NBA Rumors Round-Up

NBA Rumors: Zoran Dragic to the Suns?

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Check out the biggest rumors of the day in our NBA Rumor Round-Up. For more rumors and news, check out Basketball Insiders’ headlines, which are constantly being updated.

Suns Nearing Deal With Zoran Dragic?

ESPN sources say Phoenix Suns have emerged as clear frontrunner to sign Zoran Dragic away from Unicaja Malaga in Spanish ACB.

Word out of Spain is that Zoran Dragic — Goran’s younger brother — likely lands two-year NBA deal provided final hurdles cleared this week.

via Marc Stein of ESPN

It looks like Markieff and Marcus Morris won’t be the only brothers on the Phoenix Suns next season.

The Suns seem to be closing in on a two-year deal with Goran Dragic’s younger brother Zoran, who will leave Unicaja Malaga for the NBA.

While Stein reports that Phoenix is the frontrunner to sign Dragic, he has also reportedly received interest from a number of other teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs.

Dragic went undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft, and then played with the Houston Rockets’ summer league team in July of 2012.

Prior to playing with Unicaja Malaga, Dragic starred in Spain, where he won two championships in the Slovenian League and was named the league’s Finals MVP.

Celtics Close to Finalizing Turner Deal

Source says #Celtics signing of Evan Turner will be completed/announced before training camp starts on Sept. 30.

via A. Sherrod Blakely of CNSSE.com

Evan Turner agreed to sign with the Boston Celtics back in July, but nothing has been finalized between the two sides, which is somewhat strange since training camp is right around the corner.

However, Blakely reports that the Celtics will complete and announce the Turner signing before the start of camp, as expected.

The reason Boston waited to sign Turner is because they wanted to keep their roster flexibility, but they need to finalize Turner’s deal before the start of camp. There have been reports that the Celtics have considered making a trade to open up a roster spot, but nothing is imminent.

Turner was averaging a career-high 17.4 points along with six rebounds, 3.7 assists and a steal last year with the Philadelphia 76ers prior to being traded to the Indiana Pacers at the deadline.

In Indiana, Turner’s role diminished and his numbers dipped, but he should be a significant contributor in Boston.

Ayon Signs With Real Madrid

Star center for Mexico’s national-team Gustavo Ayon signed with Spanish powerhouse and European finalist Real Madrid.

via David Pick of Eurobasket.com

Ayon spent the last three seasons in the NBA, playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks. However, now he will play overseas after signing a multi-year deal with Real Madrid.

In recent days, Ayon was weighing several offers, as he also received interest from the San Antonio Spurs and the Shandong Flaming Bulls of the Chinese Basketball Association. Ayon was impressive during the FIBA World Cup, playing for the Mexican national team, which is what attracted these teams.

However, after mulling his options, Ayon reached an agreement with Real Madrid. Ayon will return to the Spanish ACB League, which gave him its Rising Star award back in the 2010-11 season.

The 29-year-old averaged 4.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 26 games with the Hawks last season.