NBA Latest Rumors: Yi Jianlian, Paul Pierce Make NBA Comeback; Nick Young to Nets
The NBA Rumor Mill continues to churn out potential off-season moves and even trades prior to the deadline in the upcoming season. Here are some of the latest trade rumors in the NBA.
1. Yi Jianlian to Los Angeles Lakers
Marc Stein, NBA Reporter for ESPN, tweeted "Yi Jianlian update: ESPN sources say the Lakers are now in the midst of finalizing a one-year deal in the $8 million range with the China star."
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The Milwaukee Bucks picked Yi Jianlian in the 2007 NBA Draft as the 6th overall pick, but he spent only 5 seasons in the NBA. His most successful NBA season was in 2009-10 with the New Jersey Nets, where he averaged 12.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.0 block and 31.8 minutes played per game. Since that season, Yi's numbers dropped significantly.
Yi Jianlian had a more dominant Chinese Basketball Association career, averaging 23.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in 3 years.
It has been reported that the Los Angeles Lakers began showing interest in getting Yi Jianlian back to the NBA last year. Perhaps, the Chinese star's solid showing in the Rio Olympics added validation to getting him back into the NBA.
2. Paul Pierce to Return
Multiple sources in the league say that 18-year veteran Paul Pierce will return to the Los Angeles Clippers for his 19th NBA season.
However, it wouldn't be a surprise if Paul Pierce changes his mind and retires. The rumors have been fluctuating between retirement and return during the off season.
If Pierce decides to retire, there's a good chance he will be a Hall of Famer, even at first ballot. Between, 2000 to 2009, Pierce averaged around more than 20 points per game, the highest being 26.8 points per game back in the 2005-06 season with the Celtics. He also has one championship to his name, and 2 appearances in the Finals.
3. Nick Young to Brooklyn Nets
Nick Young made amends with D'Angelo Russell, saying "we're teammates. It's been so long, so it's kind of old. We'll be able to work it out. We've already been working it out. It is what it is. I can't be mad forever."
However, Young may still be traded to another team this year. Sportsrageous suggests the Brooklyn Nets may be interested in getting Young, forming a strong back court with the help of Jeremy Lin.
Brooklyn might get Nick Young in exchange for future 2nd round picks. Los Angeles might consider trading Young to save some cash. Young's current contract sets him as having 2 more years worth $11 million with the Lakers.
