RUMOR HAS IT…

Today's section is geared exclusively towards the latest rumors floating around the NBA …

Who's Left?  Most of the fireworks have gone off for the summer.  Elton Brand switched coasts.  Baron Davis moved from Northern to Southern California.  Luol Deng and the Chicago Bulls came to terms.  Josh Smith finally got an offer sheet for the Atlanta Hawks to match.

As rosters begin to finalize, a number of free agents still remain:

1) Andre Iguodala (restricted):  It would appear Iguodala will eventually take the path of Deng and Smith.  The Memphis Grizzlies needed a four (in Smith) more than they need a guard/forward, so Iguodala may have no choice but to either accept what the Philadelphia 76ers are offering or take the team's one-year qualifying offer.  At this point the Sixers appear to be his only option.

2) Ben Gordon (restricted):  The Chicago Bulls do not appear willing to pass the luxury tax threshold to add on a player they may no longer need.  Depending on how quickly point guard Derrick Rose blossoms, Chicago is already set in the backcourt. 

In addition to Rose, the Bulls have Kirk Hinrich, Larry Hughes and Thabo Sefolosha.  A huge salary to Gordon doesn't appear to make sense for Chicago.

The one team capable of giving Gordon an offer sheet of any magnitude (Memphis Grizzlies) has absolutely no need for a 6'2" scoring guard.

It's looking more and more like Gordon has no choice but to take the team's one-year qualifying offer.

3) JR Smith (restricted):  Smith appears to be somewhat patient with the process.  The odds are he'll end up re-signing with the Denver Nuggets.  The question is when and how much?

4) Delonte West (restricted):  West is following the path of Anderson Varejao and Aleksandar Pavlovic, who both fought lengthy battles with the Cleveland Cavaliers last summer as restricted free agents.

West has reportedly contemplated going overseas or accepting the team's qualifying offer.

As badly as the Cavs need a point guard, they appear willing to let the restricted process play itself out.  Meanwhile they are active on the phones looking to acquire a one via trade.

West's future is hard to predict since he may be the most likely sign-and-trade candidate on the list, assuming Cleveland can find a team willing to send them a replacement point guard.

5) Carl Landry (restricted):  The young power forward remains a candidate for a full Mid-Level Exception offer, forcing the Houston Rockets to either match or let him go.  Unfortunately for Landry, a big offer hasn't come.

The bigger problem for Landry is that he'll be a restricted free agent next year - and the year after.  Taking the one-year tender doesn't help him get any closer to a payday unless he can entice a team to make him a big offer - and he may not get the minutes necessary to do that this coming season with Houston's addition of Ron Artest.

Perhaps Landry's agent can bait the Grizzlies into solving his dilemma - otherwise overseas may be his best option.

6) Jannero Pargo:  A nice spark off the bench, Pargo is more shooting guard than point despite his 6'1" frame.  He's been linked to the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns but oddly not the New Orleans Hornets.

It's easy to remember his season-ending, 18-point performance in Game 7 against the Spurs, but throughout the series he averaged just seven points and shot 27.9% from the field.

Pargo can be a nice change of pace off the bench but he's more of a volume scorer than shooter - and not an ideal playmaker.

For a team like the Spurs who struggled for offense, he might make a lot of sense.  It's hard to picture him running the Phoenix offense behind Steve Nash.

7) Quinton Ross: An under the radar steal for a playoff team looking to add a perimeter defender.  Ross has had success as a Los Angeles Clipper slowing down elite scorers at three positions.  His former team has moved on with a revamped roster and Ross' destination at this point is unclear.

8) Dikembe Mutombo: The league's elder statesman is looking for the Houston Rockets to pay him more than the minimum.  If they don't, perhaps retirement looms.  Despite his age, he may be worth it. 

At issue is the league's contribution towards a minimum salary - which the Rockets would not get if Mutombo signed for more.

9) Bonzi Wells: Fair or not, Wells carries with him a reputation for being somewhat prickly in the clubhouse.  He's still a capable basketball player and will get a job before the end of October.

10) Michael Finley: The aging guard will land on a roster before the season begins.  He's reportedly looking for a spot with a contender.   If he doesn't return to the Spurs (who appear to be moving on), Finley could end up playing a valuable role in limited minutes for a playoff team.

Bonus 11) Robert Horry: So far there hasn't been much buzz as to where Horry lands.  He is reportedly looking to either stay with the Spurs or join the Houston Rockets or Los Angeles Lakers.  To date, there haven't been any signs that any of the three teams are willing to save a roster spot for the aging power forward.  Even though he's on the verge of retiring, Horry may still have one more playoff clincher in him.

Others:  Elton Brown, Shaun Livingston, Alonzo Mourning, Dorell Wright (restricted), Salim Stoudamire, Sam Cassell, Devin Brown, Devean George, Jamaal Magloire, Theo Ratliff, David Harrison, Flip Murray, DJ Mbenga and Gordan Giricek