Deron Williams Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Ford On Rondo, Smith, Kaman, Wallace, Nash

March 8th, 2012 at 12:20pm CST by Luke Adams

While a number of NBA executives are anticipating a quiet trade deadline, the conversations ESPN.com's Chad Ford has had still lead him to believe that significant deals will be made. In an Insider-only piece, Ford listed ten impact players who could be moved, from the most likely (Rajon Rondo) to the least likely (Steve Nash). Here are the highlights from Ford's column:

Even though the Celtics insist they won't trade Rondo, that isn't consistent with what rival GMs are saying after talking to GM Danny Ainge. Ford thinks Ainge would move Rondo if he could get two solid pieces in return.
The Hawks have been exploring potential Josh Smith deals "for years" and would be interested in an offer that nets them a legit point guard and a decent forward.
Chris Kaman has drawn "a lot of interest" from the Warriors, Rockets, and Heat.
The Blazers appear more open to trading Gerald Wallace now than they were at the start of the season. Ford thinks the Magic could make a big push for the 29-year-old forward.
If the Magic hang onto Dwight Howard, the Nets will stay the course with Deron Williams, but a Howard trade anywhere besides New Jersey could force the Nets to explore trade options for Williams.
Ford says it doesn't make much sense for the Suns and Steve Nash not to consider a trade, since Phoenix could end up losing Nash for nothing at season's end anyway.
Monta Ellis, Pau Gasol, and Eric Gordon also cracked Ford's list.

Odds & Ends: Howard, Morris, Anderson, Knicks

March 7th, 2012 at 11:31pm CST by Alex Lee

While there haven't been any big Dwight Howard rumors so far today, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel indicates that there has been a "shift in tone" in how Howard's desires are perceived. As we documented yesterday, the rumors are running wild, seemingly due to Howard's ambivalence. Here is what else is going on around the league on this Wednesday evening:

Brian Schmitz from the Orlando Sentinel takes a look at the some of the hardships facing the Magic leading up to the trade deadline, including their tough schedule and inconsistency.
Eddie Sefko from the Dallas Morning News says (via chat), should Dwight Howard not get traded by March 15th, he considers the Mavericks the heavy favorites to land both Howard and Deron Williams. He also mentions Gerald Wallace and C.J. Miles as potential complimentary fits around Dirk Nowitzki, Howard and Williams.
According to Yahoo's Marc Spears, Lakers assign rookie guard Darius Morris to the NBDL D-Fenders. Mike Bresnahan, Lakers beat writer for the L.A. Times, adds that Morris is still counted on the roster and will continue to get paid as a Laker.
Chris Bernucca from Sheridan Hoops examines some of the recent deadline deals, and their impact on the league today.
Magic forward Ryan Anderson has been trying to block out the Dwight Howard rumors, says Brian Schmitz from the Orlando Sentinel. Anderson knows he could be packaged with Howard, or traded to get Howard help.
Mike D'Antoni recognizes that the Knicks are struggling with Carmelo Anthony and Jeremy Lin on the floor, but D'Antoni thinks it's a solvable problem, writes Frank Isola of the New York Daily News.

Cuban On CBA, Free Agency, Chandler

March 4th, 2012 at 2:45pm CST by Michael Pina

Yesterday, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban had a few interesting things to say during a live taping of Bill Simmons’ B.S. Report at the 6th annual Sloan Sports Analytics Conference.

Here were a few of the main points:

When asked about his team’s financial strategy of clearing cap space to make a speculative run at Dwight Howard and/or Deron Williams, Cuban said that since there’s a lot of other teams who have cap space, “the market gets inflated, which means it’s a bad time to buy.” Cuban went on to say he’d be happy heading into next season with the exact same team if that were possible, and that signing multiple super stars who will clog the cap might not be the best team building strategy moving forward.
The issue of whether or not Dallas should have re-signed Tyson Chandler after winning the championship was broached, with Cuban explaining that because of the new CBA and its noticeable luxury tax hike, the monetary value for most players will probably go down in the next few years. Instead of overpaying, in their minds, for Chandler, Dallas instead chose to improve their perimeter defense. Cuban cites the signings of guys like Delonte West, and the great play of Shawn Marion as key reasons why Chandler’s presence hasn’t been missed on the defensive end.
Cuban said that before the new CBA, whenever Dallas had a problem he would just spend more money. Now, with the increased luxury tax, it won’t be that easy, and the distribution of dollars will need to be done in a smarter way.

Miller On Nash, Carlisle, Cuban

March 3rd, 2012 at 10:52pm CST by Sean Highkin

Dallas radio host Craig Miller posted a mailbag covering several Mavericks topics. Here are the highlights:

Miller likes the idea of the Mavs signing Steve Nash if they miss out on Deron Williams, but wonders whether his age will be a deterrent.
Rick Carlisle's contract status is currently up in the air, but Miller expects the two sides will get something done to keep the coach in Dallas long-term.
Miller wonders whether Mark Cuban is gearing up to sell the Mavericks after finally achieving his decade-long goal of winning an NBA championship in 2011.

Lawrence: Knicks Not Planning Major Moves

March 3rd, 2012 at 6:57pm CST by Sean Highkin

In a new column about the chemistry the Jeremy Lin-era Knicks have developed, Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News says that the team's owner, James Dolan, wants to see how the current group grows and is not planning any major shake-ups at the trading deadline.

Lawrence, citing an Eastern Conference GM who had a recent conversation with the Knicks, believes that Dolan likes the chemistry between Lin and Carmelo Anthony and doesn't think another move is necessary. He also points out that, between the huge contracts of Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chander, the Knicks wouldn't have many assets to trade if they were inclined to make changes. However, Lawrence doesn't rule out the long-shot possibility of Dolan making a run at Deron Williams or Dwight Howard if the opportunity were to present itself.

Kyler’s Latest: Gasol, Mayo, Delfino, Williams

March 2nd, 2012 at 10:15am CST by Luke Adams

Earlier this week, Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld began exploring trade options for all 30 NBA teams, sharing the latest rumors and rumblings along the way. Kyler discussed ten teams on Tuesday, and looks at ten more today. Here are some highlights from the piece:

The Pacers aren't looking to trade anyone, but would take advantage of their cap space to absorb salary if it meant acquiring a draft pick as well.
Lakers sources insist the team still views Pau Gasol as an All-Star and would only trade him if it meant getting another All-Star back. L.A. isn't currently pursuing Dwight Howard, and any move the team makes will probably involve its $8.9MM trade exception.
If the Grizzlies do anything before the trade deadline, it will likely involve O.J. Mayo, who has drawn interest.
Carlos Delfino is an attractive target for a few teams, but Beno Udrih is the more likely trade candidate to be dealt by the Bucks.
Trade talk surrounding Deron Williams could pick up before March 15th, if the Nets become concerned about their chances of acquiring Dwight Howard and signing Williams long-term.
Trevor Ariza and Jarrett Jack could be had, but the price for most Hornets is an unprotected first-round pick, which seems like a long shot.
The Knicks may consider moving Toney Douglas for a draft pick, in part to clear a roster spot for a player waived after the trade deadline.

Atlantic Rumors: Williams, Chandler, Celtics

February 29th, 2012 at 8:27am CST by Luke Adams

Seeking to clarify comments he made on Monday, Nets coach Avery Johnson reiterated last night that, while he views the Mavericks and Mark Cuban as a threat to sign Deron Williams this summer, he still expects his point guard to return to the Nets.

"I think somebody kind of got it twisted where the focus was more on the threat and saying that I said that I think he’s going to Dallas, which I never said, never said that," Johnson told reporters, including Andy Vasquez of the Bergen Record. "I said that [Cuban was a threat] because anybody that’s under the cap would be a threat to get a guy that’s a unbelievable point guard. But I said I believe he has every intention to re-sign."

Here are a few more morning rumors on Williams and the rest of the Atlantic Division:

Talking to Eric Pincus of HoopsWorld, Williams admitted he isn't sure whether he'll be a Net next year.
Within the same HoopsWorld piece, Pincus says that the Nuggets have offered a multiyear deal to Wilson Chandler, but that it's not as lucrative as Chandler hoped. Still, the Raptors likely won't sign the 24-year-old to an offer sheet, says Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun. Although Toronto hasn't moved on entirely, the club is currently put off by Chandler's asking price.
Wolstat adds that it appears the Raptors are listening to trade inquiries made by other teams rather than actively seeking deals themselves.
Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski, appearing on NBC's SportsTalk, says the Celtics have been actively pursuing trades, and won't hesitate to break up their core in the right deal. Wojnarowski speculates that, of Boston's "big three," Paul Pierce may be the most likely trade candidate, since Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett have contracts that Boston could simply let expire.

Odds & Ends: Howard, Wallace, Lopez, Ellis

February 28th, 2012 at 5:55pm CST by Michael Pina

While everyone is busy discussing possible deals that would ship Dwight Howard out of Orlando, Magic GM Otis Smith is probably thinking of trades that will bring in talent to convince his franchise piece that staying is the best option for everybody. With a roster full of bad contracts and young assets not worth enough to bring back immediate value, this could ultimately pose as an impossible task. Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel takes a crack at it anyway, offering a few ideas that could get the team some enticing players, such as Monta Ellis and Amare Stoudemire.

Here's a look across the league at some other rumors that are being batted around:

Matt Steinmentz of CSNBayArea.com gives his views on the rumored deal between Golden State and New Jersey centered around Brook Lopez and Monta Ellis. He argues from the Warriors viewpoint that giving up your best player for a center who does not rebound wouldn't be a smart decision. Especially since they already have David Lee, a big man who's able to face up with the ball, just like Lopez.
The New York Times NBA blog, Off The Dribble, takes a stab at analyzing how effective Rasheed Wallace could be if Los Angeles did in fact sign him to come aboard for the rest of 2012. The consensus feeling is that if Wallace does in fact come back, defense would be the one thing in his game he's guaranteed to bring with him. Meanwhile, the Lakers still need someone small and athletic to create off the dribble and defend the pick and roll.
The next super team may be in Dallas, but only if they can fit everyone in at an appropriate financial number. Zach Lowe of SI.com's The Point Forward gives a brilliant breakdown of what the Mavericks would have to do, exactly, if they wanted to lock up both Dwight Howard and Deron Williams this summer. In the end, it's not as easy as it seems.
In his preview piece for tonight's game between Boston and Cleveland, Sam Amico from Fox Sports Ohio writes that a Jermaine O'Neal for Michael Beasley trade has been making the rounds lately. In terms of salary and production the deal makes moderate sense, but if you're Minnesota there must be more you could get back than a hobbled big man. Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors recently wrote about Beasley as a possible trade candidate.

Jason Kidd Talks Brooklyn, Retirement, Williams

February 28th, 2012 at 9:33am CST by Luke Adams

With the Nets and Mavericks set to square off in Dallas, Jason Kidd talked to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News about his former team, his future, and the point guard he'll be facing tonight. Here are the highlights:

A free-agent-to-be, Kidd says he'd like to remain a Maverick, but conceded that signing with the Brooklyn Nets this summer is also a possibility: "You can’t rule that out…. But we’ll see what happens here in Dallas. I wouldn’t mind staying here in Dallas if that opportunity presents itself. But if Brooklyn presents itself, we’ll see."
While Kidd doesn't think he's ready for retirement yet, he'll consider that option before signing anywhere this offseason.
Kidd again praised Deron Williams and reiterated that he'd enjoy backing up Williams in the future: "I know he’ll play 40 minutes so I can give him an eight-minute break. Wherever he ends up – whether it’s in Brooklyn or Dallas – that franchise has a great point guard."

Johnson: Mavs A Threat To Sign Deron Williams

February 27th, 2012 at 8:02pm CST by Zachary Links

8:02pm: Williams told reporters that the Mavericks' American Airlines Center is his favorite arena in the league and praised its shooting background, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News (via Twitter).

7:09pm: As the Nets look to land Orlando center Dwight Howard, they also face the very real possibility of losing Deron Williams in free agency this summer. Head coach Avery Johnson told reporters that he expects the Mavericks to make a major play for the point guard based on his familiarity with owner Mark Cuban, tweets Colin Stephenson of the Star-Ledger.

Over the weekend, Williams indicated that he would be open to signing elsewhere and sacrificing earnings for an opportunity to win. The 27-year-old spent his teenage years in The Colony, Texas, just 30 miles outside of Dallas.