NBA Trade Rumors for 2016-17 NBA Season: Butler to Lakers, Gay to Thunder, Smith to Cavaliers
With the 2016-17 NBA regular season drawing near, a certain group of players or teams have consistently been subjects of trade rumors. The Philadelphia 76ers, for example, with their log jam of front court talents, have had players like Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor in the rumor mill, waiting to be traded elsewhere. Here are some of the latest NBA trade rumors.
1. Jimmy Butler to Los Angeles Lakers
Recent rumors report that the Los Angeles are willing to trade Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle to the Chicago Bulls for Jimmy Butler.
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Losing Kobe Bryant through retirement has made the Lakers head office think about replacing him with another experienced super star, at least according to rumors. One of these names Los Angeles is targeting is Jimmy Butler.
Butler averaged 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game last season. Butler has always been known as an elite defender, but it wasn't until two seasons ago that he started developing his offensive side as well. As a two-sided (offense-defense) player, Butler is highly valuable wherever he plays.
If this trade is even actually considered by both camps, is two young and athletic guys with lots of potential enough for the Bulls to give up Jimmy Butler, who plays a highly significant role in their team? That remains to be seen.
2. Rudy Gay to Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder lost their top scorer Kevin Durant in the off-season. He went on to sign with the Golden State Warriors; a move that has been criticized by many because, on paper, it seems to ruin the league's balance of power.
Fortunately, Russell Westbrook, the other OKC Thunder superstar, remained loyal and stayed with the team. Durant averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game last season.
According to the latest rumors, the Thunder might consider bringing Rudy Gay in from Sacramento Kings to fill the empty spot left by Kevin Durant. Granted, Durant is much better than Gay, but at the very least, Gay is more experienced and is a skilled player in his own right.
Rudy Gay averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game last season.
3. J.R. Smith Close to Agreement with Cavaliers
Only a few top tier players remain in the free agency. One of them, J.R. Smith, is said to be still negotiating with the Cavaliers, hoping to get a contract that meets his desires. As such, Smith is the subject of many trade rumors, including whether he might stay or leave for greener pastures.
According to iSports Times, however, J.R. Smith is close to striking a deal with the 2016 NBA Champions.
Smith played a critical role . He averaged 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists per game on 40 percent shooting from the three-point range. However, the numbers do not entirely reveal Smith's importance in the team; that of a floor spacer due to the outside threat he constantly poses, giving enough space for the Cavs big three to do their work.
Smith is rumored to be asking for $15 million, but this might hamper the Cavs future. The team does have the
