NBA Rumors: Hottest Buzz Regarding Hassan Whiteside, Dragan Bender and More

With so many teams watching the NBA Finals from home, the Association continues to charge ahead toward one of its most popular periods. 

Said period is rumor season, where every team has a positive outlook and countless ways to improve the roster and take a step toward title contention next year. Whether it’s trades or free agency or the draft, even teams without a pick—such as the New York Knicks—can find a way to get in the conversation.

It’s why folks hear about rebuilding squads such as the Knicks, major prospects such as Dragan Bender and even hot upcoming free agents, this time led by Hassan Whiteside.

Below, let’s take a look at the hottest rumblings making the rounds so people have an easy time keeping up with the quickest-changing period of the year.

 

The Bismack Biyombo Market

Most wrote off the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers with Jonas Valanciunas hurt.

Toronto managed to take it to six games, though, in large part thanks to the emergence of 2011 first-round pick Bismack Biyombo, a 23-year old defensive enforcer who before the promotion was nothing more than an energy guy off the bench.

After averaging 5.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 22 minutes per game during the regular season, Biyombo suited up for an average of 31.3 minutes against the Cavaliers and managed 6.3, 10.3 and 1.8 in those same categories, respectively. Over two Toronto wins, he pulled down 40 total rebounds.

Toronto would obviously like to keep Biyombo around, but it’s also safe to say the rest of the league saw the performance, and interest has hit a new high.

It’s why Sportsnet.ca hears the Raptors might have a hard time keeping the big man around: “Toronto might very well lose Bismack Biyombo, who I’m hearing could be the first contract signed this summer that really surprises people.”

This figures to come down to cash. Toronto doesn’t have the most dough to offer because it’s going into an offseason where keeping DeMar DeRozan in town looks like the top priority. This opens a window for someone to come in and steal Biyombo for the right price.

According to Andrew Walker of Sportsnet 590 The Fan, Biyombo is open …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com