The day's biggest news so far came out of the Southwest Division, when ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported that Michael Heisley had found a buyer for the Grizzlies. While we wait to hear whether an agreement between current ownership and prospective buyer Robert Pera will be finalized, let's check in on a few more Southwest updates, including the latest Rudy Gay trade rumors….
The NBA combine continues in Chicago today, with the buzz this morning surrounding the official measurements of the prospects in attendance. Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal provides the complete list. According to Sean Deveney of the Sporting News, a handful of players saw their stock rise a little due to the results, but Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress heard from scouts that there weren't many big surprises (Twitter link). A handful of rumors and rumblings have also emerged from the combine today, so let's round up some of them….
The Southwest Division's only sub-.500 finisher may not have been the most buzz-worthy team on the court, but that's changed this summer now that the Hornets hold two top-ten picks in the draft. While Anthony Davis is a lock to be picked first overall, we still don't know what the Hornets plan to do with pick No. 10. Last night, we heard that GM Dell Demps and the front office will continue to explore all their options and will make a deal "if it makes sense." Here are a few more notes out of the Southwest….
Plenty of the bigger names among this year's free agent class are in their 30s, and it's that over-30 group that ESPN.com's Ric Bucher focuses on in his latest Insider piece. Bucher spoke to GMs, scouts, and personnel experts that gave him feedback on this summer's free agents, including tidbits on Steve Nash, Kevin Garnett, Jameer Nelson, and plenty more. Here are a few highlights:
The Nets may be looking to find a way into the first round of this month's draft, but a number of teams are considering moving their first-rounders. According to Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio (via Twitter), every club besides the Cavs that has multiple first-round picks is trying to trade one of them for a young player. The Blazers, Celtics, Warriors, Rockets, and Hornets all fit the bill, with two first-rounders each. Let's round up a few more of today's draft rumors….
- Teams inquiring on the 10th overall pick are being told by the Hornets that taking on a contract like Emeka Okafor's or Trevor Ariza's won't be enough to land the pick, tweets ESPN.com's Marc Stein.
The Thunder have an opportunity to make it four wins in a row tonight against the Spurs as the series heads back to Oklahoma City for Game 6. A victory would send Kevin Durant and company to the NBA Finals and further validate general manager Sam Presti's experiment in which the team has generally been constructed through NBA lottery picks like Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Let's check in around the league to catch up on the latest news and stories making headlines on this Wednesday afternoon…
So far this season, rumors surrounding restricted free agent Alonzo Gee have invariably involved the Suns, who are eyeing the Cavs guard and reportedly considering making him a four-year, $16MM offer. According to Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio, however, Phoenix isn't the only team preparing to pursue Gee. The Wizards, Celtics, and Rockets will also have the 25-year-old "high on their wish list," says Amico, adding that the Cavs like Gee and hope to keep him. Here are a few more rumblings from around the league courtesy of Amico….
As usual, David Aldridge's weekly column at NBA.com is packed with items of interest, including discussions about declining salaries for head coaches and conspiracy theories surrounding the draft lottery. Leading off his piece this week though, Aldridge looks at the top 15 picks in the draft and predicts the players likely to be selected, based on what he's hearing. Alridge's column is just one of many draft-related links to round up today, so let's dive in….
Bulls.com scribe Sam Smith has a new column up today, which includes plenty of news, notes, and rumors from around the NBA. Let's dive in….
- Brooklyn is still considered the likeliest destination for Dwight Howard, though teams like the Rockets, Trail Blazers, and Warriors may be willing to risk renting D12 for a year. The Magic are expected to make another run at retaining Howard once the team has a new GM in place.
- Smith hears from "Lakers insiders" that Pau Gasol would be interested in playing for the Bulls. He adds that Gasol and Kobe Bryant were "constantly at odds" in Los Angeles this season.
- If the Bulls and Lakers were to discuss a Gasol deal, Luol Deng would have to be the centerpiece rather than Carlos Boozer, says Smith.
- NBA general managers previously rejected a rule that would allow players to touch the ball on the rim, but that idea could be revisited now that the league has introduced a new competition comittee.
- Kyle Lowry appears on his way out of Houston, according to Smith, who says the Rockets were "quietly shopping" the point guard before his injury this season. The Rockets would like to re-sign Goran Dragic, who isn't interested in returning as a backup.
MONDAY, 10:15am: Sources close to Lowry tell Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld (Twitter link) that the point guard hasn't officially asked for a trade, but that he's frustarted with the direction of the Rockets. Kyler adds that Lowry doesn't want to be a distraction or a source of negativity, and would like to win in Houston if possible (Twitter link).
SATURDAY, 8:37am: Point guard Kyle Lowry has soured on the Rockets organization and told Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle that he doesn't believe that both he and Goran Dragic will return to the roster next season. Lowry also doesn't seem to think that he could get along with coach Kevin McHale.
“I don’t think so,” the 26-year-old said. “I honestly think it would be tough. Things have to be addressed. The situation would have to be addressed. If things aren’t addressed coaching-wise, I guess I have to be moved.”
For his part, McHale told Feigen that he doesn't feel that there was a significant rift between him and Lowry this season. The two clashed during a late-season game against the Nuggets when Lowry reacted angrily on the court and McHale pulled him back toward the huddle during a timeout.
The Villanova product doesn't believe that he and Dragic can remain in Houston as both players badly want to start. McHale, meanwhile, says that the two can play well together in the same lineup.
Lowry, who recently underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia and torn abductor muscles, is set to earn $5.75MM next season and $6.2MM in 2013/14.