NBA Trade Rumors: Latest on the Celtics, Al Jefferson and more
Here is your daily dose of the latest NBA trade rumors:
Feb 4, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Luke Ridnour (13) dribbles against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Target Center. Trail Blazers won 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Luke Ridnour on the move?
Luke Ridnour is averaging 11.8 points and 3.9 assists per game, and has all the necessary tools to serve as a great backup point guard or even shoulder starter minutes.
According to SheridanHoops, the Minnesota Timberwolves are shopping the 31-year-old guard:
"Luke Ridnour is being shopped by the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a league source told SheridanHoops.com “there is a good chance” the 10th-year point guard will be dealt before the Feb. 21 trade deadline."
With Ricky Rubio and J.J. Barea being able to handle the point guard duties, Ridnour might be expendable, despite playing a big role for the Timberwolves this season. Ridnour is earning a reasonable $4 million this season and any team that is in need of some backcourt help could definitely look into making a deal for him.
Feb 6, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (25) controls the ball while defended by Milwaukee Bucks center Samuel Dalembert (21) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 100-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Is Al Jefferson to Spurs a realistic deal?
Yesterday SheridanHoops reported that the San Antonio Spurs and the Utah Jazz might be looking to do business before the trade deadline. According to SH, the two teams have a very good relationship and could be looking into making a mutually beneficial deal for Al Jefferson.
Both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap will be free agents this summer, and it has been rumored for a while that the Jazz will look to move at least one of their frontcourt players.
The Spurs would have to send Tiago Splitter and Stephen Jackson the other way, while also adding Patty Mills to the deal.
Utah Jazz are on pace to make the playoffs this year, but they are by all means not a contender. They would most likely lose Al Jefferson in free agency and getting something in return for the center right now wouldn’t be a bad idea. The Spurs would welcome the addition of Jefferson and solidify what is already a very strong team.
Feb 6, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Vince Carter (25) reacts after hitting a three in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Trail Blazers 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Vince Carter not likely to be traded
According to an NBA.com report, Vince Carter of the Dallas Mavericks will most likely remain with the team past the Feb. 21 trade deadline:
"A league source Wednesday characterized the odds of Dallas moving Carter by the Feb. 21 as a “long shot.”Which Carter said suits him just fine, despite the Mavs needing a significant run just to get into playoff contention."
Carter’s contract is very attractive and Mavericks’ owner Marc Cuban announced that he would listen to all trade offers. Even so, it is unlikely that the team would get anything of value in return for Carter, so he will most likely stay in Dallas, at least for the rest of the season.
Dec 1, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce (34) (left) congratulates forward Kevin Garnett (5) (right) following a play during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Garnett and Pierce most likely to remain with the Celtics
As soon as Rajon Rondo went down with a torn ACL, the rumors started circulating. However, according to Ben Rohrbach, Celtics GM Danny Ainge will most likely refrain from moving his aging stars:
Ainge on Pierce & KG staying put: "I think that's by far the most likely thing. Sure."
— Ben Rohrbach (@brohrbach) February 7, 2013
Ainge: "There aren't a lot of teams trying to pursue players of KG & Paul's age. I think we value them more than other teams value them."
— Ben Rohrbach (@brohrbach) February 7, 2013
Moving either Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett is not as easy as it sounds, and it looks that the two Celtics will stay put past the trade deadline.
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