Philadelphia at the end of the bench on a Sixers team that didn't want him, and now he'll have a chance to return home.

The knockdown shooter is set to sign a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for the veteran's minimum, a move that should work out for both parties.

It's a low-risk move for the Lakers, a team that desperately needed to address its inability to stretch the floor in the second unit, and Kapono should play a small reserve role off the bench.

T.J. Ford

Ford was lost with the Pacers, and much like Kapono, he was with a team that didn't have a role for him.

Now, Ford will land with a team that can certainly use him, and he's expected to sign a one-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs to serve as a backup to Tony Parker.

The Spurs always make shrewd signings and have a history of success with these types of moves, and Ford will look to rebuild his stock around the league after not playing much with the Pacers.

Roger Mason Jr.

Mason Jr. will never be able to live down his infamous "how u" from the days of the lockout, but he's still a very solid reserve and more-than-capable three-point shooter.

After time with the Knicks, Mason will return to Washington and sign with the Wizards for a single season, and he'll be a good veteran to have in a locker room filled with youth.

It makes sense for both sides to reunite at this point in Mason's career, but nobody should be expecting him to make a sizable impact on the court.

Sebastian Telfair

Telfair found the perfect spot to land as a free agent, and that location is in the Phoenix desert with the Suns.

The well-traveled point guard will sign on for a single season, and it's ideal for him after the team lost Aaron Brooks to China and needed a replacement to serve as Steve Nash's backup.

The veteran is young enough that a successful season could help him land a multi-year deal following the 2011-12 campaign.

Chuck Hayes

Hayes is one of the more underrated defensive big men available despite being undersized, but the Rockets don't sound likely to retain him going forward.

It is certainly sounding like Hayes is leaning toward accepting a four-year, $20 million offer from the Sacramento Kings, and that would give the club some serious front line depth.

If he does sign, the Kings will have Hayes, J.J. Hickson, Jason Thompson and DeMarcus Cousins down low, and that is a seriously bruising group beneath the bucket.

Grant Hill

There have been conflicting reports about Hill's preferred destination, and that hasn't changed today.

While there is a belief that Hill might be strongly leaning toward signing with the Knicks, there is also significant push back on that front and it's being insisted that there has been no decision between Phoenix and New York.

Both teams can offer him a starting role, but the Knicks have an outside chance at also offering him a chance to reach the Finals—something the Suns can't do.

Marquis Daniels

Daniels was a popular man during his time in Boston, and although the team dealt him while he was injured last season, Daniels doesn't appear to have any hard feelings.

The veteran swingman is expected to re-sign with the Celtics, a move that makes perfect sense considering he's already familiar with both the team and the system in place.

Daniels is versatile enough to play multiple positions, and that's something Boston will need badly this season without a ton of talent off the bench.

Shane Battier

There was heated speculation that Battier would be heading down to South Beach, and it didn't take long for him to make that move official on Thursday morning.

Despite free agency not yet officially opening, Battier announced that he'll be signing with the Heat to join LeBron James and Dwyane Wade and form an awfully imposing group of defenders along the perimeter.

It's a great move for Miami as the team adds a quality player both on and off the court, and it opens the door for a lot of non-traditional lineups under Erik Spoelstra.

Chris Paul

The CP3 rumors won't be ceasing until a deal gets done, and a new "front runner" for his services emerges on a daily basis.

Although the Hornets are said to be exploring a package centered around Rajon Rondo from Boston, New Orleans is playing poker with other interested teams in an effort to increase the package from potential suitors.

The Lakers are quietly lurking in the background, and Paul reportedly had a phone conversation with Kobe Bryant very recently.

Paul understands that the Celtics title window is shut after this season, and the Boston Herald cites sources close to the point guard as stating he wants "no part" of the team.