NBA Rumors Roundup: Washington Wizards star looking to sign with a big-market team next season, Chicago Bulls have no interest in swapping for 9x All-Star, and more
The past 24 hours have seen a fair amount of rumors emerge from around the NBA. With the trade window opening in less than a week, several teams are preparing to make adjustments to their roster.
In the past 24 hours, several teams have featured for this particular reason of making moves. We take a look at teams such as the Orlando Magic, the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks. With trade chatter around these teams gathering traction, it will be interesting to see the kind of changes they make after Dec. 15.
Meanwhile, other teams may face challenges while retaining players next season. With the Washington Wizards potentially facing such a situation with their forwards, we take a closer look at the situation.
Orlando Magic looking to move some valuable veterans
As per the latest NBA rumors, the Orlando Magic are rumored to be in the process of moving coveted pieces such as Gary Harris, Mo Bamba and Terrence Ross.
After the team's poor start to the season, the team are expected to clear house to build around their talented young core. This was reported by Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, who wrote:
"Among the league's worst teams, league sources believe the Detroit Pistons may be open to trading shooter Bojan Bogdanović, the Orlando Magic are expected to shop Gary Harris, Terrence Ross and Mo Bamba, and the San Antonio Spurs (Jakob Poeltl, Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott) and the Houston Rockets (Eric Gordon) may part with veterans."
Report: Orlando Magic expected to shop Terrence Ross, Gary Harris and Mo Bamba ahnfiredigital.com/nba/orlando-ma…
Since Orlando committed to their rebuild, several NBA teams have kept an eye on these veterans. With next year's draft featuring some immensely talented players, the Magic may opt to tank for a lottery pick or make moves to gain picks and pieces to build around Banchero.
New York Knicks place a value on Cam Reddish
The New York Knicks have also featured in recent NBA rumors around the league. With specific emphasis upon their dealings with Cam Reddish, the Knicks revealed what they wanted in return for the forward.
The Knicks practically put Reddish on the trade block after acquiring him from Atlanta last season. After being discarded from Thibodeau's rotation, Reddish saw limited minutes on the court.
In this regard, News Day's Steve Popper also reported the value the Knicks have placed on the forward. He wrote:
"The Knicks surrendered a first-round pick for Reddish, but the current price appears to be a second-round pick or a player on a rookie contract with a different skill set."
New York’s asking price for Cam Reddish appears to be a second-round pick or a player on a rookie contract with a different skill set, per @StevePopper https://t.co/VJ6qonpXD1
As a solid wing player on an expiring rookie-scale contract, Reddish is viewed as a low-risk, high-reward type player. Given his offensive versatility paired with his defensive upside, he has a lot to offer to any NBA team.
Unfortunately, his efficiency on the offensive front has raised some doubts among teams in the NBA.
Washington Wizards star looking to sign with a big-market team next season
The Washington Wizards may face some challenges next season as a key player is rumored to be on the lookout for a big payday next season. The Wizards will need to approach the situation carefully as Kyle Kuzma is looking to sign with a big-market team or a contender after his contract expires.
This was recently reported by Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, who wrote, as per his source in the NBA:
"He wants out. He's looking for over $20 million a season and in a big market [or with a contender]."
An NBA source believes Kyle Kuzma ‘wants out’ of DC, per @EricPincus
"He's looking for over $20 million a season and in a big market [or with a contender]." https://t.co/Uy6N8hnUjh
Pincus also went on to mention the teams who were showing an interest in Kuzma. With rumors already portraying the Atlanta Hawks, the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat as potential suitors, Pincus also mentioned teams such as the Sacramento Kings and the LA Lakers.
Kuzma has developed into a rather valuable piece for the Wizards over the course of last season. Having made enough of an impact, Washington may consider holding onto him and developing him as a franchise cornerstone.
Chicago Bulls have no interest in swapping for 9x NBA All-Star
The Chicago Bulls have been amid several NBA trade rumors in the past few weeks. While several teams setting their sights on Chicago's stars, the Bulls have been closely linked to the LA Lakers. However, recent rumors suggest that the Bulls have "zero interest" in the Lakers' offer.
The Lakers' offer is expected to include Russell Westbrook for DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. However, Chicago has no need for Westbrook as per Crowley. He mentioned this in an article when he wrote:
"So while the Lakers might be looking to make a big trade and have their eyes on the Bulls’ roster, the feeling isn’t mutual. According to a source, executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas has no interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook and his expiring contract, even if it means adding draft picks."
The Chicago Bulls have zero interest in Russell Westbrook in a potential trade involving DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, per @JCowleyHoops https://t.co/e4OQvQqN68
With additional emphasis being placed upon the Bulls monitoring Lonzo Ball's recovery, Chicago may not entertain further trade talks involving Westbrook with the Lakers.
New York Knicks uninterested in signing NBA legend Carmelo Anthony
The New York Knicks currently face a severe shortage in the power forward position with Obi Toppin out of the rotation. While this presents an opportunity for them to sign a franchise legend, the Knicks are rumored to be uninterested in doing so.
New York reportedly has no interest in signing veteran free agent Carmelo Anthony. This aspect of the information was presented by News Day's Steve Popper, who wrote:
"Based on one Knicks source, the indications are that Anthony would not fit the style the Knicks are trying to play — namely defense."
Knicks Not Interested In Signing Carmelo Anthony basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/269641…
Under head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks play a fast-paced and work-rate heavy brand of basketball that features a lot of effort on the defensive end. While Anthony remains a very skilled offensive player, he is a defensive liability.
Additionally, New York's approach toward signing younger NBA players would seem counterproductive if they signed the veteran forward. With Toppin also due to return to the rotation soon, Anthony doesn't have much of a window to really display his value to the team.