A look at some NBA buzz as the March 15 trading deadline nears:
One source tells FOX Sports Ohio that “it’ll be a miracle” if Ramon
Sessions is still with Cleveland after the trading deadline.
“I don’t
know that they’re actively shopping him, but they’re certainly
listening,” the source said. “It’s nothing personal. (Sessions and the
Cavs) have a strong relationship. The Cavs really respect and admire
him. They wouldn’t be against keeping him. But it‘s a tough situation.
Kyrie (Irving) is the point guard of the future there, and Ramon could
go somewhere else and start.”
Sessions has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, who were expected to step
up their pursuit of him during All-Star weekend.
“But I don’t know if
that really ever happened,” one source said.
Chicago’s C.J. Watson is another backup point guard about whom plenty of
teams are asking. Although the Bulls are mostly pleased with his play,
“they’ll certainly listen” to offers, said a source.
Along with all the talk about a potential Jermaine O’Neal-for-Michael Beasley swap, it appears Boston is suddenly taking (and perhaps making) calls about All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo. Numerous reports stated the Celtics will move Rondo at the right price. According to the Boston Globe, “it’s uncertain if the organization feels it can begin the post-Big Three era around Rondo.”
In case you missed it, the Celtics are also said to still hoping for a deal that will send O’Neal to Minnesota for Beasley. And why wouldn’t they? O’Neal is 33 years old, and his best years are clearly behind him. He’s also somewhat injury prone (currently out because of a sprained wrist). Basically, he does little for them at the center position. Meanwhile, Beasley is a 23-year-old small forward, and while he’s posting career-lows in nearly every category this year, he is still viewed as someone with a big upside.
One NBA executive told FOX Sports Ohio the possibility exists that the Celtics could package Rondo and O’Neal together in a deal, “but not to Minnesota.” The source quickly added: “Just like always, right before the trading deadline, it’s really just talk. Most teams are having discussions. So I wouldn’t get too excited, particularly about the Rondo reports. They hardly feel desperate to move him.”
Dwight Howard wants Steve Nash. So much that Howard will stay in Orlando if the Magic are able to somehow land Phoenix’s veteran point guard. That’s according to a report from HoopsWorld, which claimed the Magic have been putting out feelers for Nash for some time.
“Howard has asked the front office to pursue Nash, and sources close to Howard believe he won’t exercise his early termination option if the team is able to acquire Nash and re-sign him this summer,” according to the report.
Nash is 38 years old, so it’s hard to wonder what the thinking might be here. Then again, he plays like someone 10-12 years younger. And hey, John Stockton didn't retire until the age of 41.
Golden State is among the teams desperately trying to make a deal, and there has even been speculation of a Stephen Curry-for-Rondo swap (although others would have to be involved). Other reports have Monta Ellis going to the Magic, but multiple sources say that seems highly unlikely: The Magic won’t offer what the Warriors are seeking.
Follow Sam Amico on Twitter @SamAmicoFSO
