NBA Notebook: Rondo A Rocket?

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It's been one of the craziest NBA off seasons in recent memory and it's only just begun. As the NBA rookies prepare themselves for the grind of the regular season during the summer league. NBA GMs wheel and deal hoping to procure a piece or two to improve their roster.

As usual the Boston Celtics find themselves in the thick of the action. Last night the Boston Herald reported that the Celtics are currently in discussion with the Houston Rockets for Rajon Rondo. Houston has been extremely active as they are also rumored to be interested in trading for Kevin Love among others.

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Only Two Years For James

ESPN reported Monday that the Lebron James will only sign a two year agreement with the Cavs. James is expected to seek as much financial compensation as possible. By keeping himself under such a short term deal he will be a free agent again at exactly the most opportune time. The league is expected to expand the league's salary cap again after the 2015-2016 season.

James would then be eligible for an expanded larger contract.


Vegas Odds

Almost immediately after Lebron James announced he'd be returning to Clevland the Cavaliers became the favorite according to Las Vegas to win next season's NBA championship.

This year's champs, the Spurs are second followed by the Thunder, Bulls and Clippers.

Miami currently is listed at a 75 - 1 chance of winning it all in 2014 -2015.


Retiring?

39 year old veteran guard Ray Allen is considering retirement. After spending the last few seasons with the now debunked big three in Miami, Allen is unlikely to join a non contender or even return to Miami no matter who they sign. Although sources have indicated that has entertained the thought of joining Lebron in Cleveland.


Pistons Add Depth

Former Chicago Bull D.J. Augustin has agreed to terms with the Detroit Piston. The deal is said to be worth $6 million over two years, this according to Yahoo Sports.

Augustin will primarily back up Brandon Jennings adding some much needed depth to the Detroit squad.

US Announces 2014 Roster

Derrick Rose's to begin NBA comeback in a USA uniform. Rose and four returnees from the 2012 Olympic men's basketball champions were among the 19 players selected Monday for this summer's national team.

Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, James Harden and Anthony Davis were the four holdovers from London, and there were new additions of Toronto's DeMar DeRozan and Chandler Parsons, who is leaving Houston for Dallas.

Players will report to training camp this month in Las Vegas, where Rose will try to show he's recovered from his latest knee surgery.

"We'd like to see him play like the Derrick of old, because he's one of the best players in the world, an MVP in the NBA," coach Mike Krzyzewski said during a conference call. "What we've heard is that he's in great shape."

The rest of the roster:  Kyrie Irving (Cleveland), Blake Griffin (Clippers), Paul George (Indiana), Damian Lillard (Portland), Gordon Hayward (Utah), DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento), Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson (Golden State), Bradley Beal (Washington), Andre Drummond (Detroit), Kenneth Faried (Denver) and Kyle Korver (Atlanta).

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said the roster could be trimmed to 15 after the camp in Las Vegas that begins July 28, with the final 12 selected before the Americans depart for the World Cup of Basketball in Spain in late August.

The Americans previously announced a 28-player pool in January, though it was planned that players such as two-time Olympic champions LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul would sit out this summer and perhaps come back at the 2016 Summer Games.

Following the Las Vegas camp, the Americans will also train and play exhibition games in Chicago and New York before leaving for Spain.

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