NBA Trade Rumors and News 2013: Phoenix Suns' Marcin Gortat, Miami Heat’s Norris Cole at Center of Trade Speculation

Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat and Miami Heat point guard Norris Cole are in the forefront of trade speculations roughly three weeks to go before opening night.

Gortat has been linked to multiple trade scenarios ever since the Suns drafted former Maryland Terrapins center Alex Len. Gortat averaged 11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game last season, but the Polish big man has one year left in his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Gortat was previously linked to a trade that would have seen the Suns shipping him to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for either Boris Diaw or Tiago Splitter. There are also rumors that Gortat could be traded for a player with a expiring contract.

Boston Celtics Kris Humphries ($12 million), Utah Jazz Richard Jefferson ($11 million), and Dallas Mavericks' Shawn Marion ($9.3 million) are the likely targets for the rebuilding Suns.

Meanwhile, Cole's days with the two-time defending champions look to be numbered following reports that the Heat are gauging up his trade value.

Cole, who averaged 5.6 points and 2.1 assists in 20 minutes per game with the Heat next season, is also being linked to several trade situations. The Heat picked up the option to extend Cole's contract up to 2014-15 season, but the guard is nowhere near untouchable.  

Despite the trade rumors, Cole remained focused on his current role with the Heat and believed there's nothing to worry about.

"I can't control that," Cole said to Shandel Richardson of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "The only thing I can do is control what I can control and that's to make sure I'm in the best shape, make sure I'm ready to perform and make sure when I get out there I show what I can do. Anything else, I can't control that, so I don't worry my mind about that."

"I'm comfortable with the guys, with the coaching staff, with the team," he added. "This is all I know. I'm blessed to be in this position"