NBA Rumors Roundup: Dwight Howard Deal Botched, Jamal Crawford Nears Decision

On the same day Chris Paul was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, Dwight Howard believed that he was on the verge of being traded to the New Jersey Nets.

Obviously, that didn't happen.

In addition to the fallout following Paul joining the Clippers, there are several players nearing decisions about where they will play next season.

There are 10 days until the tip of the 2011-12 season.

Rafer Alston

The veteran point guard is looking to make a comeback to the NBA, but it's hard to imagine any club even kicking the tires at this point in his career.

He had a rocky end to his tenure in the league, and it's unlikely that many clubs will look to see what he has to offer, even if it is on a low-risk deal.

Baron Davis

The Cavs decided to use the amnesty clause on Davis, but that's a move that has been waiting to happen for quite some time.

However, the bigger concern for Davis is the news that his back has a bulging disc and he could be sidelined for an extended period of time, meaning that he won't see the court at any point soon.

Rodney Stuckey

Stuckey is a restricted free agent who is still without a contract, and it doesn't sound like the Pistons and the point guard are on the same page about his worth.

The two parties are reportedly divided over dollars, and Stuckey may play this season out on a one-year offer in order to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

Jamal Crawford

Crawford's free-agency process has been closely monitored, and now he's down to his final two possibilities for his next team.

The scorer is choosing between playing for Sacramento or Portland, and it shouldn't have to be much longer until he finally makes a highly-anticipated decision.

Kris Humphries

Humphries hasn't garnered a lot of attention in the free-agent market, instead being the subject of a ton of headlines related to his failed marriage to Kim Kardashian.

Now, the Nets are talking about bringing the big man back on a one-year deal, as the team won't do much to jeopardize cap flexibility for the 2012 offseason.

Francisco Garcia

There was some speculation floating around Twitter that Garcia could be waived under the amnesty clause if the Kings sign Jamal Crawford, but it doesn't look like that will be the case.

Garcia should stick in the fold even if Crawford joins the roster, and it wouldn't be too unexpected considering that it's always a good idea to have a fair amount of depth.

Andrei Kirilenko

Kirilenko is currently playing in Russia, but he retains an interest in playing stateside, and he's one free agent who is flying under the radar for a lot of fans.

He's said to be in "serious talks" to join the New Jersey Nets, which is pretty interesting considering team owner Mikhail Prokhorov's Russian roots.

Shawne Williams

Williams is still making his decision as to where he'll play next, but at least we do know that it will probably be in the tri-state area.

The former first-round pick is choosing between the Knicks and Nets for his next contract, and both teams could certainly use his services.

Carl Landry

Landry was a solid player after joining the Hornets via trade during the 2010-11 season, and now that the Chris Paul trade has finally happened, the team can focus on building the rest of the roster.

New Orleans has a contract offer out to Landry, but the gritty forward is thought to have several other offers, and there has been no indication that he's leaning in a particular direction.

Chauncey Billups

Some thought that Billups might be waived following the Clippers trade to acquire Chris Paul, but that won't be the case.

Billups will remain with the team that submitted the winning bid for him off of secondary waivers, and it's very probable that he sees extensive action at shooting guard.

Dwight Howard

The Magic ended all trade discussions for Howard, but that came just shortly after the prized center thought a trade sending him to the Nets was a "done deal."

It's fairly amazing that general manager Otis Smith may have been ready to pull the trigger on a trade which would've netted Brook Lopez and Gerald Wallace as the main return for a player of Howard's caliber, and Magic fans should be thankful that ownership nixed the deal.