NBA Rumors: Player from Each Team Who Could Be Gone Come Next Year

As we all know, the next year of the trade market and free agency in the NBA will be as active as ever. With so many players looking for a home that can better give them a chance at an NBA title, countless stars will be packing their bags and slipping on a new uniform by next year.

Whether their departure is smooth or not, players will undoubtedly be on the move and be an a better position then the one they are currently in.

Let's begin.

Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith

Josh Smith was a big trade target this past offseason and was a large piece in many potential trades.

Smith has always had struggles during his NBA career.  Smith has been called lazy and is constantly on the outs with his coach.

Smith has a play style that can fit with very few teams. He is versatile and can do a lot of things well, but he doesn't do one thing particularly great (other than defense). Smith is a beast in terms of defense and blocking shots, but on offense, he can sometimes be a liability with his poor jump-shooting and post-up skills.

Smith can be a big piece in any trade including another big name, but as of now, it seems he is happy in Atlanta.

Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo

Rondo's name is currently surrounded by rumors.

In fact, it seems all of the big-name players on the Celtics could be on the move with the Celtics being public about their willingness to blow up the Big Three.

But Rondo, as I see it, should be the most uncertain about where he'll be in a year from now.

Rondo has been mentioned in a trade for Pau Gasol, but like Josh Smith, could be traded almost anywhere with so many pieces around the NBA on the brink of being swapped.

Charlotte Bobcats: Tyrus Thomas

Tyrus Thomas turned heads during his time in Chicago, which led to thoughts that he could shine on a team that could better utilize his talents.

We all thought that team was Charlotte.

Thomas has been somewhat of a disappointment with his numbers across the boards staying almost exactly the same compared to when he was with the Bulls.

I still think he is a good player that with work on polishing his skills could be a boost for an NBA team in need of a big man, but right now, that's not what the Bobcats are getting.

The Bobcats, being the worst team in the league, will be a team that looks completely different by this time next year. That being said, Thomas could be one of the pieces the Bobcats sacrifice to improve and eventually earn a spot in the playoffs.

Chicago Bulls: No One

When you're the No. 1 team in the league, I'm pretty sure it's safe to say you don't need to make any moves.

Next.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Ramon Sessions

Ramon Sessions is an above-average NBA point guard, and the back-up point guard spot in Cleveland isn't the best place for a player of Sessions' caliber.

Sessions is fast and explosive, and overall, a gifted offensive player. Many teams could use his talents to help them make a deep playoff run.

Expect Sessions to be traded before the deadline, with the Lakers as the most-likely location.

Dallas Mavericks: Probably No One

As much as I think they could use a trade to better contend this year, the Mavericks have made it clear that a trade will most likely not happen. They want to make sure they don't have another free agency like 2011's.

...even though they could have gotten Dwight Howard.

Denver Nuggets: Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith Gone, Wilson Chandler Could Be Next

With J.R. Smith, Wilson Chandler and Kenyon Martin all signing with teams overseas during the lockout, it has lead to their late returns to the NBA.

Kenyon Martin has signed and played well with the Clippers, so he's gone.

Smith has made it public that he will sign with the Knicks, so he's gone, too.

The only player left is Wilson Chandler, who was arguably the Nuggets' best player last year after the trade of Carmelo Anthony, is left for the Nuggets to pursue.

Unfortunately, with so many teams frantically making moves scrapping for a playoff spot during this shortened NBA season, it looks like a lot of teams will also be in pursuit of Chandler. 

Detroit Pistons: Big Ben to Retire

It's hard to see a player who was so good in his prime to have his career end this way. Ben Wallace has been forgotten for nearly the past four years now due to numerous transactions and playing for one of the league's worst teams in the Detroit Pistons.

It is now official that Wallace is going to retire, and the NBA is going to be saying goodbye to one of the greatest defensive centers of all time.

Hopefully he will be recognized for his contributions to the Pistons organization during their dynasty of the early and mid-2000s and is placed in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Golden State Warrios: Monta Ellis

After being snubbed once again from the NBA All-Star Roster, Monta Ellis can't be happy in Golden State.

Ellis is one of the best scorers in the NBA up there with Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony. His name was mentioned in numerous trades during the off-season.

His name will still be among those soon-to-be-traded, so I wouldn't be surprised if Ellis ended up in a different jersey come 2013.

Houston Rockets: Jonny Flynn

The Lakers and Knicks have both shown interest in Johnny Flynn, but after the late emergence of Jeremy Lin (Linsanity!), it looks like you can cross the Knicks off that list.

Flynn is a young point guard with a lot of potential in the NBA. He's fast and can guard nearly every point guard in the league.

The Lakers are pursuing a lot of point guards, though, such as Ramon Sessions, Gilbert Arenas and Allen Iverson, so Flynn is almost more likely to stay in Houston.

Indiana Pacers: If Anyone, Paul George or Danny Granger

Plenty of teams were interested in Danny Granger last offseason, but obviously, no one landed him onto their team.

Paul George is one of the emerging stars in this league and is drawing a lot of attention for his athleticism.

The Celtics, among other teams, have made offers to the Pacers for either of the two, but the Pacers have announced the two players as untouchable. 

Los Angeles Clippers: No One

Any transactions the Clippers were going to make have already happened.

With the signings of Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler, Kenyon Martin, and a trade for Chris Paul having already happened since their season ended last year, the only move the Clippers would have made was signing J.R. Smith, who already announced he will be signing with the New York Knicks.

Next.

Los Angeles Lakers: Pau Gasol

Poor Pau Gasol...

Gasol is one of the most skilled big men in the NBA. He is one of the best power forwards in the league and has helped the Lakers win two NBA titles.

But when Phil Jackson left tinsel town, everything fell apart.

It started with the failed trade for Chris Paul, which would have sent Gasol to the Rockets and Lamar Odom to the Hornets. After the trade failed, Odom requested a trade and was sent to the Mavericks for virtually nothing. Mike Brown, Jackson's replacement, added so much to the Lakers' system that they are no longer the Western Conference powerhouse they were just last year. It is apparent that Derek Fisher cannot keep up with the young guards of the NBA, and there have been three different players who have started at small forward. The Lakers have tried to trade away Metta World Peace, but nobody wants him.

The only thing left to do is to trade Gasol for a point guard and be done with it.

Poor Pau Gasol.

Memphis Grizzlies: Probably No One

If the Grizzlies are happy where they are(sixth seed) without Zach Randolph, imagine when they get him back.

Next.

Miami Heat: What Do You Think?

The Miami Heat are widely considered the best team in the NBA and have been the favorite to win the title the second after they lost last year.

Next.

Milwaukee Bucks: Stephen Jackson

Stephen Jackson is a coach's living nightmare.

He has an attitude, he can be lazy, he's a ball-hog, and he's washed-up.

Now Jackson isn't all bad. In his years with Charlotte, Jackson was maybe its best player(offensively). He is an outstanding shooter and overall, an extremely gifted scorer.

Now, if this were maybe five years ago, a ton of teams would be calling the Bucks about "Captain Jack," but it's not.

Good luck getting rid of this one, Milwaukee(you're gonna need it).

Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Williams

It hasn't been the easiest ride for Derrick Williams, but the No. 2 pick of last year's draft has adapted well to the NBA, aiding the Timberwolves into playoff contention.

Along with Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love, the Minnesota Timberwolves almost have a "Big Three" of their own.

...and now he's trade bait.

Williams, basically being used in a potential deal twice, has almost landed on the Lakers two times.

First, right before the draft, the Lakers offered Lamar Odom for the No. 2 pick, which would have inevitably been Williams.

The Timberwolves turned it down.

Now the Timberwolves are dangling Williams in front of the Lakers hoping to receive Pau Gasol in return.

Now you tell me whether or not he'll be with the Timberwolves come trade deadline.

New Jersey Nets: Deron Williams

One of the biggest names on this list, Deron Williams, has a lot of reasons for wanting to leave New Jersey:

1. They won't be getting Dwight Howard anytime with Brook Lopez injured.

2. The Nets are 8-23.

3. Brook Lopez is injured.

Now here are the reasons he would want to stay:

1. ?

2. ?

3. ?

In other words, Williams won't be moving to Brooklyn with the rest of the New Jersey Nets.

New Orleans Hornets: Chris Kaman

Chris Kaman is playing pretty well on the Hornets after leaving a Clippers team that really couldn't use his services.

Now, he's the No. 1 big man on a lot of team's lists.

If Eric Gordon weren't injured, I would have picked him, though, due to his unwillingness to re-sign with the team. But injuries are the achille's heel of every NBA trade or signing, so I see him rotting in New Orleans until he is 100 percent healthy.

New York Knicks: Linsanity Brings Us All Together

Take a quick look at the Knick's starting lineup.

Point Guard: Jeremy Lin(a.k.a. Linsanity)

Shooting Guard: J.R. Smith

Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony

Power Forward: Amare Stoudemire

Center: Tyson Chandler

What in that lineup tells you the Knicks can't contend for an NBA title? Now in possession of the point guard who fits perfectly into Mike D'Antoni's system, the Knicks look like a complete team. Along with Baron Davis and Landry Fields coming off the bench, what's to change?

The answer we're looking for is: nothing.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Don't Mess with a Good Thing

The Thunder are the No. 1 team in the west. With Kevin Durant leading the way, the Thunder have one of the most explosive and energizing rosters in the league.

With all-star caliber players in Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, the Thunder is poised to snatch this year's NBA title.

Throw in Kendrick Perkins for some toughness. Add some Serge Ibaka for some shot-blocking and athleticism. Sprinkle in Nick Collison, Daequan Cook and Thabo Sefalosha for stellar bench play, and you've got a recipe for success.

Next.

Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard

Perhaps the biggest name on this list, Dwight Howard is undeniably the best center currently playing in the NBA.

Insanely strong, tremendously athletic and freakish on the glass, Howard is a perfect fit for the Magic when you factor in the team's shooting ability.

It seems every team has had their share of rumors surrounding Howard. The Nets have looked to draw in Howard with the possibility of playing alongside Deron Williams. The Lakers have a lot of pieces that they could swap for Howard such as Pau Gasol.

It's anyone's guess on how Dwight leaves Orlando, but by free agency or by trade, Superman will not be wearing the Magic uniform by the 2012-13 season.

Philidelphia 76ers: Andre Iguodala

Don't get too scared Sixers' fans, Iggy probably won't be leaving town, but due to his name being used in many potential deals during the offseason, I had to put him on this list.

A lot of teams will be interested in Iggy if it is made public that he is available. He's athletic, a terrific defender, and a coach's dream because of his endless hustle.

Cross your fingers Philadelphia.

Phoenix Suns: Steve Nash

This is another trade just waiting to happen.

The Suns are showing much thanks and respect toward Nash, and rightfully so. "Nashty" has done a lot for the Suns franchise. He is the two-time recipient of the MVP trophy and has stuck with the teams during the good times and the bad.

Nash deserves to end his legendary career on a high note.

The Suns have announced they would compensate Nash if he were to request a trade, and at 12-19, there doesn't seem to be much holding him back from doing so.

Portland Trail Blazers: They're Happy with Where They're at

The Trail Blazers are playing a lot better than some teams currently poised to make the playoffs. There isn't a doubt in my mind that they'll bump up a few spots in the western conference to make a deep playoff run.

With so many moves having occurred since this time last year, I don't see the Blazers making any moves (unless Greg Oden is a huge disappointment).

They traded for Gerald Wallace last year. They signed Raymond Felton. Brandon Roy retired.

I'm pretty sure they're done for awhile.

Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins' attitude was a major concern heading into the draft last year, and this year as proven it was a reasonable concern.

Cousins, in his second year in the NBA, has already requested a trade and spent time off because of doing so.

DeMarcus is a great talent, though. He might be the best big man to come out of the last two years' drafts. But because the Kings stink, Cousins just had to complain to coach.

San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan

Now don't get too scared, Spurs' fans. The Spurs don't want to get rid of Duncan. This slide is based only on the possibility of retirement for the aging Duncan.

Duncan is the greatest power forward of all time. His is one of the most skilled big men of all time.

With four NBA titles and a pair of NBA MVP awards, Duncan has been one of the greatest NBA players of all time.

Unfortunately, age has caught up to the living legend Tim Duncan. Among other stars of his generation, Duncan is slowing down and can't keep up with the new wave of superstars including Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Amare Stoudemire.

He could stay with the team to play one or two more seasons, but if he chooses to call it a day...

...happy retirement Mr. Duncan.

Toronto Raptors: Honestly, No One's Safe Up in Toronto

The Raptors are pathetic.

The Bobcats were on a 16-game losing streak. There were notions that Michael Jordan should fire himself as GM for Charlotte. They were obviously the worst team in the NBA.

Guess who they broke this streak playing? That's right, the Toronto Raptors.

When teams are as bad as the Raptors, it is time for rebuilding. Well, the Raptors have been trying to build their franchise into a contender ever since they joined the league in 1995.

Anybody that can help them bring in a good player is trade bait for the Raptors.

Utah Jazz: Paul Millsap

Many NBA analysts thought Millsap should be an all-star this year.

Paul Millsap is playing back-up for the Jazz.

Try to convince me Millsap is remotely happy in Utah.

Next.

Washington Wizards: Rashard Lewis

Rashard Lewis has done a lot of good things in his career. He was a well-deserved all-star in 2005 and 2009. He played a key role in the Magic's deep playoff run in 2009. He is an excellent 3-point shooter.

Unfortunately, he'll probably be remembered for his ridiculous contract with the Washington Wizards.

When the Wizards signed Lewis, they probably thought they were getting a replacement for Antawn Jamison or Caron Butler. That's not what they got. Instead, they received a washed-up player without the drive to lead or even play for a rebuilding team.

If the Wizards don't use their amnesty on Lewis, they might as well sell the team.

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