NBA Trade Rumors: Bold Trade Deadline Predictions for Every Team
The NBA trade deadline is right around the corner. Rumors have been circulating since before the season started, but they are now heating up to extreme temperatures with time running out.
The Carmelo Anthony saga is still going strong as he remains in Denver. He’s wavered back and forth on where he wants to be—New York, New Jersey, Chicago and Denver. The Los Angeles Lakers have now thrown their name into the ‘Melo hat as well.
Carmelo Anthony stars in this article, but Andre Iguodala, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, among many others, are quick to follow.
Which teams will improve or set themselves back? Who will be on the move?
I have bold, yet reasonable trade predictions as the trade deadline approaches.
30. Cleveland Cavaliers
1 of 30
Cleveland Receives: Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand
Philadelphia Receives: Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams, Jamario Moon and Leon Powe
Cleveland adds some much needed star power to the team. They would be able to jump-start the rebuilding process and have playoff hopes for 2011-2012. Iguodala was rumored to be going to the Cavs earlier in the season. They have to take on Brand’s contract to acquire Iguodala though.
Philadelphia rids itself of this failed Iguodala-Brand experiment. This is a downgrade for now. Although the 76ers are in the playoff race, they aren’t going anywhere in the postseason. Moon and Powe come off the books this season, while Jamison and Williams come off next year.
29. Sacramento Kings
2 of 30
Sacramento Receives: Gerald Wallace, Kelenna Azubuike
New York Receives: Samuel Dalembert, Steven Jackson
Charlotte Receives: Eddy Curry, Anthony Randolph, Roger Mason
Gerald Wallace is back in Sacramento. Wallace is a great player and the Kings need a forward of his caliber. They also get a backup in Azubuike.
New York finally gets a defensive center to put next to Amar’e Stoudemire. Just as important, they get a great veteran in Stephen Jackson who can do everything the Knicks need.
Charlotte receives another forward to put next to Tyrus Thomas. Michael Jordan also gets two expiring contracts to come off the books in the offseason.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves
3 of 30
Minnesota Receives: Monta Ellis, O.J. Mayo
Memphis Receives: Andris Biedrins, Jonny Flynn
Minnesota adds a ton of offense to the team. They also prepare for the possibility of being forced to relinquish Ricky Rubio next season. Ellis has a terrible contract, but Minnesota needs to start trying to win and provide pieces around Kevin Love. Mayo finally joins the team that originally drafted him.
Golden State deals away Biedrins’ contract for an expiring. They also acquire a solid small forward in Webster.
Memphis gets another center to put with Marc Gasol. Flynn would fill Mayo’s role off the bench.
27. Toronto Raptors
4 of 30
Toronto Receives: Andre Iguodala, Andres Nocioni
Philadelphia Receives: Amir Johnson, Leandro Barbosa, Reggie Evans
Toronto makes up for the loss of Chris Bosh by acquiring superstar Andre Iguodala. AI is a triple-double waiting to happen each night. Nocioni is also a fine player.
Philadelphia receives two expiring contracts in Evans and Barbosa. They also acquire a young stud in Amir Johnson to put beside Elton Brand. Iguodala leaving allows Evan Turner to start.
The 76ers are in the playoffs as of now and would still be able to compete for a spot the rest of the way.
26. Washington Wizards
5 of 30
Washington Receives: Michael Redd
Milwaukee Receives: Kirk Hinrich, Andray Blatche
Washington receives Michael Redd and his $18 million contract. This would allow Washington to try to recruit a top free agent to play with John Wall and rebuild the Wizards.
Milwaukee receives a veteran point guard to serve as a backup to Brandon Jennings as the Bucks aim to make the playoffs again. Blatche is an underrated rebounder and shooter and he would work wonders next to Andrew Bogut.
25. New Jersey Nets
6 of 30
New Jersey Receives: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Al Harrington
Denver Receives: Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy, Kris Humphries, Quinton Ross
New Jersey ponies up and accepts Harrington’s horrific contract. There were reports two months ago that Billups did not want to go to New Jersey and would ask for a buyout. We’ll see. The Nets finally get their superstar—the future is now in motion.
Denver receives their point guard and power forward of the future. They are still able to keep the expiring contracts of Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith while acquiring the expiring contracts of Murphy, Humphries and Ross.
24. Detroit Pistons
7 of 30
Detroit Receives: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Al Harrington
Denver Receives: Tayshaun Prince, Ben Gordon, Rodney Stuckey, Charlie Villanueva
Joe Dumars tries to make amends for his 2003 NBA Draft mistake when he passed on Carmelo Anthony to acquire Darko Milicic with the No. 2 overall pick. He also brings back Chauncey Billups, who had the best years of his career in Detroit. Denver demands Al Harrington and his contract goes too.
Denver receives a ton of talent in return. Tayshaun Prince is an excellent defender and Rodney Stuckey is a solid young point guard. Both have expiring contracts. Ben Gordon is a good scorer and will make up for the loss of ‘Melo. Villanueva is another fine talent.
23. Los Angeles Clippers
8 of 30
Los Angeles Receives: Eddy Curry, Kelenna Azubuike, Jameer Nelson, Quentin Richardson, Malik Allen
New York Receives: Chris Kaman, Brian Cook
Orlando Receives: Baron Davis
Kaman’s time in LA is over. With Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan around, Kaman can be moved. Baron Davis has been heckled by owner Donald Sterling and has a regrettable contract. He’s played well enough as of late to move him. Sterling gets his wish of moving Kaman and Davis.
Orlando needs an upgrade at point guard for the playoffs. A motivated Baron Davis has the ability to be one of the best. Expect him to be highly motivated by playing with Dwight Howard.
22. Milwaukee Bucks
9 of 30
Milwaukee Receives: Brandon Roy, Joel Przybilla, Sean Marks
Portland Receives: Michael Redd
The Bucks need an upgrade at the shooting guard position. Roy and Brandon Jennings would create one of the best backcourts in the league—as long as Roy can stay healthy. With his knees shot, Portland ships him away to Milwaukee.
In return, Portland receives Michael Redd and his $18 million expiring contract. Redd could be back in time for the playoffs to provide a spark. If he plays, Redd will be motivated to prove to the league he still has what it takes to play at a high level.
21. Charlotte Bobcats
10 of 30
Charlotte Receives: Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith, Al Harrington, Chris Anderson
Denver Receives: Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, Boris Diaw, Nazr Mohammed
Michael Jordan gets his dream of acquiring Carmelo Anthony. He also completely overhauls his team, which is good news for Charlotte fans. This is the type of team that could have the Bobcats buzzing around the league.
Denver stays highly competitive with this trade. The change of scenery is just what Jackson and Wallace need. Diaw and Mohammed are expiring contracts.
20. Indiana Pacers
11 of 30
Indiana Receives: Kevin Martin
Houston Receives: Mike Dunleavy
Indiana needs another shooter to go along with Danny Granger. Martin is one of the better shooting guards in the game.
Houston is looking to shed contracts. Kevin Martin is a good player but they don’t seem committed to him. The Rockets would then have over $46 million coming off the books this summer.
19. Golden State Warriors
12 of 30
Golden State Receives: Josh Smith, Maurice Evans, Jordan Crawford, Etan Thomas
Atlanta Receives: Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright, Vladimir Radmanovic
Golden State finally gets a great defensive presence on the team and the best part is that Smith can run.
Atlanta still maintains a defensive presence with Biedrins, but also builds depth up front with Wright and Radmanovic heading into the playoffs. Radmanovic can also stretch the floor with his shooting range.
18. Philadelphia 76ers
13 of 30
Philadelphia Receives: Carmelo Anthony
Denver Receives: Andre Iguodala, Darius Songaila
Both teams simply swap superstars and move along.
17. Houston Rockets
14 of 30
Houston Receives: Chris Paul, Emeka Okafor
New Orleans Receives: Aaron Brooks, Yao Ming, Jared Jeffries, Jordan Hill
Houston will not acquire Carmelo Anthony. Not even in their dreams. Houston has to take on Okafor’s contract, but that’s the price you pay to acquire arguably the best point guard in the league. Paul and Kevin Martin would create one of the better backcourt duos in the game. Houston finally gets its franchise player.
New Orleans loses Chris Paul but they will eventually lose him anyway. For now, they benefit financially from acquiring Yao Ming for the remainder of the season and in the offseason when his $17 million contract comes off the books.
Jeffries will also be a free agent following the season. As will Aaron Brooks, but they could re-sign the young guard if they so desire—he is a solid player. Jordan Hill could develop and they’d have time to evaluate him.
16. Phoenix Suns
15 of 30
Phoenix Receives: Monta Ellis, D.J. Augustin, Brandan Wright
Charlotte Receives: Steve Nash, Channing Frye, Jared Dudley, Dan Gadzuric
Golden State Receives: Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, DeSagana Diop
Phoenix moves on from the era of Steve Nash but get three young pieces for him. Either Ellis or Augustin could take over for Nash at the point. Phoenix also has an athletic power forward who could benefit from the change of scenery.
Michael Jordan receives much-needed star power in Steve Nash, a center who can stretch the floor in Frye and an expiring contract. Nash will, at the very least, put butts in the seats.
Golden State brings back Jackson, who had his best years with the team. By getting rid of Ellis, Stephen Curry can finally take over the team. Gerald Wallace is a fantastic player. They also receive a defensive-minded center.
15. New York Knicks
16 of 30
New York Receives: Carmelo Anthony, Al Harrington
Denver Receives: Eddy Curry, Wilson Chandler, Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike
Harrington and his pathetic contract come back to New York. Oh well, the Knicks become a legit force in the East with ‘Melo.
Denver gets Curry’s expiring contract and three young players to evaluate moving forward. They all come off the books except for Randolph.
14. Memphis Grizzlies
17 of 30
Memphis Receives: Gerald Wallace, Tyrus Thomas
Charlotte Receives: Zach Randolph
Memphis receives two defensive threats and good rebounders. This would make Memphis a more complete team and still enable them to compete for the playoffs for the next few years.
Michael Jordan gets an offensive player for the rest of the season and has $17 million coming off the books in the offseason.
13. Portland Trail Blazers
18 of 30
Portland Receives: Carmelo Anthony, Sheldon Williams
Denver Receives: Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, Rudy Fernandez
Portland moves on from the era of bad knees and ships off Roy and Oden. Fernandez hasn’t been happy in Portland either, so he goes too. In comes ‘Melo. Portland will hope its young nucleus, led by LaMarcus Aldridge, is enough to keep ‘Melo around.
Denver receives two superstars in return for ‘Melo, albeit two superstars with a track record of injuries. It’s a chance they’re willing to take to please the fans of Denver.
12. Utah Jazz
19 of 30
Utah Receives: Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace
Detroit Receives: Andrei Kirilenko, Francisco Elson, C.J. Miles
Utah fills out a more complete roster to compete in the playoffs. They acquire a defensive center to put behind Al Jefferson. Hamilton will provide more offense in the starting lineup while Prince serves as the defensive specialist and has an expiring contract.
Joe Dumars receives expiring contracts from all three acquisitions to have some money to throw around during free agency this summer.
11. Denver Nuggets
20 of 30
Denver Receives: Dwight Howard, Chris Duhon, Quentin Richardson
Orlando Receives: Nene Hilario, Kenyon Martin
Forget trading Carmelo Anthony—bring in a piece to make him stay.
Denver acquires Dwight Howard, forms one of the best duos in the league and allows the Nuggets to compete for a championship this season.
Orlando still acquires a talented center in Nene, along with Martin’s $16 million contract that comes off the books in the offseason.
10. New Orleans Hornets
21 of 30
New Orleans Receives: Andre Iguodala
Philadelphia Receives: Trevor Ariza, Marcus Thornton, Marcus Banks
In efforts to keep Chris Paul happy, New Orleans acquires star Andre Iguodala. This would finally give Paul the wingman he needs to take his team to the next level.
Philadelphia rids themselves of the Iguodala contract but acquires three solid, young players in return. Ariza is a very good defender and Marcus Thornton will be very good off the bench. Banks’ contract comes off the books in the offseason.
9. Orlando Magic
22 of 30
Orlando Receives: Steve Nash
Phoenix Receives: Jameer Nelson, Brandon Bass
Yes—Magic-Suns, Part Deux.
After analyzing the first deal, the Magic realize they actually DO need Steve Nash if they want to win a championship this season. Jameer Nelson just doesn’t cut it with Dwight Howard and Nash will put the ball where it needs to be to give Howard the easiest looks he has ever seen.
Phoenix gets a good young point guard in Nelson but an even better power forward in Brandon Bass. The Suns need a player of Bass’ talents. He has great potential in this league.
8. Atlanta Hawks
23 of 30
Atlanta Receives: Steve Nash, Channing Frye, Jared Dudley
Phoenix Receives: Josh Smith, Mike Bibby
Josh Smith may be exciting to watch, but he’s not helping the Hawks win a championship anytime soon.
Steve Nash would bring his uptempo style to Hotlanta and set the Hawks on fire. Reunited with Joe Johnson would allow this team to cruise into the postseason. Channing Frye would be able to stretch the floor further.
Phoenix still gets a quality point guard in return and finally has a building block for the future. Nash’s departure also opens the door for Goran Dragic to show management what he can truly do.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder
24 of 30
Oklahoma City Receives: Chris Kaman
Los Angeles Receives: Jeff Green, Daequan Cook, Morris Peterson
Oklahoma City sacrifices Jeff Green to acquire Chris Kaman. The Thunder need a big man to truly compete in the playoffs. The emergence of James Harden allows the Thunder to make the trade.
Kaman has become expendable in Los Angeles with the emergence of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. The Clippers desperately need a quality forward and Jeff Green fits in well.
6. Chicago Bulls
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Chicago Receives: Carmelo Anthony, O.J. Mayo, Chris Anderson
Denver Receives: Zach Randolph, Hasheem Thabeet, Ronnie Brewer
Memphis Receives: Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, Kyle Korver, Al Harrington
The Bulls instantly become one of the favorites to win an NBA championship by adding ‘Melo and Mayo to Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah.
This would be one of the best starting units in the league. The Bulls upgrade at both SF and SG. Chicago is forced to take back Chris Anderson’s contract, but he could be a valuable defensive asset in the playoffs.
Denver receives the $17 million expiring contract of Randolph. They also acquire Thabeet, who could become one of the better defensive centers in the league with enough playing time and development. Denver also gets rid of Harrington’s awful contract. They also acquire Brewer, who has an affordable contract and is still maturing.
Memphis adds much-needed depth. This squad will allow them to be more competitive than the one they have now with Randolph and Mayo.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
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Los Angeles Receives: Dwight Howard, Quentin Richardson, Chris Duhon
Orlando Receives: Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Steve Blake, Theo Ratliff
Forget Carmelo Anthony—if the Lakers want to win a championship this season, Dwight Howard is the force in the middle that will bring it back to them for the third straight season.
The Lakers are forced to take former New York Knicks Q-Rich and Chris Duhon, but that is a sacrifice they have to make to acquire the best center in the game today.
Orlando could lose Howard soon. They would acquire his replacement in Andrew Bynum. Odom has been fantastic this season and is one of the most versatile players in the game. This would give the Magic two legit triple-double threats in Odom and Hedo Turkoglu. Steve Blake is one of the better backup point guards in the league and would be an excellent addition to the second unit.
4. Dallas Mavericks
27 of 30
Dallas Receives: Carmelo Anthony, Al Harrington, Chris Anderson
Denver Receives: Tyson Chandler, Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson
Mark Cuban gets to “rent” ‘Melo—but it comes at a price. The Mavs are forced to give up Tyson Chandler and his expiring contract. Whether or not they can now deal with the big men in the West becomes the talk of the town, although Chris Anderson has shown up big in the past.
They are also forced to take back Harrington’s terrible contract, which could bind them in the future. Cuban better hope ‘Melo and Dirk Nowitzki can pull through.
Denver receives three expiring contracts ($27.3 million) for ‘Melo to go along with the expiring contracts of Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith. Denver is also able to get Chris Anderson’s contract off its hands.
3. Miami Heat
28 of 30
Miami Receives: Luke Ridnour
Minnesota Receives: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mario Chalmers, James Jones
The Heat need another point guard to run the show. Ridnour is the perfect choice with his passing ability.
Minnesota receives Ilgauskas, who they’ll most likely just cut. Chalmers and Jones come off the books but could help the Wolves win some more games this season. The Heat might not like losing Jones to the Wolves, but that’s why Mike Miller and Eddie House are there.
2. Boston Celtics
29 of 30
Boston Receives: Stephen Jackson, Tony Allen, Leon Powe
Cleveland Receives: O.J. Mayo, Hasheem Thabeet
Memphis Receives: Daniel Gibson, Jermaine O’Neal
Charlotte Receives: Nate Robinson, Jamario Moon
Boston receives veteran Stephen Jackson, who will provide another tough, gritty presence come playoff time. They also bring back Tony Allen and Leon Powe to work with the second unit.
Cleveland receives two building blocks to put with J.J. Hickson. The team needs a scorer and Mayo is that man. They also need a defensive center—Thabeet can develop into that man.
Memphis replaces Mayo’s outside shooting with Gibson, who is one of the deadlier sharpshooters in the game. They also add frontcourt depth with O’Neal.
Michael Jordan’s Bobcats receive two explosive players in Robinson and Moon. Nate would have free range to do whatever he wants since Charlotte is struggling.
1. San Antonio Spurs
30 of 30
San Antonio Receives: Stephen Jackson
Charlotte Receives: O.J. Mayo, Tony Allen
Memphis Receives: Richard Jefferson
Jackson is a better fit for San Antonio than Jefferson. Jackson is a complete player and can still be a leader on this veteran team. He is a quality scorer and defender and would be more reliable than Jefferson with his toughness.
Charlotte gets some much-needed offense in return for Jackson. They get younger and will at least be more fun to watch. Mayo is yearning to be the man on a team. He will be able to take all of the shots he wants in Charlotte.
Memphis receives a mature veteran for now to replace the immaturity of Mayo. Mayo’s time has run its course in Memphis.
