NBA Trade Rumors: Ranking Top 20 Sexiest Trade Chips in the League
Is Carmelo leaving Denver after all the endless rumors?
Are the Suns really going to trade Steve Nash, the face of their franchise?ย
What's Cleveland to do in the post-LeBron era?ย
Will the Knicks finally play the buyer role at the deadline?ย
All that and more in this, the Top 20 Sexiest Trade Chips in the NBA!
20. Tayshaun Prince
1 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Itโs just not going to happen for Detroit this year, and the right move would be to concentrate on the future.
Possible Destinations: New York or Chicago could make sense.
19. Chris Kaman
2 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Kaman is seemingly always on the block, and his time in a Clippers uniform could finally be running out.
Possible Destinations: Dallas and Phoenix are said to have some interest. His recent ankle injury could complicate trade talk.
18. Anderson Varejao
3 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Itโs unclear if Varejao is in the teamโs long-term plans, though he might be the most underrated player on this list.
Possible Destinations: Varejao could be a nice fit in a young Oklahoma City lineup.
17. Shane Battier
4 of 20
Why heโs on the block: His defensive skill may be declining, and Houston may have been close to trading him last season.
Possible Destinations: Battier could conceivably land on any contending team thatโs looking to upgrade its defense.
16. Luis Scola
5 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Houston would likely be able to absorb the loss of Scola.
Possible Destinations: Oklahoma City could use an inside presence and have already expressed interest.
15. Mo Williams
6 of 20
Why heโs on the Block: Cleveland is sinking like a rock, and it may make sense for the Cavs to cash in on Williams' monster 2008-09 season while they still can.
Possible Destinations: Williams has been linked to the Portland Trailblazers and Sacramento Kings, though heโs expressed a desire to stay in Cleveland.
14. Richard Hamilton
7 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Detroit is buried in the standings, and dumping Hamiltonโs salary could be a wise strategy.
Possible Destinations: With a big contract and limited upside, moving Hamilton could be challenging. Minnesota may have interest.
13. Andre Miller
8 of 20
Why heโs on the block: The Blazers arenโt the team they were hoping to be, and unloading the veteran Miller could be the most prudent move.
Possible Destinations: Houston could make sense, especially if they opt to move Aaron Brooks.
12. Sebastian Telfair
9 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Minnesota doesnโt seem to have a real purpose for hanging on to Telfair.
Possible Destinations: New York could be interested in bringing the Brooklyn native back to his home town in a reserve role.
11. Hedo Turkoglu
10 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Turkoglu just hasnโt seemed like the same player since leaving Orlando. If Steve Nash is dealt, then the Suns may overhaul their entire roster.
Possible Destinations: Orlando may have some interest, seeing as how Turkoglu was a big part in helping the Magic reach the NBA Finals in 2008.
10. Rajon Rondo
11 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Good question. In reality, Rondo probably isnโt on the block, but itโs hard not to pay attention to the whispers when such a big-name player is involved. Weโd have him ranked higher if we really thought he was going somewhere.
Possible Destinations: Detroit is known to be infatuated with Rondo, but we canโt see Boston trading away their most talented young player.
9. Gilbert Arenas
12 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Washington may be at the point where they concede that Arenas is simply more trouble than heโs worth.
Possible Destinations: His $80 million contract will be a major article in any trade, but Orlando could have interest.
8. Antawn Jamison
13 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Jamison was acquired to appease LeBron James, but we all know how that turned out. Cleveland may want to trade the veteran in an attempt to get younger.
Possible Destinations: No clear front runner has emerged, though Portland is thought to have some interest.
7. Aaron Brooks
14 of 20
Why heโs on the block: The Rockets donโt have as much of a need for a player with Brooksโ skill sets as some other teams might.
Possible Destinations: The Sacramento Kings have expressed interest.
6. Jamal Crawford
15 of 20
Why heโs on the block: The Hawks have refused to extend his contract, even after his Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2009.
Possible Destinations: Detroit has expressed interest, and a return to New York isnโt out of the question. Crawford is likely to land on another contending team searching for depth at outside shooting.
5. Chauncey Billups
16 of 20
Why heโs on the block: If the Nuggets decide to trade Carmelo Anthony, then the 34-year-old Billups would be right behind him.
Possible Destinations: Billups is a winning player, and itโs likely that there would be no shortage of suitors if the Nuggets make him available. Orlando or Miami would make the most sense.
4. Chris Paul
17 of 20
Why heโs on the block: New Orleans would be greatly compensated.
Possible Destinations: Orlando, L.A., New York, and Miami have all been rumored, though no clear front-runner has emerged.
3. Andre Iguodala
18 of 20
Why heโs on the Block: The 76ers are having a terrible season, and moving AI2 might be their only way to rebuild. Iguodala would almost certainly net a first round pick.
Possible Destinations: The Cleveland Cavsโ could make sense as a team still looking for some star power after losing LeBron James. The Houston Rockets could also make sense.
2. Steve Nash
19 of 20
Why heโs on the block: Though heโs the unquestioned face of the Phoenix franchise, the Suns have stumbled to an 11-11 start. The Suns could receive great compensation if they chose to move Nash. A lot of teams have been linked to Nash, and it seems like a deal could happen.
Possible Destinations: The New York Knicks certainly canโt be counted out, especially since it would reunite Nash with Amarโe Stoudemire and Mark DโAntoni. Orlando could also make sense, as the Magic seem to be lacking that one player to put them over the top. Nash and Jameer Nelson would make a very formidable duo.
1. Carmelo Anthony
20 of 20
Why heโs on the Block: Carmelo Anthonyโs relationship with the Denver Nuggets is complicated, to say the least. They routinely make the playoffs and have been within one step of the NBA Finals, yet there always seems to be a feeling of unrest, and Anthonyโs future with the team is always uncertain. The Nuggets havenโt stormed out of the starting blocks and are currently 13-8, good for eighth in the Western Conference.
Possible Destinations: If Anthony is moved in a blockbuster, it would likely be to the Knicks or Nets. The Knicks have shocked everyone with their 14-9 start, and pairing Anthony up with Amarโe Stoudemire would be a bold move. The Nets, who sit at 6-17, just need a player worth watching. New Orleans or Houston could emerge as dark horses.
