NBA Rumors Round-Up
NBA Rumors: Kevin Garnett May Be On the Move
Updated10 hours ago on April 19, 2024
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It’s also fun to watch the Nets figure out the present and future of their big-man rotation, which includes two pieces — Brook Lopez and Kevin Garnett — who will be the subject of trade talks over the next two weeks. Garnett has a no-trade clause, but he holds some appeal to playoff teams who can use a boost off the bench and/or some long-term salary relief — Golden State, Charlotte, Toronto, and others. The Nets won’t engage in any series of deals that leaves them with more long-term salary, so it will be tough to find the right combination of trades that makes dealing Garnett’s expiring contract palatable. But the cranky one can still knock down a midrange jumper and play solid defense.
Brook Lopez, Deron Williams and Joe Johnson have been mentioned quite a bit in trade rumors, but Kevin Garnett’s name hasn’t come up as much.
But it makes sense that teams are expressing interest in the veteran big man, as he could bolster a frontcourt and provide championship experience. Brooklyn is just 21-28 and barely staying in the playoff picture in the weak Eastern Conference.
As Zach Lowe writes, Garnett’s no-trade clause and contract could make things a bit difficult. Garnett is under contract for $12,000,000, and the Nets don’t want to take back any long-term deals in exchange for KG.
Still, it’s interesting that he’s coming up in trade talks. He could certainly help a team like the Warriors, Hornets and Raptors, among others.
This season, Garnett is averaging 6.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and a steal in 20.7 minutes per game for the Nets. He is 38 years old and he’s in his 20th NBA season. If Garnett isn’t traded, a buyout could also be a possibility.
Hearing Atlanta trying to get in the Ray Allen mix. Cleveland still the favorite. Look for decision after All-Star break.
— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) February 5, 2015
It’s no surprise to hear that the Hawks are interested in Ray Allen. Just about every contending team has reached out to Allen at some point, with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and many others also being linked to the veteran shooter as well.
With all of that said, it remains to be seen if Allen will even play this year. He has been working out in Miami, but that doesn’t mean he’s making a comeback. Allen is a fitness freak who will be working out every day for the rest of his life – NBA career or not.
He isn’t sure if he wants to play this season and is enjoying time with his family (and golfing). Some people around the league have assumed he’s just waiting for the right time to sign and will definitely play, but sources close to Allen insist that he really hasn’t made a decision one way or the other.
Allen averaged 9.6 points per game last year on the Miami HEAT and hit perhaps the biggest shot of his career the year before, which helped Miami go on to win the championship over the San Antonio Spurs. Atlanta is already a very talented team with a balanced attack, and thinking of them with Allen (who would fit in perfectly) also providing shooting off of the bench is scary.
The Dallas Mavericks would be considered front-runners to sign Amar’e Stoudemire if the 13-year veteran opts to pursue a contract buyout from the New York Knicks, according to league sources.
Stoudemire made it clear in his public comments that he’s not yet sure if he wants to seek a buyout from the Knicks to join a contender for the stretch run, but sources told ESPN.com that Dallas has quickly emerged as a prime landing spot if he becomes a free agent.
Dallas makes sense as a landing spot for Amar’e Stoudemire, as they’re a very talented team and he could play a significant role there since their frontcourt needs depth.
The article also mentions that the Mavericks still plan to sign Jermaine O’Neal, who recently had Orthokine treatment and is trying to get in playing shape.
Dallas is “prepared to make the needed roster room to accommodate both O’Neal and Stoudemire,” which would be huge for the franchise. If they were to add both players, frontcourt depth would go from a weakness to a strength for the Mavericks.
As we covered in this space yesterday, Stoudemire isn’t sure if he’s going to ask for a buyout, but it’s something he’s going to think about over All-Star weekend.
Stoudemire is making $23,410,988 this season and may be willing to leave some of that money on the table in order to become an unrestricted free agent. New York is just 10-39, which is the worst record in the Eastern Conference. This year, Stoudemire has averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in 24.5 minutes.
