NBA Trade Rumors: Yao Ming, O.J. Mayo and the Latest Trade Buzz
Yao Ming and O.J. Mayo are the latest names to hit the trade wires after a blockbuster trade has already shaken up the NBA. Gilbert Arenas and Hedo Turkoglu are Orlando Magic, while Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis took their places on the respective teams.
With the playoff picture just beginning to take shape, the NBA is sure to have several more tricks up the sleeve as players will be exchanging uniforms to make that final push for the show.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers have put their names in as sellers, attempting to bolster the roster in time. Several players could be on the move, and it is only a matter of time before one of these teams gets the ball rolling, no pun intended.
Let's take a look at the potential trades, with names like Yao, Mayo, Smith, Marcus Camby, Stephen Jackson, and of course Carmelo Anthony on the most recent rumor wires.
Timberwolves Shopping Johnny Flynn?
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Minnesota has been waiting for Ricky Rubio to come over from Spain for quite some time, and it appears he may finally be on his way prior to next season. With that in mind, the Timberwolves may make preparations to vacate the necessary roster spot.
That makes point guard Johnny Flynn expendable, and ESPN Insider notes Luke Ridnour would be available off the bench to back up Rubio, and he is the cheaper and more reliable option. Flynn is coming back from hip surgery and could be a question mark next season.
Reportedly, seven teams have already reached out to the T-Wolves regarding Flynn in multiple roles. The teams include: The Kings, Clippers, Blazers, Raptors, Knicks, Bobcats and Cavs. Almost all of these teams have had disappointed or uneventful seasons to this point, while the others are having solid years but may need a quick boost to make a playoff push.
Moving Flynn would be a gamble for Minnesota, as they have no guarantee Rubio will make the move. Signs are pointing to his arrival, but if Rubio stays in Europe, the Timberwolves would be worse off than they are now.
On the Next Slide: Denver Nuggets Talk Carmelo, Harrington
Denver Nuggets Talk Carmelo, Harrington
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The newest rumors off the Carmelo Anthony trade wires has Al Harrington's name thrown in. Reportedly, the Nuggets are more than willing to move Anthony, if they can include Al Harrington and his five-year, $33 million deal in any move they make to trade their star.
Denver isn't looking to bring in more big names and high salary numbers. Most likely, any deal they make for Anthony will mean draft picks or young, inexpensive talent. Even though Harrington signed his deal just prior to this season, it seems the Nuggets are already uncomfortable with the amount of payroll they have tied up in him.
Without Anthony, the Nuggets really have no reason to keep Harrington, his salary would only be getting in the way of potential rebuilding for next season.
Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith are other names tossed into the mix. Teams expressing interest in these two would have to make room on the salary cap. Billups is set to make $11.3M this season and has a team option for next season valued just over $14M. J.R. Smith's expiring contract makes him a target for teams like Portland, New Orleans or even Oklahoma City, if they were to make room on the roster.
However, Carmelo Anthony has been in Baltimore, mourning the loss of his sister, and all trade talks have been put on hold to allow him the necessary time to grieve. He has been placed on the bereavement list, and a trade is the last thing on his mind.
This move may happen after New Year's, so Nuggets fans will have to hold tight until then to see where Anthony goes.
On the Next Slide: Chicago Eying Stephen Jackson and O.J. Mayo?
Chicago Eying Stephen Jackson and O.J. Mayo?
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Rumor has it from multiple sources that the Chicago Bulls are attempting to find another notable player to compliment Derrick Rose for another playoff push in the Central Division.
The Bulls currently lead the Pacers by six-and-a-half games, so it seems unlikely they would be worried about Division competition. More likely, they are watching the Spurs in the West and realize they need more pieces to compete.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls have been actively seeking a shooting guard. Names being included in Chicago's potential targets are Memphis Grizzlies' O.J. Mayo and Charlotte Bobcats' Stephen Jackson, although it seems Jackson would make a better fit, given Mayo is more likely to go to the hoop. Jackson is more of a pure shooter, so as Rose penetrates toward the basket, he would have options to dish to if double teamed or trapped.
J.R. Smith, along with Houston's Courtney Lee, are thumbed as other potential targets by ESPN.
Mayo is the cheaper option for Chicago, in his final year of a standard rookie contract. Jackson has two years left on his deal, averaging just under $10M a season.
On the Next Slide: Marcus Camby Doesn't Want a Trade
Marcus Camby Doesn't Want a Trade
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When Camby caught wind of a possible deal that would send him elsewhere, he reportedly told team management and teammates he had no intentions of going to a non-contender.
Camby is at the point in his career where he would like to compete for an NBA title, having accomplished so many other feats to date.
The 15-year veteran didn't stop there. He also openly stated that he would retire if it meant he wouldn't have to play for a team that he doesn't consider to have a chance at making the playoffs this season. It appears this was sparked by a rumor that hit the web last week regarding Camby and teammate Andre Miller going to the Bobcats for Gerald Wallace and D.J. Augustin.
Adding to Camby's desire to remain in Portland is the capability to see his family that lives near the Portland, OR area.
Other teams reportedly interested in Camby are the Rockets and Magic. Camby has a home in Texas, and is owed close to $25M over the next two seasons.
On the Next Slide: Wizards Poised To Make Moves
Wizards Poised To Make Moves
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The Wizards have made it known they are willing to part with JaVale McGee and Andray Blatche if the compensation is deemed of value.
This revelation comes just days after both players were suspended for the Wizards game against San Antonio for an altercation outside a nightclub in the early morning hours Friday.
According to the Washington Post, the players have reconciled their differences and moved on, but it seems the Wizards, already in last place the Southeastern Division, don't need any more distractions.
Perhaps both players can be packed in a three-team trade that would separate them while Washington gains about player to compliment Rashard Lewis. Apparently a potential deal hinges on the demand from the league to determine whether a deal can be made.
The announcement of both players on the trading block may be a scolding method for the Wizards, and these two players may not draw much desire from other teams. Blatche has four years remaining on his newly-restructered deal, valued at $29.82M, and McGee is under contract through the end of next season, and he will make approximately $2.5M.
On the Next Slide: Yao's Injury Doesn't Concern Rockets
Yao's Injury Doesn't Concern Rockets
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Yao Ming is sitting out the remainder of this season with a stress fracture in his left ankle. However, that doesn't seem to stop the Rockets and exploring trades for their franchise player.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Houston began shopping the big man earlier this week. Other reports have confirmed this, and gone on to mention what the Rockets may be asking for in return. It appears they are attempting to make a run this season if the price is right, and they are looking for a combination of prospects, draft picks and players with expiring deals in exchange.
Many analysts have speculated that Yao's injury may put his career in jeopardy, given his other nagging injuries suffered throughout his career.
Ming's contract expires at the end of the season, so dealing him now may free up extra payroll for the Rockets while the team that receives him in an exchange would have to negotiate a new deal based on current market value and Ming's ability to compete.
Yahoo! Sports released a Tweet this morning saying Ming would be attractive to some teams who would receive an $8 million discount on his expiring contract with the potential of signing the post to a short-term deal, a pact with little risk and the potential for large reward.
ESPN points out the Rockets have been mentioned as one team in the sweepstakes for Carmelo Anthony, so there is potential for a blockbuster deal there, involving huge names and multiple teams.
On the Next Slide: More Moves for Wizards Centered on Rashard Lewis
More Moves for Wizards Centered on Rashard Lewis
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Rashard Lewis has joined a new team, and already changed positions. He is an agile 6'10", and therefore can play in the post or on the wing.
The Wizards have moved him from power forward to small forward, and they expect to make trades to compliment that move. The position change for Lewis also means Al Thornton is now experiencing less court time in the rotation. Other players feeling pinched would be Cartier Martin and Josh Howard.
Adding Blatche and McGee to that mix means the Wizards have several players they could dump in return for bigger names with expiring contracts to aid in distribution of playing time and possession time.
Most experts following the Wizards are talking about moves from within if players are traded, signaling the belief that Washington would want draft picks in return for their backcourt. However, it may be more wise for the Wizards and Flip Saunders to target supporting players and build around current talent. The Bulls may be looking for a few extra players to complement Derrick Rose, and some of Washington's surplus could be of assistance.
On The Next Slide: Bynum's Role For Lakers, Potential Moves
Bynum's Role for Lakers, Potential Moves
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Lakers head coach Phil Jackson told ESPN that he plans to play Bynum more minutes in the next two weeks. However, Bynum told FanHouse in an article published yesterday that he feels close to a month away from starting.
Los Angeles' team chemistry has been noticeably altered over the last week. The Lakers have lost three straight games and didn't play them at a competitive level. They stayed with the Spurs longer than expected before San Antonio began to play at the level most have become accustomed to when watching them play.
Bynum missed the first 24 games of the season while recovering from knee surgery. His presence under the basket has been sorely missed as of late, and the Lakers upcoming schedule is filled with talented big men. His health may be the key to this crucial stretch of the season, so it is understandable Jackson wants him to see minutes.
Bynum's absence means increased playing time for Lamar Odom, who is perhaps more agile but lacks the size and presence Bynum brings to the frontcourt. If Bynum suffers a setback, the Lakers may be forced to make a move to replace him.
While Yao Ming just became available, he would not be an option for the Lakers, as he is out for the season with that fractured ankle. Other targets may come from the Timberwolves or Bulls.
On the Next Slide: Cavs Sign Alonzo Gee
Cavs Sign Alonzo Gee
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have been looking to rebuild in the wake of LeBron James and "The Decision." It appears a small step in the right direction is the signing of Alonzo Gee.
There has been numerous talks of overhauled the entire roster in an attempt to build foundation for future moves. The Cavs have shown they can handle large contracts, and the payroll may be in the savings account until the next off-season.
Cleveland still hasn't ruled out the possibility of bringing in top-tier talent this season, but ESPN puts the situation into context:
"According to the Akron Beacon-Journal, the Cavaliers are talking with other teams, but no deal is imminent. They hold a $14.5 million trade exception and that allows Cleveland to be part of a potential multi-team trade. They can take back players, draft picks, or cash and not have to send out anything of significance.
"FanHouse reports the Cavaliers will soon hold a mass workout for a bunch of D-League players and two other free agents who were just waived.
"Those players are Kyle Weaver, Othyus Jeffers, Patrick Ewing Jr. and Marcus Landry along with Antoine Wright and Alonzo Gee."
Of course we have learned that Gee has already been signed, but there is still a small possibility of bringing in Patrick Ewing Jr.
On the Next Slide: Troy Murphy Is Afraid of Being Traded
Troy Murphy Is Afraid of Being Traded
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Troy Murphy's near-$12 million contract will be expiring at the end of the season, and he has been mentioned as a key accessory in a Carmelo Anthony trade that would bring the star to New Jersey.
If Murphy agrees to a buyout, sources including ESPN and Sports Illustrated have him possibly going to Orlando. The Magic could use another big man with the ability to shoot mid-range. Murphy would first have to be bought out, then the Magic would target him after the deadline.
All players on rosters need to be waived by March 1 to be eligible for the playoffs.
Murphy has expressed his worries about his value while having a downer season for one of the worst teams in the league. He was expected to help the Nets stay afloat in a division that includes the Boston Celtics and the resurgent Knicks. The post cited playing a different role for the team than he is accustomed to, and hopes that potential suitors see him as an option in other roles.
