NBA Trade Rumors: Preseason Buzz on Michael Carter-Williams, Al Horford and More

Exactly two weeks stand between now and the start of the NBA regular season. However, trade rumblings have started well before the opening tip.

Several stars around the league are already being rumored on the market, but some have been talked about for months now.

Michael Carter-Williams was apparently being shopped during the 2014 NBA draft, while Al Horford's name was being tossed around last season. Along with those two, Timofey Mozgov has also been a popular target for a while but to no avail for those teams.

Before the regular season officially begins, here's a look at some of the latest trade buzz from around the league.

Michael Carter-Williams

Last season, Carter-Williams won the NBA Rookie of the Year award—and it wasn't even close. The former Syracuse guard took 104 of the 124 first-place votes as a lone bright spot for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Even with all of that, the team has reportedly been looking to move Carter-Williams since the draft. Zach Lowe of Grantland reported the trade rumors surrounding the Sixers guard:

They tried hard during the draft, but they couldn’t draw the trove they envisioned or guarantee that the player they wanted with an acquired pick would be there, per several league sources. Expect Philly to repeat the exercise. It’s not a shot at Carter-Williams, or even a signal that the Sixers are dying to trade him. He may well end up a long-term cog in Philly.

Currently, Carter-Williams is still recovering from a shoulder injury that was reported in May. But what MCW did prior to the injury was sensational, finishing 2014 with 16.7 points, 6.3 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game.

To think that the 76ers would be willing to trade that type of talent seems outrageous, but Lowe apparently believes the talks will continue. Philly may have several talented young prospects in Nerlens Noel, K.J. McDaniels and Joel Embiid, but Carter-Williams is an emerging star.

He shouldn't be going anywhere, but that doesn't mean the Sixers might not look to sell high. If the franchise is going to make a serious push in the future, Carter-Williams should be the one leading the charge.

Al Horford

After nearly 10 months off the court due to a torn pectoral muscle, Horford finally made his return to the court on Tuesday night. However, the Atlanta Hawks star might not be remaining with the team this season.

The two-time All-Star has apparently been on the block since the 2013-14 season despite the injury. Lowe shared more on the rumors about Horford in his report:

It happened in stealth mode last season, when the Hawks reached out to a select group and made it known that Horford could be had for the right price — including an unprotected 2014 first-round pick, per several league sources. Nothing materialized, and Horford is ready to return from another torn pectoral muscle. ....

If the ownership situation changes before the deadline, there’s no telling what stance the Hawks might take with Horford, Jeff Teague, or anyone else. Teams will inquire about Horford either way.

Last season was mostly a lost one for Horford as he played in only 29 games, but he had his best statistical season in 2012-13. Averaging 17.4 points and 10.2 rebounds, Horford posted career highs in both categories.

Ethan J. Skolnick of Bleacher Report noted just how important his return is for Atlanta:

Horford returns to a team that finished 38-44 and pushed the Indiana Pacers to the brink in the playoffs. Having the franchise's leading rebounder and second-leading scorer from the previous season back, the Hawks have a chance to make serious noise in the East.

With the possibility of making a playoff run, Horford should be a staple for the team this season and moving forward. Unless a huge offer is on the table or a meltdown occurs, the 28-year-old's future should be in Atlanta.

Timofey Mozgov

Teams have been calling, but the Denver Nuggets haven't budged on moving Mozgov since last season. The 7'1" center stepped up last season, and apparently the rest of the NBA took notice.

Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post reported recent rumors on Mozgov. 

"During the past calendar year, Mozgov arguably has been the Nuggets' most-coveted trade asset," Dempsey wrote. "Teams called last winter and throughout the summer. That's not likely to change, because with a $4.6 million salary, Mozgov is one of the best bangs for the buck in the NBA."

In 2013-14, Mozgov proved to be a viable option down low for the Nuggets. His 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game were both career highs when given the chance to start in 30 games.

Nuggets coach Brian Shaw referenced the depth at the center position and Mozgov's talent, via Dempsey:

We have the luxury of having big guys that I think can grow into being pretty good in the traditional way of playing, if we need to play that way. ... 

[Mozgov]'s been my favorite. Just because as a coach, he's kind of like a coach's dream. He does everything that you ask him to do. It's nice to see when it pays off.

It's clear what Shaw thinks of his two centers, so he would love to have the rotation of the big men. But with the rest of the league constantly calling, an enticing package might put that duo in jeopardy.

If both players are healthy, the Nuggets have two great centers 28 years old or younger at their disposal. Having a tandem like that will prove difficult for the Western Conference, so keeping Mozgov in Denver is clearly the better choice for the team.

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