The NBA world has reached quiet point, with the Olympics well in the rear-view mirror and training camps roughly a month away. However, there are a few notable free agents available and trade rumors that are still creating rumblings. Here are the latest NBA rumors you need to know from around the Association:
Only a "matter of time" before Kings trade Gay
Veteran forward Rudy Gay has told the Sacramento Kings that he would like to be traded, and according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, it's "only a matter of time" before they deal him somewhere else:
The Kings and Rudy Gay are headed toward a divorce; it’s only a matter of time. Gay holds a Player Option for next season and even though $14.2 million seems like the right number for Gay, even in this new bloated contract environment, he likely opts-out not for the first number, but the last number on his new deal.
It’s unlikely Gay fetches a deal more than $14 million annually as a free agent, but can he get a team to lock in two or three more contract years in the process? More importantly, opting out would allow him to choose his next team.
Gay’s option year makes consummating a trade tough. Some of the teams that like Gay (that’s you, Houston) don’t want the 2017-18 contract year. The teams that are interested in the contract year want Gay to opt-in and lock in that security, but it doesn’t seem he’s ready to commit to that.
The Kings are expected to open camp with the roster as it stands, but as things start to take shape, there is little doubt Gay is one of the odd guys out, especially if the fit is less than ideal.
Gay has been heavily linked to the Rockets and to the Timberwolves, but the Nets are also interested in his services. He averaged 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds in 70 games last season.
Lakers trying to trade Young
The Los Angeles Lakers are putting the finishing touches on their young roster, and as they try to get younger, one player they're trying to get rid of is guard Nick Young, according to Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders:
Lakers have 14 guaranteed - 1 partial with Yi, but he'll make opening night w/o question - question is likely Young's status
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) September 1, 2016
I wrote previously, Lakers had no real incentive to stretch Young for 16/17 season, no need for that additional cap room - deadline was 8/31
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) September 1, 2016
That doesn't mean the Lakers can't cut and stretch Young for the 17/18 season - but trade has always been the hope for the team
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) September 1, 2016
Young's future with the team has been in question since he was involved in the video filming incident with point guard D'Angelo Russell. He averaged 7.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 54 games with the Lakers last season.
Wade signed with Bulls for reasons "bigger than basketball"
Dwyane Wade shocked many when he signed with his hometown Chicago Bulls over the Miami Heat, where he spent the first 13 yards of his career. While the Bulls met his contract demands during negotiations (and the Heat didn't), he told ABC's "Good Morning America" that a big factor in his decision was to help with something "bigger than basketball."
"My purpose for being back in the city is bigger than basketball. Basketball is a big part of it, of course; it's what I do for a living," said Wade. "But I think my purpose at the end of the day hopefully is to come to Chicago and be a part, be a voice that can help bring people together.
"Now I'm back in the city of Chicago -- I'm back for a reason. I played 13 years in Miami. Now I'm back in the city, let me see what I can do as one person to help lend my voice and help shed light on the tragedy that's going on and find a solution to start the process of making change."
Wade averaged 19 points, 4.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game last season.
Pacers sign Seraphin
The Indiana Pacers have signed big man Kevin Seraphin, reports Shams Charania of The Vertical:
Kevin Seraphin's two-year, $3.6M deal with Indiana includes a team option in the second year, sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 2, 2016
Seraphin averaged 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 48 games with the Knicks last season.
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