Rockets, Kings Talking Blockbuster Trade?
10:55am: TNT's David Aldridge hears that, whether or not the offer Givony reported is actually on the table, there's "no way" the Kings would accept it (Twitter link). However, SI.com's Sam Amick (Sulia link) cites a variety of reasons why it makes sense that Evans would be available for the right price.
10:32am: After completing one trade this morning, the Rockets appear to be engaged in discussions with the Kings on another deal. According to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com (Twitter link), the Rockets have offered Kyle Lowry, the No. 14 pick, and the No. 16 pick to the Kings in exchange for Tyreke Evans and the No. 5 pick. However, SI.com's Sam Amick hears from two sources that such an offer isn't on the table (Twitter link).
Amico On Bobcats, Lakers, Wizards, Hawks
We're tracking most of today's draft rumors right here, but the latest column from Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio has a few too many tidbits and rumors to condense it to a single bullet point. Amico's piece has draft-related updates on the Lakers, Hawks, Wizards, and more, so let's round up all the pertinent info below….
Rockets Targeting Dwight Howard In Trade Talks
TUESDAY, 10:01am: While Howard is the Rockets' top trade target, the team could pursue Josh Smith or other big-name players if a deal can't be consummated with the Magic, tweets ESPN.com's Marc Stein.
MONDAY, 8:05am: Chad Ford and Marc Stein of ESPN.com reported last night that the Rockets have engaged in trade discussions with teams in the top 10 in the draft, including the Kings (No. 5) and the Raptors (No. 8). In their initial report, Ford and Stein suggested Andre Drummond had caught the Rockets' eye, and was the target in any deal. However, a rival GM told the ESPN scribes that he believes Houston's real goal is to land Dwight Howard.
Kings Extend Qualifying Offer To Thompson
June 25th: The Kings have officially extended a qualifying offer to Thompson, tweets Jones.
March 20th: The Kings will extend a qualifying offer to Jason Thompson at season's end, president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie tells Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee (via Twitter).
Thompson, the 12th overall pick in 2008, is eligible for restricted free agency this offseason. If and when the Kings officially extend him a qualifying offer, he'll have the option to accept the one-year contract ($4.13MM) and become an unrestricted agent in the summer of 2013. It's more likely he'll explore his options in restricted free agency, with the Kings having the opportunity to match any multiyear offer he receives.
Thompson's play was one reason Sacramento felt comfortable buying out J.J. Hickson, Jones adds. Playing in every one of the Kings' 45 games this season, the 25-year-old big man has averaged 8.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and has a .527 FG% in 24.3 MPG.
Draft Updates: Monday
A number of the rumors we've already covered today involve the draft in some way, whether it's the Rockets looking to acquire top-10 picks to flip for Dwight Howard, or the Bulls' disinterest in trading Luol Deng for a package that includes the Warriors' No. 7 pick. But there are still so many draft-related odds and ends out there that we'll continue to publish daily Draft Updates posts this week, for the latest news on workouts and rumors about what teams are thinking. Here are today's items, with the newest additions added to the top of the page throughout the day….
- New Bobcats head coach Mike Dunlap thinks trading the team's No. 2 pick to strengthen its roster with multiple players makes sense, according to an Associated Press report (via ESPN.com).
- Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle says Rockets head coach Kevin McHale is pleased with the depth of talent available in the draft but would like to add another veteran to his current roster.
Amick’s Latest: Rockets, Hawks, Bucks, Nets
SI.com's Sam Amick says he'd be surprised if there weren't a few trades finalized this week, particularly on draft night. Amick points to the Rockets, who own the 14th and 16th overall picks in the first round, as a prime candidate to be involved in draft-day deals, confirming ESPN.com's report that the Kings are among the teams talking to Houston. Amick shares a number of other draft-related updates, and one non-draft rumor via Sulia. Here are the highlights….
“No Chance” Bulls Trade Luol Deng To Warriors
While trade rumors continues to swirl around Luol Deng, it appears we can take one potential suitor out of the running. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter), the Bulls have told Deng there's "no chance" he'll be traded to the Warriors.
Draft Updates: Sunday
With the draft just four days away, teams are scurrying to get their plans in order before Thursday evening's big event in Newark, NJ. Saturday saw another full slate of draft rumors and Sunday's already shaping up to look the same. Ft. Worth Star-Telegram's Dwain Price reports the Mavs will be looking to add a rotation-type player with the 17th pick. We'll keep track of all of the day's latest draft news and happenings with the most recent information on top.
- The Rockets are looking to move into the top 10, dangling some combination of picks 14, 16 and Kyle Lowry, says Chad Ford. Ford suspects that the Rockets are eyeing UConn's Andre Drummond and could be speaking with the Kings at pick 5 and the Raptors at pick 8.
- Jodie Valade addresses the comparisons between Bradley Beal and Ray Allen in a story for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, implying that Beal could be more versatile than Allen.
- Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group takes a look at potential Warriors targets Moe Harkless, Terrence Ross and Quincy Miller and where the selection of the three wings would make sense for Golden State.
Odds & Ends: Evans, Bulls, Magic, Seattle
The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Saturday night:
Draft Updates: Saturday
We've already covered a few draft rumors today, and Zach Links went in-depth on West Virginia power forward Kevin Jones in our latest Prospect Profile. There's plenty more going on as the draft approaches, including news from John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer that the Sixers put point guard Marquis Teague through an "exhaustive" individual workout this morning. Bookmark this post for the rest of the day's draft news, with latest on top.
- Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star has an article on the Pacers' scouting staff as they prepare to pick 26th overall in Thursday's draft.
- Kurt Helin of NBC Sports looks at several players with the potential to become the second-best talents in the draft.
- Marcus Thompson of the San Jose Mercury News suggests Meyers Leonard as a possible fit for the Warriors.
- The Lakers are in talks to acquire a first-round pick, and could be after the Heat's selection at No. 27, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio tweets.
- Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer offers his thoughts on the implications of a rumored swap of the second and fourth picks by the Bobcats and Cavs.
- Marcus Thompson II of the Bay Area News Group thinks the Warriors could trade down from No. 7 and still get the player they want, unless it's Damian Lillard or Dion Waiters. He also believes the team will give serious consideration to Andre Drummond (Twitter links).
- We have the latest from Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com in a separate post.
Earlier updates: