HoopsHype.com Rumors

Source: Report that Lakers' center and pending free agent Dwight Howard has composed a list of preferred teams is "premature." The reported list: Lakers, Rockets, Mavericks, Hawks and Warriors. Sulia

Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Dwight Howard, Free Agent 

In recent months, Harden made it clear that he was planning to recruit free agents this summer. Now, with free agency still roughly six weeks away, he’s already starting to call and text some potential targets for Houston to sell them on the city, situation and future. Most free agents, including Howard, are big fans of Harden’s game and have a lot of respect for the up-and-coming shooting guard. On Wednesday afternoon, Harden confirmed via his Twitter account that he has been recruiting some players. HoopsWorld

Houston Rockets, Free Agency, Free Agent 

Despite considerable success and progress in his two seasons as coach, Del Negro was unable to withstand a first-round Western Conference loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and a free agent-to-be superstar, Chris Paul, who wanted a different coach, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Del Negro did not have a contract beyond this season. Yahoo! Sports

Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Paul, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Free Agent 

Grunwald said the Knicks will not be able to do sign-and-trade this summer to acquire a free agent because of the new CBA rules. However, if one of their current free agents wants to do a sign-and-trade to depart, the Knicks are permitted. In other words, they can do a sign-and-trade with Chris Copeland and get back an asset. New York Post

New York Knicks, Trade, Glen Grunwald, Free Agent, Chris Copeland 

The free agent workouts will include drills and five-on-five. Other notable free agents such as Josh Howard, Christian Eyenga and Rasual Butler will also be participating in the pro-day, which will be held at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas. HoopsWorld

Free Agency, Josh Howard, Rasual Butler, Cuttino Mobley, Las Vegas, Christian Eyenga, Impact Basketball, Free Agent 

At least that is the opinion of Sports Illustrated NBA insider Chris Mannix. With Phil Jackson bowing out as a Nets coaching candidate, Van Gundy is commonly considered the most attractive NBA coaching free agent on the market. Even so, Mannix says Brooklyn is not interested in SVG. "I've spoken to sources who've told me ... Stan Van Gundy is not a candidate," Mannix said on our Open Mike radio show. "It's possible that Jeff Van Gundy could get a call, but from what I understand Stan Van Gundy is not a top candidate for that job." Orlando Sentinel

Los Angeles Lakers, Free Agency, Phil Jackson, Stan Van Gundy, Jeff Van Gundy, Free Agent 

Marc Stein: Of first 10 teams surveyed anonymously, only four are convinced that Jason Collins will be in the league next season. Other six have doubts Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, Free Agent 

Marc Stein: Another team sees "100 percent chance" Collins on NBA roster in 2013-14 cause "he can still play." Another: Weak free-agent C crop helps too Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, Free Agent 

Marc Stein: Sense I get is Wiz obviously won't make Jason Collins one of their free-agent priorities but would be very receptive to bringing him back Twitter @ESPNSteinLine

Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, Free Agent 

Chris Mannix: Five executives from NBA teams weigh in with the same opinion: If we think Collins can play, we will sign him. Sexuality not an issue. Twitter @ChrisMannixSI

Washington Wizards, Jason Collins, Free Agent 

Rick Bonnell: Restricted FA Gerald Henderson said he "wants to stay here for sure." But also said the chance to win is a priority. Twitter @rick_bonnell

Charlotte Bobcats, Gerald Henderson, Free Agent 

Russian point guard Alexey Shved should wait another year before accepting any offers from NBA teams, the coach of the Russian national team (David Blatt) said Tuesday. RIA Novosti

David Blatt, Alexey Shved, Free Agent 

Blatt compared Shved’s situation to that of Jeremy Pargo, whom he coached at Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv before Pargo moved to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2011 but failed to break into the team. “I told him ‘You need to wait one more season, to be a lead player another year before you make the jump.’ He went, he didn’t play a minute the whole season, he didn’t even dress in the playoffs,” Blatt said. RIA Novosti

Memphis Grizzlies, David Blatt, Jeremy Pargo, Alexey Shved, Free Agent