NBA Latest Rumors: Bulls Pursuing Cousins, Noel to Celtics, Ray Allen Comeback
This part of the NBA off-season is all about the rumors, as fans anticipate where their favorite players will go and what their team's next moves are. Here are the latest rumors in the NBA.
1. Chicago Bulls Pursuing DeMarcus Cousins
According to Inquisitr, the Chicago Bulls is actively pursuing DeMarcus Cousins, looking to trade for him to create their own super team.
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Getting Cousins ultimately depends on the future moves of the Sacramento Kings, the All-Star center's current team. After losing the team's franchise player, Derrick Rose, the Bulls hopes to bounce back with the acquisition of another star; this time, a dominant center and perhaps the best center in the league currently.
Rose had a productive 8-season career with the Bulls, before heading to the New York Knicks this season.
Cousins had arguably his best season in 2015-16, averaging 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks. Those are incredibly dominant stats in any era in the league, and his production is reminiscent of what the big man greats have done in the past, including O'Neal, Ewing, Robinson, Olajuwon, etc.
Cousins is currently playing for Team USA Basketball in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he played alongside Jimmy Butler. The two developed a bond during the Olympics, as evidenced by this video.
This friendship can translate to both team playing together. The Chicago Bulls already has a team full of solid pieces built around Jimmy Butler, including Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo and Robin Lopez. Adding Cousins to the mix will definitely make the Bulls a contending team in the East.
2. Nerlens Noel wants to play for the Boston Celtics
Rumor has it that the Boston Celtics is a favorable place for Nerlens Noel. He has tweeted about his admiration for Boston, saying, "I'm blessed to be from Boston. Love my city."
The idea that Philadelphia will be trading away Nerlens Noel is not so farfetched as well, since it already has a lot of big men in its current roster. The team has Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, and their number one overall pick is a point-forward in Ben Simmons.
When traded, Noel will definitely help Boston Celtics improve their defense in the front court. He is often described as a versatile defender, who can not only guard the paint like he's supposed to, but can also keep up with the speedy guards of the league in a switch.
Nerlens Noel averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game for the Philadelphia 76ers last season, his sophomore year in the NBA.
3. Ray Allen Comeback
There have also been rumors that Ray Allen wants to come back playing for the Boston Celtics. Allen stated his desires upon coming back to the league, saying "It doesn't necessarily have to be championship-or-bust for me to go back to the NBA. I want to be in a situation where I thought I could help, play a little bit and help where they have good young talent."
