Rumor Roundup

As expected, rumors have continued swirling as the Draft quickly approaches.

• Portland and Orlando talks are considered overblown. The original report centered around a Andre Miller and Jameer Nelson swap.
• Lamar Odom for Andre Igoudala deal has lost steam, and I’m being told there is nothing to this rumor.

• Cavaliers offering their $14.5 million trade exception in exchange for a lottery pick. They want Kyrie Irving, Jonas Valanciunas, and Tristian Thompson out of this draft. Teams are not interested at this point and I don’t see that changing because of the Amnesty Clause that are being discussed in the collective bargaining negotiations.
• Jonas Valanciunas’s stock has risen and will almost certainly be the Cavaliers #4 pick, provided they retain that pick.
• Bucks, Lakers, and Knicks have all inquired about Cleveland point guard Ramon Sessions, though nothing has really been discussed quite yet.
• Thunder are trying to get into the top-10 of the draft by offering point guard Eric Maynor. Nothing is imminent here and I consider it unlikely to happen.
• Spurs are still burning up the phone lines, they are determined to get a lottery pick and would be surprised if they don’t get one. Expect the Spurs to pick in the lottery tonight.
• Hawks are are offering Josh Smith for the #2 pick in the draft by offering to Minnesota. Minnesota has not given any indications that they are interested in this deal.
• Sacramento is leaning heavily towards Jimmer Freddette with the newly acquired #10 pick in the draft, even if Kemba Walker is available.
• Nuggets are shopping Felton in an attempt to acquire a high lottery pick. They’ve talked with a number of teams but nothing promising, according to sources.
• Expect the Timberwolves to trade the #2 pick.  We could see a return of an established, talented veteran, but more likely is them moving down and to acquire multiple picks and/or a stock of decent veterans. Derrick Williams will go #2, but not to Minnesota.
• Brian Shaw will be the Assistant Head Coach for the Indiana Pacers. He was a candidate for a number of head coaching jobs in recent months, but appeared to be bested by more experienced coaches.