NBA trade rumors 2016: Bosh, Gay, Lopez, MCW moving on?
With the tenure of Chris Bosh with the Miami Heat ending, there has been much speculation about whether he will retire or continue his career with another team. Bosh has been vocal about his desire to play again and this latest setback will probably not hinder his wish.
The most recent rumor is that Bosh is headed to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for another disgruntled NBA star, the forward Rudy Gay. Bosh hasn't been on the floor that much in the past two seasons due to blood clots in his leg.
The rumored trade involves six players. Point guard Goran Dragic is supposed to join Bosh at Sacramento, which will give up point guard Darren Collison, big man Kosta Koufos, and rookie Skal Labisseire along with Gay.
If this trade pushes through, a healthy Bosh can provide veteran leadership and championship experience to a Sacramento team that has been wanting both. He will be paired with DeMarcus Cousins in what would be a monstrous frontcourt — on paper. It remains to be seen if the two can play together, as both stars thrive in playing the high post.
Gay will instantly become the focal point of the offense for a Miami team that has lost their Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Bosh in the past few years. Big man revelation Hassan Whiteside will continue to anchor the defense for the Heat while young guys Dion Waiters, Tyler Johnson and Justise Winslow will be given plenty of opportunity to become stars in their own right.
Another blockbuster trade is in the periphery if rumors prove true. The main man of the Brooklyn Nets is said to be on his way to a reunion with his twin brother. Brook Lopez will go to the Chicago Bulls and join his brother Robin, who was recently acquired from the New York Knicks.
The Knicks will get three-point shooter Nikola Mirotic, power forward Bobby Portis, and rookie Denzel Valentine in the proposed trade.
The Bulls are in dire need of a big man to fill the shoes of Pau Gasol, who took his talents to the San Antonio Spurs. While Robin is capable of defending the low block, no one in the current roster can duplicate Gasol's offensive figures. Taj Gibson is still there, but he is more useful in providing the offensive and defensive punch from the bench.
As for the Nets, they'll be losing the face of the franchise that has been with them since they chose him 10th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Another familiar name in the trade market, Michael Carter-Williams, is again rumored to be on his way out of the Milwaukee Bucks. MCW is said to be going to Sacramento in exchange for the underperforming Ben McLemore. Another rumor has him heading to the Los Angeles Lakers for Nick Young.
MCW has steadily regressed since being named the top rookie in 2014. A change of scenery may be good for the relatively young point guard.