Latest NBA News & Rumors 2/16/15
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
With the trade deadline coming up this Thursday, general managers all around the league are making calls seeing who is and isn't available, and how they can make their teams better either to try and win a championship this season, or set their teams up for future success. Here are some of the latest news and rumors that could impact the league.
Knicks buy out Amare Stoudemire
The Knicks this year have been a total disaster. With a 10-43 record after the All-Star break, Knicks are expected to shut Melo down for the rest of the year, and now have finally ended the Amare experiment. He's played in half of their games, and his knees are ticking time bombs, but he's an intriguing free agent prospect for a contender. He's pretty much a pylon on defense, but still has a somewhat decent mid range jumper, as well as some decent post moves. If a team like the Spurs or Mavs can snag him up, he could be a key piece for them down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Bucks looking to buy out Larry Sanders
Larry Sanders 2 years ago was in the running for defensive player of the year due to his extreme ability to block shots near the rim, but after the Bucks gave him a 4 year $44M deal it's been all downhill. Several off the court incidents, including a "fight" at a nightclub, and his well chronicled problems with marijuana, Sanders has barely been on the court and his trade value is at an all-time low. No team wants to trade for a potential problem making $11M per year. After the Bucks buy out his contract, it wouldn't be surprising to see a contender go for him at the vets minimum. He'd be a low risk - high reward option, but I also wouldn't be surprised if his career is on the outs with teams worrying about his weed problem and league suspension.
Raptors looking to trade Terrence Ross?
About a month ago, the Raptors benched Ross in favor of Greivis Vasquez, and while the team has improved, Ross's play hasn't. He's been extremely disappointing on defense, and he seems averse to contact and settles too much for step back jumpers and catch and shoot threes. This kind of play along with the rise of James Johnson, has lead the Raptors to pondering trading the former #8 overall pick. Although I don't see the Raptors actively seeking trades including Ross, but he can be had if Masai think he can further improve the team now as well as keeping their future flexibility intact.
Pacers unlikely to trade David West
There's been speculation for weeks now that the Pacers could look to trade David West before the deadline, and while the Pacers have been willing to listen to offers that involve a first round pick, the talks of him being moved have died down dramatically. Now that Paul George has said he's expecting to return in early March, the Pacers are likely to keep West for the stretch run and make a run to either the 7 or 8 seed and could potentially be a scary playoff team for the upper ring of Eastern Conference contenders. David West is a name that I'd expect to stay in Indiana unless the Pacers get an offer they can't pass up.
