The latest buzz and rumors being kicked about the NBA media.
The true NBA fan knows that the excitement doesn't stop after the NBA Championship has been decided. For many fans, that marks just the beginning.
The rumor mill has been pumping rapidly like an over-heated engine and it shows no signs of slowing. Here's some of the buzz going around the league before the 2007 NBA Draft. Some of these rumors may carry more weight than others, but with all the big names being tossed about it is certain that fans are in for a wild summer.
- The Phoenix Suns are in an interesting predicament with Shawn Marion. He makes a whole lot of money and they're already also paying Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash a whole lot of money. Moreover, they gave Boris Diaw a hefty sum a year ago and as a result are looking to clear cap space. On top of that, for some inane reason, Marion isn't happy right now. As a result, his name is being thrown about in numerous trade rumors. One has him going to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Antawn Jamison, though other insiders have dispelled that rumor. Another rumor has Marion headed to the Detroit Pistons for Rasheed Wallace, but pairing him with Tayshaun Prince doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly shopping Kevin Garnett around to see what kind of value they might be able to get for him. The Boston Celtics seem to be very interested and have apparently offered Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and the numer five pick for Garnett. Another rumor has him headed to the Phoenix Suns in a three-way deal. The Wolves would receive Boston's number five pick, as well as many other young prospects. The Boston Celtics would receive Shawn Marion, and the Phoenix Suns would get Garnett. Matching Garnett's huge salary would be tricky, as he makes more than anyone else in the NBA.
- The Portland Trail Blazers are shopping Zach Randolph. They're very interested in landing another high draft pick in order to select Mike Conley. With the first pick of the draft, Portland is expected to draft Greg Oden and Oden and Conley are best friends. One rumors has the Wizards sending Randolph and Jarrett Jack to the Atlanta Hawks for the number three pick and another player or two. Another rumor has Randolph headed to the Washington Wizards for Antawn Jamison.
- The Los Angeles Lakers are making headlines recently after Kobe Bryant asked for a trade. However, it probably won't be Kobe who gets traded. Andrew Bynum might be the team's second best trade chip because of his size and potential. One rumor has the Lakers trading either Bynum or Odom, or both, to the Indiana Pacers for Jermaine O'Neal.
- The Golden State Warriors apparently really like Yi Jianlian and may have offered Jason Richardson to the Milwaukee Bucks for the number six pick in the upcoming Draft.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers need to clear salary space and could be offering up Drew Gooden. The Chicago Bulls might be the likeliest of spots for the forward.
- Despite Joe Dumars being adament about re-signing Chauncey Billups, the Milwaukee Bucks are apparently still in the running.
- The New Jersey Nets are very interested in Kurt Thomas of the Phoenix Suns.
- The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly talked to the Houston Rockets about trading Brian Cook for Luther Head.
Keep an eye on the headlines as more rumors continue to surface before the 2007 NBA Draft, during and even long after.
The copyright of the article 2007 NBA Pre-Draft Trade Rumors in NBA is owned by Phil Partington. Permission to republish 2007 NBA Pre-Draft Trade Rumors in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
