The NBA free agent market is slowly drying up, but that doesn't mean it's impossible for teams to acquire all-star talent. LaMarcus Aldridge trade rumors were recently revived, as the Trail Blazers' general manager recently met with representatives for the all-star forward to discuss trade possibilities. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are primed to add Byron Mullens to their roster and the Dallas Mavericks made another interesting move by inking Samuel Dalembert to a deal.
Blazers' GM meets with reps for LaMarcus Aldridge to Discuss Trade Options
The LaMarcus Aldridge trade rumors are still alive and well, it seems. Portland Trail Blazers general manager Neil Olshey met with representatives for Aldridge in Las Vegas last Sunday to discuss trade possibilities, according to Chris Haynes of Comcast Sportsnet-Northwest. The meeting was reportedly "productive," as both sides seemed focused on finding a solution that would satisfy each other, but Olshey is not in a rush to make a deal and a trade centered on receiving a collection of future draft picks is "not an option."
Aldridge has not formally requested a trade, but it's clear that he would be open to moving on to a team closer to contending. The 27-year-old forward has two years and approximately $30 million remaining on his current deal. Team blog Blazer's Edge has more.
Clippers close to deal with Byron Mullens
The Los Angeles Clippers are close to a two-year deal with Byron Mullens, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski. Mullens started 41 games for the Bobcats last season and averaged 10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. Although he never really blossomed in Charlotte, the 24-year-old big man could be a nice value as a rotation player for the Clippers. Team blog Clips Nation certainly isn't opposed to signing him for the NBA minimum and taking a chance on what's left of his upside.
Mavericks sign Samuel Dalembert
Veteran center Samuel Dalembert has chosen to sign a deal with the Dallas Mavericks, according to Marc Stein of ESPN. The New York Knicks has expressed interest in the big man, and the Mavericks are still pursuing free agent center Greg Oden, but those factors didn't dissuade Dalembert from signing on the dotted line. A writer at Mavs Moneyball believes Dalembert could be used to lure in Oden by offering protection against big minute loads.
Raptors add D.J. Augustin
The Toronto Raptors have decided to take a flier on former top-10 pick D.J. Augustin with a one-year contract, which means he will have an opportunity to battle with backup guard Dwight Buycks for minutes in the backcourt behind Kyle Lowry. The contract worth $1.26 million, so it doesn't represent much of a risk for the Raptors.
Kings may go after Timofey Mozgov
The Sacramento Kings have been sniffing around Greg Oden this summer, but another option the team is considering is a run at restricted free agent center Timofey Mozgov, according to the Sacramento Bee. Because the Kings did not waive John Salmons via the amnesty provision, a sign-and-trade would be needed to clear space for Mozgov. It will be interesting to see how the Kings proceed.
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