NBA rumors and buzz for Thursday, Feb. 26
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:
• Report: Carmelo Anthony doubted Derrick Rose's health during free agency
Marc Berman of the New York Post reports Anthony told people close to him that if he signed with the Bulls "there was still no guarantee he would win a title because Rose’s long-term health was an issue." Rose will undergo surgery after injuring the meniscus in his right knee for the second straight season.
• Report: Bulls have 'exploratory discussions' with Nate Robinson
After it was reported on Wednesday that Robinson was interested in joining the team, Shams Charania of RealGM reports the two sides have had preliminary talks about him joining the team. Robinson was bought out by the Celtics last month and played for the Bulls during the 2012-2013 season.
• Report: Kings' Darren Collison could miss rest of season with hip injury
Collison, 27, has not played since Feb. 5, and Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports reports he is unlikely to play again this season. In his first season in Sacramento, Collison has averaged 16.1 points, 5.6 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 47.3 percent from the field.
• Report: Vince Carter planning to return to practice in 7-10 days
Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears reports Carter is close to returning to practice, but there is no timetable for his return to the lineup. Carter, 38, has not played since January because of a torn tendon in his left foot. In 44 games this season, he has averaged 6.0 points while shooting 33.4 percent from the field.
• Celtics' Danny Ainge calls out Jared Sullinger's conditioning
During an appearance on the Toucher and Rich Show, Ainge said Sullinger was the only player on the team that didn't meet his conditioning goals. Sullinger averaged 14.4 points and 8.1 rebounds this season, but a stress fracture in his left foot has ended his season. On Wednesday, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE reported Sullinger said he needed to "change his physique" heading into next season.
• Report: Former Trail Blazers forward Victor Claver could sign with Real Madrid
After being traded by the Trail Blazers and released by the Nuggets, Claver might sign with Real Madrid, David Pick of Eurobasket.com reports. He was the No. 22 pick in the 2009 draft and averaged 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in three seasons with the Trail Blazers.
