NBA Rumors: Adam Silver, Iman Shumpert And More From All-Star Weekend
NBA rumors continue surfacing from the All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. The latest news updates revolve around the NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Iman Shumpert and more.
Adam Silver
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the league as part of his annual state-of-the-league address made during All-Star Weekend.
Among many topics, Silver said the minimum age limit needs to be studied more. The Commissioner acknowledged that the issue might need to be analyzed outside of collective bargaining, per ESPN.
Silver said he and Players Union Executive Director Michele Roberts both would like to change the NBA’s minimum age from 19. Silver said his traditional position includes raising the age limit from 19 to 20, while Roberts’ stated position includes lowering it to 18. However, Silver said the issue is deeper than that.
The Commissioner said it requires all of the constituent groups to be at the table. Silver said that he has a better understanding of the issue by talking to young players in the league who understand the academic and basketball implications of changing the age limit.
Further, Silver said that he does not want to overreact to the single-digit averages of players that enter the NBA after only a season in the NCAA. He also said the complex issues requires a new look and approach from the league and union.
Nonetheless, no changes were made to the age limit via the latest collective bargaining agreement that was agreed upon in December. The new CBA takes effect on July 1st and neither side can opt out before the end of the 2022-23 season. Thus, both the NBA and players association could take a closer look at the issue over the next few years.
Digest: Adam Silver talked Oakley, Kyrie, age limit, travel ban & more at his annual All-Star press conference https://t.co/J9nicd9hmf pic.twitter.com/i3vQL9lVgO
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 19, 2017
Otherwise, Silver also touched on future All-Star Games via his state-of-the-league address, per Hoops Rumors. Silver said Charlotte could be considered for future All-Star Weekends since this year’s festivities were moved from Charlotte to New Orleans due to the NBA’s opposition to North Carolina’s House Bill 2. The bill limits anti-discrimination protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Hence, the game could return to Charlotte in 2019 if the law is changed.
Moreover, the league will continue monitoring legislation in other states. Texas is considering a similar proposal that would limit transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice. Silver reiterated that the league-wide values of equality and inclusion are very important when selecting venues for events like the All-Star game. Thus, NBA All-Star Weekend may not come to Texas if their proposal is upheld.
Either way, we should find out more about the NBA’s age-limit over the next few seasons.
Iman Shumpert
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Iman Shumpert is in rumors again this week. ESPN’s Brian Windshorst said via a podcast that the Cavs have made Shumpert available in trade talks.
Timberwolves Interested In Iman Shumpert https://t.co/d25aIiNfY4 pic.twitter.com/OdJn7A19pa
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 19, 2017
Otherwise, Hoops Rumors shares that the Minnesota Timberwolves have the strong interest in the Cavs wing. Minnesota has been looking for veteran wing help all season, and they have the point guard depth that Cleveland needs, with Ricky Rubio, Tyus Jones, and Kris Dunn. Hence, a deal could make sense.
Shumpert is owed $31 million over the next two years, and he has a player-option for the 2018-19 season. He is averaging 7.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. The 2011 first-round pick was previously connected to the Mavericks and Timberwolves, per Hoops Hype.
More Trade Rumors
The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski speculated on several NBA trade rumors.
Wojnarowski confirmed the Boston Celtics’ interest in Jimmy Butler, per Hoops Rumors. Wojnarowski said that the teams talked about a Butler deal, but the talks did not get far.
The Celtics adding Butler to their core could mean contending in the Eastern Conference, per Wojnarowski. However, the Bulls are not ready to officially commit to the rebuilding process by giving up Butler.
Wojnarowski also listed Sixers center Jahlil Okafor, Mavericks center Andrew Bogut, Brooklyn center Brook Lopez and Bucks center Greg Monroe as centers on the market. He speculates that one or two of those players might get traded before the deadline. However, there are not enough buyers for all of them to get moved.
Additionally, he speculates that the Wizards could add a wing like Lakers guard Lou Williams or Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic via one of their draft picks. Wojnarowski also says that the Suns are shopping P.J. Tucker, Tyson Chandler and Brandon Knight for young players or draft picks.
Either way, the NBA All-Star game happens tonight, and the trade deadline is Feb. 23. Any of these rumors could progress between now and then. Stay posted for more NBA rumors about Iman Shumpert and others.
[Featured Image by Mary Altaffer/AP Images]
