NBA FanHouse walks through the Valley of the Most Likely; we shall fear no topic.Trade rumors just aren't as hot as they were last year. If you'll kindly remember -- I'm sure Chicagoans will have no problem dredging up memories -- there was an endless October of Kobe Bryant hot stove maneuvering. Tracy McGrady was slotted to go here or there. Ron Artest lived in the rumor mill. Jermaine O'Neal, Pau Gasol, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion -- all those names were batted about, along with lesser monsters like Andres Nocioni and Larry Hughes. Some of those eventually packed up, others instead met new friends in their hometown.
This year, everyone of note who's gonna move has moved. Vince Carter belongs in the discussion, but has seen nary a HoopsHype mention. Allen Iverson will take a few months to work himself onto the rumor pages. In real terms, the lower-tier assets are the rage this fall, not the kings of yesterday ... which is why it makes sense Travis Outlaw, the king of princes, might want to find himself with some rumor activity.
Outlaw, just months ago, talked about getting as many shots as Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. Umm ... It's a credit to Outlaw, really: he's worked himself into the opportunity to convince someone out there he deserves those shots. Even last season, in the middle of his breakout, he found himself mentioned in Kidd rumors. That's big fish. There's no doubt that with a spark, Outlaw can be a mild star of our beloved rumor season.
He has the perfect accomplice in Kevin Pritchard, too. Pritchard notoriously makes more offers than any other NBA GM ... and he's cozy with the press. All someone needs to do is plant the seed. If you really care about yourself us, Travis, you'll take a shot and post some tip anonymously at RealGM.
Check out Fanhouse's 2008-09 NBA Preview, homie.
