NBA Rumors, News 2014: Knicks, Bulls, Cavs, Heat, 76ers, and Suns; Plus the Latest on Derrick Rose's Knee Injury
Carmelo Anthony was close to leaving the New York Knicks for a championship contender like the Chicago Bulls but decided to stay because "this is home," according to a news report from the Washington Post. Speaking at a charity basketball game at Barclays Center last Thursday, Anthony said, "I could never leave this. Too much love here." Regarding the Knicks chances to make the playoffs next season, he said, "I think we will have a much better season than we did last year. As far as putting a number on the games we want to win, it's hard to say that right now. But as far as us feeling good about this upcoming season, the way we feel I'm confident in what we're about to create. I believe we will be in the postseason." Coach Phil Jackson has been trying to create a Triangle offense for the Knicks since he took over in March.
The Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose's knee injury did not keep him from seeing action at Friday's exhibition game against Puerto Rico. Coming off the bench, Rose made his presence felt, contributing six points and four assists in about 13 minutes of action. Team USA won the match 112-86. There is still one final exhibition left to play before the FIBA World Cup kicks off August 30, with USA starting against Finland.
In other NBA news, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Philadelphis 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves completed a trade Saturday which among others will see power forward Kevin Love heading from Minnesota to Cleveland. Minnesota will be getting No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins along with Anthony Bennet from Cleveland, Thaddeus Young from Philadelphia a $6.3 million trade exception. The 76ers get 2015 first-round draft choice Alexey Schved and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute from Minnesota.
Still in other news and rumors, Michael Beasley won't be with the Miami Heat next season according to Ira Winderman of Sun Sentinel. In fact says the report, Beasley's No. 8 has already been assigned to newcomer Shawnee Williams. Eric Bledsoe of the Phoenix Suns may also be up for a sign-and-trade deal after contract negotiations apparently failed. Rumors also have it that another trade being talked about is between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers which would include Amare Stoudemire.
