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With the NBA offseason doldrums in full swing, there simply aren’t too many juicy rumors going around.
However, there are still a few rumblings around the league about the plans that certain players and teams have going into the 2012-13 season.
Let’s take a look at what new buzz is being generated this week.
Mickael Pietrus is a Wanted Man
After an impressive showing with the Boston Celtics during their surprising postseason run this past spring, the French swingman is on a number of organizations’ radars.
Jim Rogash/Getty Images
According to Chris Haynes ofCSNNW.com, at least three franchises are highly interested in acquiring the nine-year veteran. The 30-year-old is apparently as healthy as he has been in years and could still make a strong impact for a number of teams that need a solid 2 or 3.
Pietrus, who has career averages of 8.4 points on 42.7 percent field goal shooting and 35.7 percent three-point shooting, is a solid scorer that could come off the bench or even handle spot starting duty.
If he doesn’t end up with an NBA team, it’s likely that the 6’6” guard/forward will take his talents overseas, where he reportedly has a strong offer on the table, per Haynes' article.
We’ll keep you updated on B/R with any more information that comes out of the woodwork concerning the potential landing destinations for Pietrus.
Kenyon Martin Not Cheap
A few teams have K-Mart on their short lists, but apparently the 12th-year man out of Cincinnati has no interest in taking the veteran’s minimum.
According to MSG Network’s Alan Hahn, the New York Knicks are in the market for a backup PF, but don’t have the funds or the desire to make a strong push for the 6’9”, 240-pound forward.
CSNNE’s A. Sherrod Blakely also found that that Celtics’ chances of inking Martin to a deal fall somewhere between “slim” and “none”.
It’s looking like K-Mart—who spent more than half of the 2012 season with the Los Angeles Clippers in a backup role—is going to have to drop his asking price or find a team overseas to play with.
Seattle SuperSonics Back from the Dead?
It would certainly feel like Christmas in Seattle if the SuperSonics come back. Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
It’s been no secret that the city of Seattle has been pushing to make the necessary changes to revive their beloved NBA franchise, the SuperSonics.
There is now good news on that front, as David Aldridge of NBA.com is reporting that the city council approved a Memorandum of Understanding that will get the ball rolling on a new $490 million arena in the downtown area.
Chris Hansen, the principle investor, is planning to kick over half of the funding in and even put $7 million towards renovating Key Arena, the Sonics' on-and-off home since 1967.
If the league agrees to award a franchise to the city, it’s possible that they could have a home at Key until the new arena is completed.
There is still a lot of red tape to cut through, but the groundwork has been laid for the eventual triumphant return of basketball in Seattle.
article source:http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1339224-nba-rumors-latest-on-mickael-pietrus-kenyon-martin-and-more-buzz-around-league
