The Dallas Mavericks depleted their bench in the trade that landed them Rajon Rondo. Their best reserve big, Brandan Wright, is now with the Suns while rookie Dwight Powell and Charlie Villanueva try to fill the void left by his departure. That's far from the ideal depth a potential contender needs, so the Mavericks have been active trying to add some pieces. The buyout market remains the best place for them to find a quality player, since they have very little in the way of trade assets and can only offer the minimum.
NBA trade rumors 2015: Amar’e Stoudemire is on the Mavericks’ radar
The Mavericks and the Clippers are interested in Stoudemire if he works out a buyout with the Knicks, George Karl wants to coach the Magic and the Hawks want to add Ray Allen.
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Amar'e Stoudemire has emerged as a target, according to ESPN's Tim McMahon and Marc Stein. Stoudemire recently discussed the possibility of accepting a buyout from the New York Knicks. The former Suns' star said he will wait until after the All-Star break to make a final decision but it makes sense for him to want to play for a contender instead of staying with a Knicks team that is looking to transition away from Stoudemire's era. A stint on a better team would also improve his chances of landing a good contract on the team of his choice next season when he becomes a free agent. The Clippers are reportedly in the mix but Dallas is the frontrunner at this point.
For the Mavericks, Stoudemire's skill set fits what they want from a bench big perfectly. He has lost the explosiveness that made him a star but can still finish on the pick and roll and can provide a post presence when Dirk Nowitzki rests. It's on defense where the fit is less seamless, as a frontcourt of Nowitzki and Stoudamire would struggle protecting the rim and on the boards. For that reason, the Mavericks are also reportedly interested in signing veteran free agent Jermaine O'Neal.
O'Neal has been training on his own all season after sitting out the first half trying to decide whether to retire or not. It seems he's leaning to giving it one more go and is working out in Dallas. Even at this age O'Neal is a decent defender and rebounder. Last season as a part of the Golden State Warriors he averaged 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds on 20 minutes per game.
Trade Rumors
George Karl wants to coach the Magic
George Karl has made it abundantly clear he wants to get back to coaching. With Jacque Vaughn recently being fired from the Magic, there’s now and opening in Orlando and Karl has put his name out there as a candidate via his Twitter account: “It’s no secret I would love the opportunity to coach one more time. Love the skills and speed of the Magic and the great young players throughout the league,” Karl wrote.
It's unclear if the interest is mutual at this point. Interim coach James Borrego took over after Vaughn left and the Magic, which are not close to the playoffs, could decide to wait until the offseason.
That was the Sacramento Kings' plan after firing Michael Malone, but with the situation there deteriorating quickly, Karl could emerge as an option as well this season. Nothing seems imminent but it looks like Karl could have the opportunity he's been seeking sooner rather than later.
The Atlanta Hawks are the best team in the league right now, thanks in no small part to their shooting ability. Everyone is a threat from outside and they have the league’s premier marksman in Kyle Korver. Adding Ray Allen would almost be unfair but it looks like the Hawks are looking to do that, having recently talked to his representative according to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Hawks lost Thabo Sefolosha for six to eight weeks with a right calf strain and have been receiving good production from Kent Bazemore in his stead but bolstering their depth with a shooter of Allen's caliber makes sense now that they are a serious contender. Nothing is imminent and Allen has received interest from many teams, so he might spurn Atlanta and sign elsewhere. With the way the Hawks are playing, however, they are probably on the 39-year-old's shortlist.
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