“[Nobody’s] reached out to me. I’m just waiting… I just want to be able to play basketball again; I don’t care if it’s the bench or not.” the 7-time All Star said to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, as he waits a contract buyout from the Detroit Pistons, after he signed a 2-year-deal that is worth$17,894,491, according to the specialized site Spotrac.

Now, he will have to wait outside the court for an offer that could lead him to any other NBA franchise, but maybe that wouldn’t be possible, as he hasn’t even played in the NBA preseason, where he could have shown some of his skills. So, theseother four players are in the same situation as him.

NBA: Former All-Stars forced to stop playing ahead of the 2022-23 NBA Season

1. Carmelo Anthony

Despite Carmelo Anthony had a pretty decent season, the Los Angeles Lakers decided not to offer him a new contract. As a 38-year-old, Carmelo didn’t have any offers during the summer. That’s why the 10-time All-Starwill have to wait until it comes, otherwise he could be force to retire.

2. Dwight Howard

The Los Angeles Lakersbackup center Dwight Howard had to step up last season due to Anthony Davis’ injury. He didn’t made bad performance, but it wasn’t enought to offer him another contract, despite his salary. As a 36-year-old and 8-time All-Star, Howard could be in his final years of activity, but he still has to wait for an offer from any team to continue to play.

3. LaMarcus Aldridge

After a bad season in Brooklyn Nets, LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t get any chances to prove himself. The 7-time All-Star center played 47 games throughout last season, but he didn’t made an impact as expected. Now, without any NBA offers, its uncertain what is going to be his next step.

4. Kemba Walker

The 7-time All-Star Kemba Walker has been down the road throughout his 11-year NBA career. Boucing back and forth in between NBA franchises in the last three seasons without any major role, despite he has the talent and the skills needed. Now, he will have to wait until a good offer comes if he wants to continue for another year in the NBA.

5. DeMarcus Cousins

The 4-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins has bounced between four different NBA franchises just in the last three seasons. With just 48 games played in the last season, the 32-year-old hasn’t found any offer yet to play in the next season. Although, there’s no need to prove anything, the time is running out for him.

6. Michael Carter-Williams

The bonus track for this list is Michael Carter-Williams, who isn’t an All-Star, but he was the 2014 Rookie Of Year award winner. Already 8 years ago, a good prospect for the league, that eventually has beenwith six different NBA franchises, but hasn’t fullfilled the expectations. As a 30-year-old, Carter-Williams won’t be part of the 2022-23 NBA Season.

But all sports are a ruthless business, and basketball isn’t the exception to that rule. You can be on top of the world one day, then barely see the hardwood next season. Being a former star doesn’t grant you anything.

That’s why some players who were once considered franchise cornerstones may not even be on a team’s roster by the start of next season. Here, we’ll talk about three former All-Stars who could be forced to retire now.

NBA Rumors: 3 Former All-Stars That Could Retire Now

3. LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge was the leading scorer in the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs, but he could never reach the NBA Finals. He joined the Brooklyn Nets and was forced to retire with a heart condition, and now could be out of the league for good.

Aldridge outplayed Blake Griffin and took away his minutes with the Nets, but he’s still unsigned even though they need more depth and size at the four and the five. He’s 37 years old already, so he’s unlikely to be signed.

2. DeMarcus Cousins

There was a point where DeMarcus Cousins was the most dominant big man in the league, and it wasn’t even close. The saddest part is that it wasn’t that long ago, and he would still be a force if it wasn’t for injuries.

Cousins is also one of the unluckiest players in recent memory. He joined contenders trying to win a ring with a lesser role, yet neither of his teams was able to go the distance. Today, he’s still not signed and may not find a new home.

1. Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin was the franchise cornerstone for the Los Angeles Clippers, but everything went south for him as soon as he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. Constant injuries and a lack of motivation took a toll on his career.

Griffin is no longer the high-hopping dunk machine he used to be. He’s lost that quickness and is not much of a factor on the defensive end of the floor. So, the former first-overall pick could be out of the league at age 33.

This season, however, they’ll have to live up to the expectations they created last year. The Heat proved they could be contenders, yet it seems they are still a few miles away from a championship.

Unsurprisingly, they look interested in adding another star to their roster, with Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell atop their wish list. But Pat Riley could also explore free agency, as an NBA executive reportedly told Heavy.com that LaMarcus Aldridge could move to South Beach this summer.

Rumor: LaMarcus Aldridge could land in Miami

“Aldridge is 37 now, it would not be a surprise if he decided on retiring,” an Eastern Conference executive told Heavy’s NBA Insider Sean Deveney. “But he still can score. He still has some value out there. He would be a nice fit in Boston, just as a guy who can knock down some shots and step in when Rob Williams or [Al] Horford needs a break. [Milwaukee] Bucks and Heat, too. Every team in the East, at the top of the East.

“Miami needs that one piece, that one big guy to push them over the top. Aldridge could take some of P.J. Tucker’s minutes, though he is obviously not on the same level as a defender. But he can shoot it. Miami needs depth there. He’s not going to be a starter, but he can help.”

P.J. Tucker proved last year how a veteran presence can help Miami. With Tucker in Philadelphia, the Heat could use the arrival of another experienced player. Aldridge turned them down last year to join the Nets, but now he may reconsider after seeing how far the Heat can go.

A couple of weeks into the season, the Nets became even scarier by trading for James Harden and putting together one of the most impressive offensive juggernauts in basketball history. But that wasn’t enough.

The Nets continued to make moves and recently completed the signings of two former All-Stars in Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge, prompting a huge debate online regarding the credibility of this superteam.

Bronny James Mocks The Brooklyn Nets

And, clearly, the James household is unfazed by the Brooklyn Nets’ efforts to dethrone LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, as Bronny James recently shared a meme mocking the Nets with the caption “All this to stop a 36-year-old man in year 18”.

Obviously, there are many teams to beat en route to an NBA championship and the Nets would still have to get through the Eastern Conference. Then again, it’s not a secret that LeBron James continues to be the guy to beat in the league until further notice.

At least, the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t just sit around waiting and proceeded to sign Andre Drummond after he was bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers, finally solving their issues at the center position.

Perhaps the Lakers and Nets won’t even make the Finals, which would be a huge bust considering the moves they’ve made. What’s clear is that those stacked superteams aren’t going to go away any time soon, regardless of how fans feel about superstars teaming up to win a ring and how it may affect the players’ legacies once it’s all said and done.

Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra have done an outstanding job of putting together a competitive team that meshes around perfectly. They feature nothing but hard-working team players that are willing to put their bodies on the line on every single possession.

Nonetheless, it was clear that they also needed another All-Star caliber player to lean on when things get hard, and they’ve been linked with almost every available star in the league since the start of the season.

NBA Trade Rumors: Miami Heat Will Land Kyle Lowry, Victor Oladipo, Or LaMarcus Aldridge

Now, Matt Moore ofAction Network reported that Pat Riley is working around the clock to bring not one but two All-Stars to South Beach, from a shortlist that includes Kyle Lowry, Victor Oladipo, and LaMarcus Aldridge:

“More than one league source has said they believe the Heat will end up with Lowry and Aldridge OR Oladipo and Aldridge (Oladio reported today by Woj). Just a growing sense among teams not involved directly in those talks,” Moore said.

It’s not a secret that Lowry has been on the trade block for the past couple of months and his 3-and-D expertise would be a massive upgrade for the Heat. Aldridge isn’t going to play for the Spurs anymore so they could even wait for him after a buyout.

As for Oladipo, he’s a lock to be moved after declining a contract extension from the Houston Rockets, but the tricky part with him will be convincing him of staying with the team far beyond this season.

Whatever is the case, it seems like good-old Pat Riley is ready to be as aggressive as ever and land another star to help Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo put together another run at the NBA Finals.

Aldridge isn’t as young or as good as he was when he first left the Portland Trail Blazers but he still could be a massive boost for any contender, so he’s likely to draw plenty of attention in the trade market.

However, even though some fans and analysts believe that the Los Angeles Lakers could try and make a run at him, we just don’t see Aldridge ever wearing the purple and gold jersey, and here’s why.

The Lakers’ Free-Agency Pitch For Aldridge Was A Disaster

According to Business Insider, the Lakers’ free-agency pitch for LaMarcus Aldridge went pretty badly, with Kobe Bryant looking barely interested in his services and the front office talking about non-basketball related stuff to try and sign him:

“Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday that the Lakers initially had a 50-50 shot at Aldridge, but their pitch ultimately fell flat because Aldridge wasn’t sold on how the team would get back into championship contention,” the report started.

“That the Lakers’ appeal off the court — Los Angeles can offer good weather, celebrities, and marketing opportunities — was a bigger selling point than what they can offer on the court is a bad sign for the Lakers. With several of the NBA’s biggest free agents already signed on day one of free agency, it seems the Lakers will have to begin settling for some of the lesser names on the market,” it concluded.

And even though that the team is clearly back in contention and is coming off winning the NBA championship, Aldridge reportedly doesn’t feel comfortable with the way their front office handles business. He just doesn’t like the Lakers anymore.

Lakers Aren’t Likely To Make Trades

More than that, it’s clear that the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t trying to make trades right now. Instead, they’re reportedly going to be quite aggressive in the buyout market, with Andre Drummond as their top priority.

That’s why, regardless of how much the fans would love to see the former Blazers star in a purple and gold jersey, we just don’t see that happening.

Every single NBA team is going to be quite aggressive in the offseason, especially after the Draft. Either to trade for an All-Star or to kick start their rebuilding process, there are dozens of players that are going to be on the move in a couple of weeks.

Moreover, judging by what we’ve seen thus far around the league and the way many teams have fared throughout the season, it seems like there are going to be a few vacancies for coaching jobs as well.

So, without any further introduction, let’s take a look at the top NBA rumors and news as of August 18, 2020. Keep checking for constant updates and even more NBA related content asweeks go by.

Warriors could make a move for Myles Turner

Domantas Sabonis’ surge and his own woes have made Myles Turner hit a bit of a wall with the Indiana Pacers. And, according to Fansided, the Golden State Warriorscould try and lure him away at a discount in the summer. Let’s not ignore the fact that the Dubs have plenty of assets to pull off a move and they’ve been in the hunt for a star big man for years. Turner’s shot-blocking and shooting skills may be perfect for Steve Kerr’s system.

Jason Kidd could coach the Pelicans

Jason Kidd is currently serving as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was expected to take over if Frank Vogel didn’t fare well but now that the team is locked in as the 1st seed in the West, Kidd may take his expertise to the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN. He already did a great job at developing talent with the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks and it’s just a matter of time before he gets another shot at a head coaching gig.

Jeff Van Gundy now a candidate for the Nets

It’s been a long time since Jeff Van Gundy coached an NBA team, but his wait may come to an end pretty soon. Apparently, he’s joined Tyronn Lue and Jason Kidd as the top candidates for the coaching job at the Brooklyn Nets, as per Shams Charania of Stadium. Van Gundy last coached the Houston Rockets in 2007.

Warriors to pursue Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon has constantly been in the trade block but somehow the Orlando Magic has held on to him. Now, it seems like the Golden State Warriors would be willing to part ways with Eric Paschall and several assets to wrap their hands around the former 4th overall pick of the Draft. Anthony Slater of The Athletic reported that Gordon would welcome a move out of Orlando, but Jonathan Isaac’s long-term injury may force them to keep him around.

LaMarcus Aldrige to go back to Portland

LaMarcus Aldridge struggled early in his stint with the San Antonio Spurs but it seems like he’s finally come together for Gregg Popovich’s team. Even so, it’s not a secret that Damian Lillard wants him to join the Portland Trail Blazers again, and Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report recently claimed that they could send Rodney Hood and Trevor Ariza to the Spurs in return for the All-Star.

Cavaliers to pursue Ben Simmons

There have been plenty of doubts regarding the ability of Ben Simmons to coexist with Joel Embiid. Even so, there’s no sign that the Philadelphia 76ers are ready to break ‘the process up’. However, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported that the ClevelandCavaliersbelieve they have a ‘strong offer’ to get the Australian star this offseason. It’ll likely include multiple first-round picks, prospects, and/or Kevin Love.