Your NBA Rumor and News Roundup for July 3rd

What does Shane Battier throwing out the first pitch at a Miami Marlins game a few days ago have to do with the latest NBA free agent and trade rumors? Nothing! But it's a great way to jump into all the speculation surrounding the possible moves around the league.

There's a ton of 'sources' giving a ton of information to all the big shots out there, so let's round it up into one useful place. Let's kick it off with the new villain of the NBA, Dwight Howard. As we mentioned earlier, the Howard to the Nets thing is still alive. But the Nets aren't the only ones making a play for Dwight. According to ESPN sources, the Orlando Magic are also considering deals with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets and the Atlanta Hawks. I doubt any of those will take Howard, since he's adamant he won't sign an extension with anyone but the Nets.

Speaking of the Hawks, dumping Joe Johnson and his ridiculous contract yesterday wasn't their only move. New GM Danny Ferry made another trade, getting rid of Marvin Williams and getting Devin Harris from the Utah Jazz. Williams was the number two pick in the 2005 draft after one year at North Carolina, but just hasn't ever come into his own. He looked like a sure thing coming out of college, yet never really fulfilled expectations.

That move apparently made Josh Smith happy, who was rumored to want out of Atlanta. Now Smith likes what Ferry is doing in his short time running the team and thinks they can rebuild.

37-year-olds with tons of playoff experience are a hot commodity it seems. Ray Allen is getting pitches from the Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Clippers, and his most recent team, the Boston Celtics. The Celtics can offer the most money, but the Heat can offer a legit title shot. The Clippers with Allen, and the return of Lamar Odom, would be a real threat in the West.

Derek Fisher finished the season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and was thought to be a lock to remain there. But now the Chicago Bulls are reportedly interested in Fisher, as well as the coming-out-of-retirement Brandon Roy. The Bulls are going to be without star Derrick Rose for a big part of the season as he recovers from ACL surgery...but Derek Fisher? I don't see how he would help them that much.

The Celtics supposedly are interested in Jason Terry. Terry is still solid, but he's 34-years-old and the Celtics aren't getting any younger. They just inked Kevin Garnett to another three-year deal, so they could use some more youth.

And finally, Rashard Lewis and the Heat are flirting with each other. Lewis of course should be interested in heading to South Beach, where the chances of winning a ring are as good as anywhere. Miami is probably going to lose Mike Miller, who hinted at retirement because of health issues, and Lewis would be an upgrade at the small forward spot.