NBA Trade Rumors: Latest news on Howard, Garnett, Blatche and more
The frequency of trade rumors around the league is constantly increasing. Here are the latest rumors:
Jan. 30, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers not looking to trade Howard – or anyone else
Pau Gasol has been time and again been pointed out as the most likely Laker to by shipped out of town, but recently Dwight Howard’s name has been mentioned in rumors as well.
The consensus around the league has been that Howard, who will be a free agent this summer, might not want to stay in Los Angeles after this season and the Lakers should try and get something for him while they can.
According to Newsday, Lakers’ GM Mitch Kupchak has no intention to mix things up:
"“We will not make a trade. We will not trade Dwight Howard. We have no intention of making a trade. It’s unlikely that we’ll make any trade with any of our principal players. To make another change at this time of the year being behind the eight-ball like we are, I think that would just make it more difficult. The talent is there. We have to find our way.”– Mitch Kupchak"
Things change quickly up in L.A. but it seems that Kupchak is determined to let the current roster ride out the rest of the season.
January 28, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Timofey Mozgov (25) reacts during the first half against the Indiana Pacers at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Any teams interested in Mozgov?
It was recently reported that the Miami Heat could be a possible destination for the Russian center Timofey Mozgov. However, the Heat have already added to their frontcourt depth by signing Chris Andersen to a 10-day contract.
Mozgov has not found his way into Denver’s rotation this season. According to Daily Herald, Nuggets’ head coach George Karl just doesn’t have enough room for the big man:
"“I know he can play in this league,” Karl said. “I know he’s a 20-minute player. I just don’t have 20 minutes to give him.”"
The report also suggests that the Chicago Bulls could possibly want to make a Richard Hamilton for Mozgov swap. It seems unlikely that the Bulls, who are 3rd in the Eastern Conference, will be looking to change the roster at all. The Bulls are quite thin in the backcourt as it is, which makes a move between the two teams rather unlikely.
Regardless, Mozgov is on the market, and if a decent offer is put on the table, the Nuggets would not be reluctant to let go of him.
Jan. 21, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Andray Blatche (0) dribbles past New York Knicks small forward Steve Novak (16) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Andray Blatche not on the market?
Sam Amico, of FOX Sports Ohio, reported today that the Brooklyn Nets have put Andray Blatche on the market:
"Brooklyn has placed forward Andray Blatche on the market, according to multiple sources. The Nets are looking for a draft pick in return. Portland, looking for ways to shore up its bench, might have an interest."
However, NetsDaily, have been informed by a league source that there is no truth to the rumor, especially with the upcoming draft class being considered a weak one.
Blatche was surprisingly good off the bench at the beginning of the season, and has been an important player for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Jan 27, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Jared Sullinger (7), power forward Kevin Garnett (5) and small forward Paul Pierce (left) celebrate during the first half of a game against the Miami Heat at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Nothing official on Garnett to Clippers
The Clippers have been reported to be interested in trading for the Celtics’ Kevin Garnett, but while the interest to make a deal is there, no formal trade talks have commenced, according to ESPN:
"While the Sporting News reported that officials from both teams talked about a deal before the Celtics beat the Clippers 106-104 on Sunday, sources told ESPN’s Chris Broussard that no trade talks have taken place between the teams."
The alleged deal would involve Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler leaving the Clippers, but the organization seems split between the possible addition of Kevin Garnett to the roster. While he would certainly contribute to the team, he is 36 years old and will be owed a hefty $23.5 million over two years after this season.