Jimmer Fredette

Kyler On Evans, Fredette, Iguodala, Calderon

While Dwight Howard is still the league's most prominent trade candidate, as he has been since Chris Paul was dealt to the Clippers, there are a number of other players that could potentially be on the move in the coming months. In his latest NBA AM piece for HoopsWorld, Steve Kyler provides updates on a few of those players. Here are the highlights:

  • While the Kings were entertaining trades offers for Tyreke Evans around the time of the draft, they've since cooled on the idea of dealing him, according to Kyler. Still, Sacramento may decide to pass on a long-term extension for the 22-year-old. Kyler hears that both Evans and teammate Jimmer Fredette could be open to being moved.
  • It's "highly unlikely" that the Sixers will trade Andre Iguodala before the season begins. Sources tell Kyler that any move involving Iguodala is probably something that would happen down the road.
  • Kyler hears that Jose Calderon wasn't all that happy with the way the Raptors pursued Steve Nash and Kyle Lowry this offseason, and that Toronto is willing to accomodate a trade. There's not much of a market for Calderon at this point, but the Raps believe they could land an asset for him before the trade deadline.

Kings Exploring Trading Jimmer Fredette?

Earlier this week, the Kings agreed to sign Aaron Brooks to a two-year deal, adding a third point guard to a roster that already included Isaiah Thomas and Jimmer Fredette. While the acquisition of Brooks doesn't mean another roster move is imminent, the Kings have "entertained some trade discussions" involving Fredette, according to Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld.

It seems unlikely that the Kings would be ready to part ways with last year's 10th overall pick after one unspectacular season. However, Fredette's camp has "made it known" it would like to either get an idea of the 23-year-old's role in Sacramento, or get a trade to somewhere where he'd see more playing time, according to Kyler.

SI.com's Sam Amick acknowledged this week that Fredette's camp was "clearly surprised" by the addition of Brooks, but Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee (Sulia link) feels trade speculation involving Jimmer is overblown. According to Jones, the Kings didn't want to rely on two second-year players to handle the point, and Fredette is often at his best when he's not the primary ballhandler anyway. Considering Brooks may not even be back in Sacramento next season (the second year of his deal is a player option), his signing doesn't necessarily hurt Jimmer's long-term future with the Kings, says Jones.

Odds & Ends: Gordon, Cavaliers, Vazquez

Eric Gordon may have to win back some of the fans in New Orleans this year after comments he made about his "heart" already being in Phoenix and not wanting the Hornets to match after the Suns signed him to an offer sheet. Marc J. Spears of Yahoo elaborates on Gordon's thoughts throughout the free agency process and says that the Gordon is now committed to leading a young New Orleans team moving forward. Spears also says that the 6'3 guard has the ability to opt out after the third season and become an unrestricted free agent. Here's more of the miscellaneous tidbits what we've heard this evening..

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Pacific Notes: Fredette, Curry

With Golden State currently battling Indiana, and Sacramento doing battle with Utah later tonight, here are a couple quick notes from the Pacific Division:

  • While he's struggled mightily in the first half of his rookie year, Kings head coach Keith Smart believes Jimmer Fredette just needs to make a few adjustments in order to find actual success in the league. In a lengthy interview with the Salt Lake Tribune's Brian T. Smith, Smart goes on to compare Fredette with J.J. Redick and says he can someday contribute in a positive way like the former Duke product is doing in Orlando. 
  • MercuryNews.com's Monte Poole gives what will surely be received as an unpopular opinion regarding what Golden State should do with its most valuable asset, Stephen Curry, who missed tonight's game against the Pacers with a strained tendon in his right foot. With half a season left to play, Poole thinks the Warriors should sit Curry from here on out in order to increase draft position and get a look at rookies such as Charles Jenkins and Klay Thompson. In essence, he wants the team to tank the season.