NBA rumors and buzz for Friday, Feb. 27
Last week's trade deadline provided a slew of last-minute moves as contenders bolstered their rosters for playoff runs and several teams made moves to set themselves up for the future. The rumors season isn't over, however, as players can still sign with teams until the end of the month and be eligible to play in the postseason. Here is the latest buzz around the Association:
• Kyrie Irving to have MRI on injured shoulder
Irving will have an MRI on Friday morning after injuring his shoulder during Thursday's victory over the Golden State Warriors. He did not travel with the team to Indianapolis and is doubtful to play against the Indiana Pacers on Friday.
• Derrick Rose to have knee surgery on Friday
Rose will have surgery on his right knee to repair a medial meniscus tear and a timetable for his return will be announced after the procedure. Chicago Bulls general manager John Paxson said the team is optimistic that Rose will be able to return this season.
• Kyle Lowry on his recent play: 'Me? I'm trash.'
Lowry was critical of himself on Thursday, saying he is "just trying to figure it out right now," ESPN's Mike Mazzeo reports. During the Toronto Raptors' recent 4-5 stretch, Lowry has averaged just 12.8 points and 5.9 assists while shooting 35.4 percent from the field and 26.1 on three pointers.
• Stan Van Gundy: Brandon Jennings 'on board' with Reggie Jackson trade
[daily_cut.nba]After Jennings was lost for the season with a torn Achilles, the Detroit Pistons acquired Jackson at the trade deadline. Despite speculation that Jennings would be unhappy with another point guard, Van Gundy said Jennings understands why the team made the move, David Mayo of MLive.com reports.
• Paul George returns to practice for first time since breaking leg
George practiced on Thursday and told Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears earlier this month that he is targeting the Pacers' March 14 game against the Boston Celtics for his return.
• Report: Amar'e Stoudemire open to returning to Suns as free agent
Stoudemire, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks last week, will be a free agent this summer and is interested in a return to the Phoenix Suns, Bleacher Report's Howard Beck reports. He played the first eight season of his career in Phoenix and has trouble staying on the floor without the team's highly regarded training staff.
• Report: LeBron James unsure why he isn't mentioned in MVP race
James dominated the Warriors to the tune of 42 points and 11 rebounds on Thursday, but he has been an afterthought in the MVP race behind Stephen Curry and James Harden. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, James "has been privately wondering why he's not more involved in the national conversation on the matter."
