NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Trade Rumors Around the League
NBA Trade Rumors — With the NBA Playoffs still in full swing, the teams that are not competing are looking forward. With the NBA draft and free agency coming up, a lot of teams are already starting to consider moving some pieces in order to improve their rosters for the 2013-14 NBA season. Here are the latest rumors.
Jan 07, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani (7) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers forward Andres Nocioni (5) during the fourth quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Raptors 97-62. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors continue to try and move Andrea Bargnani
According to Marc Stein, the new Raptors GM Masai Ujiri will be looking to move Andrea Bargnani before July 1.
First order of biz for new Raps GM Masai Ujiri: Word is he'll shop Andrea Bargnani everywhere he can in hopes of moving him before July 1
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 1, 2013
This really comes as no surprise, as Toronto tried to move Bargnani before the trade deadline this season. His contract is not easy to move, but he has been such a non-factor that Ujiri and the Raptors would be happy to just get rid of him. Toronto obviously would not want a bad contract in return, but at this point, getting anyone even remotely decent in return for the Italian forward/center would probably be a good deal.
Mar 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Thomas Robinson (41) dribbles against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at the Toyota Center. The Rockets won 96-95. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Rockets shopping Thomas Robinson in pursuit of Dwight Howard
The Houston Rockets seem convinced that they can beat the Los Angeles Lakers and all the other teams that are in the mix for Dwight Howard this summer, and trading Thomas Robinson would be a sign of that conviction. The Rockets are reportedly looking to dump Robinson’s salary for little in return, in order to have enough cap space to sign Howard to the max. While no teams have been mentioned in the discussions yet, a team such as the Cleveland Cavaliers has enough cap flexibility to potentially absorb the salary of the No. 5 overall pick of the 2012 draft.
May 21, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) shoots a free throw in game two of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at AT
Could Memphis Grizzlies trade Zach Randolph?
While the most imminent issue at hand for the Grizzlies is the Lionel Hollins situation, Marc Stein points out that Randolph was highly coveted at the trade deadline earlier this season. Other than Rudy Gay, Memphis were rumored to be considering trading Z-Bo, but he stuck around. While he played fine this season, his major collapse against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals exposed a lot of issues. The Grizzlies desperately need spacing, and Randolph is an attractive piece that would garner some interest. According to Stein, other executives around the league consider Mike Conley and Marc Gasol as the only untouchables on this Memphis roster.
April 07, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts after the play against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Grizzlies won 89-87. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
DeMarcus Cousins wants to stay, but will he?
Since the Sacramento Kings are staying put, Cousins has said that he will not request a trade and wants to stick it out through a tough time in Sactown. Still, Cousins is on a very movable contract, and it would not be surprising if the Kings listened to offers for the big man. DeMarcus’s on-court antics have become bothersome for the Kings, and a potential deal could be swung with the Cavaliers. Cleveland has the No. 1 overall pick and a bunch of pieces that could interest Sacramento, so don’t close the door on a Cousins deal potentially getting done as we get closer to the draft.
Apr 24, 2013; Independence, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant (right), new head coach Mike Brown (center) and team owner Dan Gilbert laugh during a press conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Cavaliers not ruling anything out
As soon as the Cavs won the 2013 draft lottery, the possibilities opened up. While this draft class is not really stacked with talent, the first overall pick is always a great commodity to have. While Cleveland might use the pick, there are a lot of deals that could be swung as well. Considering the team’s cap situation and the young pieces the Cavs have, rumors have linked LaMarcus Aldridge as a potential target. Then again, DeMarcus Cousins has been talked about as well, and the possibilities are really endless for the Cavaliers this summer. Another potential target could conceivably be Danny Granger, who has become expendable in Indiana, and the Pacers probably would not mind dumping his salary to re-sign other players.