NBA Trade Rumors: Latest news on Garnett, Granger and more
The trade rumor drama continues to unfold as we get closer to the Feb. 21 deadline. Here are the latest trade rumors.
December 29, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett (5) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Celtics 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Garnett not looking to waive his no-trade clause?
The trade rumors regarding Los Angeles Clippers interest in Kevin Garnett continue to develop. According to Shaun Powell, Garnett would only waive his no-trade clause if the Boston Celtics are ready to completely blow the team up:
Told Kevin Garnett will not waive no trade unless Pierce is dealt, and then only to LA. Lives in Malibu.
— Shaun Powell (@Powell2daPeople) February 4, 2013
The Celtics are still pondering on whether to start rebuilding now or to keep their aging stars. Still, according to Powell, Los Angeles is KG’s only possible landing spot, so if the Celtics decide to hit the reset button, a move could be realistic.
On the Clippers side, the team is still not convinced whether to make a serious move for the 36-year-old power forward. While Garnett would be a welcoming addition, messing with team chemistry might not be a good idea for a title contender. Garnett’s age and his contract are also a concern.
Oct 12, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; From left Indiana Pacers Roy Hibbert , George Hill , and Danny Granger watch from the bench in street clothes during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Danny Granger no longer needed in Indiana?
Danny Granger has spent his whole career in Indiana, where the high-scoring small forward grew into the role of a franchise centerpiece. However, Granger has not played in a single game this season due to a knee injury, yet the Pacers are still 3rd in the Eastern Conference. This, and the development of Paul George, has lead many to believe that Granger is expendable. HOOPSWORLD reports that the Houston Rockets could be a potential landing spot for the 29 year old:
"Count the Houston Rockets among the teams who would happily help the Pacers move on from Granger, as one executive close to the situation in Indiana recently told HOOPSWORLD he thought Rockets GM Daryl Morey had it on his daily to-do list to call and ask the Pacers if they were ready to part with Granger yet."
It is hard seeing the two teams getting a deal done without bringing in a third team, as the Rockets don’t really have any sizable and tradable contracts that would also interest Indiana.
Feb. 1, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion (0) walks off the court in the game against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks ready to unload?
Not too long ago, Dallas Mavericks owner Marc Cuban announced that the “bank of Cuban” was open. Sam Amick, of USA TODAY Sports, made an observation regarding the Mavs’ current situation:
"Keep an eye on Dallas, as rival executives believe the Mavericks will look to unload some of their older money if they keep losing (aka Shawn Marion, who is owed $9.3 million in the last year of his deal in 2013-14, or Vince Carter, who is owed $3.1 million in the last year of his deal in 2013-14). Dallas has lost 18 of its past 27 games and starts a five-game homestand on Wednesday that includes Portland, Golden State, Atlanta, Sacramento, and Orlando."
Dallas has been a mediocre team this season and will be reshaping the roster completely this summer. No player on the team’s roster, other than Dirk Nowitzki, is untradable and as the Mavs suffer through the rest of the season, it wouldn’t be surprising if Cuban tried to swing a deal that would help the team going into free agency.