What's Next? Ron Artest and Stephon Marbury's Future in the NBA

Ron Artest regretted not opting out of his contract with the Kings, and with the Knicks bringing in Chris Duhon, Stephon Marbury is on his way out of New York. These two unappreciated players will have a new team to play for by the fall.

Artest recently said he will not want to remain in Sacramento after the '08-'09 season. He did not opt out, but a big reason was that he knew he was going to get traded, and he did not want the Kings to get nothing in return.

The Kings are on a rebuilding process. Artest is not in their future plans, which is why he will get traded this summer for some value players.

Artest is one of the best defenders in the NBA, and he can score at will. His drive to score at will did hurt the Kings, since he needs to work on that passing.

Artest most likely will want to go to a contender, and there is no team more in need of a player like Artest than the Lakers.

Phil Jackson has already had interest in acquiring Artest so he can bring a physical-minded presence to his "soft" team.

He is also a type of player that can take pressure off of Kobe. Artest can be Kobe's Scottie Pippen.

A scenario that would work is sending Artest with Kenny Thomas's large contract to the Lakers for Lamar Odom.

The Kings, in return, get a veteran who is unselfish and can blend in well with what they have. Odom's contract also expires at the end of the year, so it will give the Kings some cap space to work with.

Another possible destination for Artest is the Phoenix Suns. GM Steve Kerr has made it clear that he wants a defensive-minded team. With Grant Hill not always staying healthy, they need a sure thing, like Artest.

A trade scenario that works is sending Artest with Quincy Douby for Boris Diaw. This way the Suns get Artest and a backup point guard, and the Kings get a young, developed player who can play power forward.

The last place Artest could end up at is with the Dallas Mavericks. Coach Rick Carlisle already made it clear he would like to reunite with his old player from the Pacers.

A trade that may happen would send Artest and Shelden Williams to the Mavericks for Josh Howard and a second-round pick.

Howard has had problems off the court that have been a distraction for the team. Mark Cuban knows he has to win with veterans now rather than later. Artest does have his problems, but more on the court, which can be worked out.

With a team of Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and Artest, the Mavericks will be able to get back into NBA Finals talks.

The Kings get a developed talent in return that they can move forward with. The deal would work for both sides very well.

Another player who is not given any credit is Stephon Marbury. He still is a playmaker and a scorer. His problems with Isiah Thomas made him look bad. "Starbury" can still play, and many teams should be looking at him if he is released.

A team I would like to see him go to is the Miami Heat. They need a playmaker that can set up Dwayne Wade. Pat Riley knows how to handle troublemaker players, so he would work for them.

Another place that could work out for him is if he returns to Phoenix. Steve Nash is aging and needs a player who can come off the bench and give them production.

With veterans like Shaq around, and with a chance to win a championship, believe me, Marbury will have his head on straight in Phoenix.

Artest and Marbury are two, talented veterans who are not really talked about enough for what they do for you on the court, rather for their problems off the court.

In the right situation, either of these players can help a team get over that hump to become champions.