Ryan Anderson (Photo : Stacy Revere | Getty Images Sport)
The NBA free agency rumors continue as one of the hottest commodities in the trade deadline weighs his options.
Ryan Anderson is arguably the best model for the league's "stretch four." As a power forward who can defend, rebound and shoot from the three point line, he was the best complement to a young Dwight Howard when they reached the NBA Finals with the Orlando Magic in 2009.
This is why he was a highly rumored name just before the trade deadline. The New Orleans Pelicans are wary of their chances to keep the would-be free agent and tried to see what they can get. In the end, they also did not want to sever ties with Anderson.
In a recent appearance in JJ Redick's podcast at The Vertical (h/t Fansided), Ryno reveals some of the teams he is considering although he is cautious to remind that he is nowhere near a decision.
"For me, I want to play all the cards. I want to enjoy this process and see where New Orleans is at this summer," Anderson said. "I want to see where, I don't know, Houston is at or Sacramento or Washington. So for me, I'm not going to say, 'Listen, I want a trade' when I don't know what's going to happen this summer."
It should also be noted that the incumbent New Orleans Pelicans have not been specifically ruled out so there's a chance that he might not leave, especially with Anthony Davis being the anchor of the team.
What factors could Anderson be considering for his choice? Money is a factor as he is not a unanimous max contract candidate, but he could be looking for a system where he can thrive. It should be noted that the three teams he mentioned have undergone coaching changes this offseason. Does Anderson have a preference?
The Sacramento Kings were unusually decisive in hiring Dave Joerger and the Washington Wizards had a high-profile hire in Scott Brooks but the jury's still out on the Houston Rockets. The latest buzz from Adrian Wojnaorowski of Yahoo Sports is that Jeff Van Gundy, brother of Stan who coached Anderson in Orlando, is out of the running.
"Van Gundy had serious interest in the Rockets' coaching opening, but the process ended Tuesday without the two sides ever sitting down to talk, league sources told The Vertical," Wojnarowski wrote.
The report also named Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Mike D' Antoni as the new frontrunner for the job. D'Antoni was the former head coach of the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and LA Lakers.
