NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Trade Scenarios Involving Troy Murphy

If there is one player in this league that will definitely be dealt by the rapidly approaching deadline on Feb. 24, it is Nets PF Troy Murphy, the ninth-year veteran out of Notre Dame. 

A New Jersey native, Murphy was "excited" for the opportunity to play for the Nets, yet he was never able to establish himself in Avery Johnson's rotation.  Murphy requested a trade back in January, but has been part of Carmelo Anthony rumors ever since their inception. 

With his $11.97 million contract expiring at year's end, it should not be difficult for the Nets to find a team eager to shed some cap space.  Here are a few plausible trades that would give the Nets solid value in return for the unfortunate big man.

Los Angeles Lakers

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Ron Artest #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the court against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or

Recently, the Lakers announced that they would be open to a trade that would, perhaps, spark the team and hoist them back to championship level.  One of the names that came up was Ron Artest.

Here's one plausible deal that would move Ron Ron to New Jersey.

Nets Receive: Ron Artest, Luke Walton

Lakers Receive: Troy Murphy, Damion James, Stephen Graham

The addition of Murphy would give the Lakers extreme depth in the front court, while James and Graham could split time with Barnes at SF.  This would also move the Nets closer to becoming LA Lakers 2.0.

Los Angeles Lakers, Option 2

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Lamar Odum #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using

Here is a gutsier trade that just might work with the proper persuasion.  I call this one the Kardashian Swap.

Nets Receive: Lamar Odom, Luke Walton

Lakers Receive: Troy Murhpy, Kris Humphries, first-round pick

Derrick Favors is, by all means, the Nets future at power forward, but Odom is a great sixth man who could fill in for Lopez at center as well. 

Detroit Pistons

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MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 01: Richard Hamilton #32 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a jumpshot during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on December 1, 2010 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

Here's a simple one.  Nothing fancy, just a straight-up deal.

Nets Receive: Rip Hamilton (or Teyshaun Prince or Ben Gordon)

Pistons Receive: Troy Murphy

Hamilton was almost a Net earlier in the season before trade talks broke down with the Nuggets.  Now, with the deadline approaching and Hamilton's contract still taking up space on a depleted Detroit roster, it is not inconceivable that he may still wind up in New Jersey. 

However, it would probably make more sense for the Nets to bring in Prince at small forward if they were to complete a deal with Detroit. 

While trading for any of these players is a great way to shed Murphy's contract, one has to wonder whether or not the Nets are willing to add aging scorers to a young, developing roster.

Dallas Mavericks

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SAN ANTONIO - APRIL 23: Guard Rodrigue Beaubois #3 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on April 23, 2010 in

Nets Receive: Caron Butler, Rodrigue Beaubois, Dominique Jones

Mavericks Receive: Troy Murphy, Ben Uzoh

The Mavericks are currently more than willing to bring in an expiring contract for the remainder of the year if it means improved chances of going far in the playoffs.  Mark Cuban even expressed that he would trade for Carmelo Anthony regardless of Anthony's willingness to sign an extension.

This particular deal essentially swaps expiring contracts (Murphy and Butler).  Butler is currently out with a knee injury for the rest of the season, but may reportedly be ready to return to action for the playoffs. 

If the Mavs do not want to take that chance on Butler, the addition of Murphy would help shore up their rotation.  The Nets, on the other hand, would gain two young guards with definite potential.

Denver Nuggets

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DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 10: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during a break in the action against the Dallas Mavericks during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 10, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 121-

We all know the Nets "pulled out" of trade talks with the Nuggets, but as I wrote here, it would be bad business strategy for owner Mikhail Prokhorov to not send the Nuggets one final offer in the days before the deadline.

Personally, I think the Nets should stick with something closer to their initial offer, which is still better than what they can get from any other team.

Nets Receive: Carmelo Anthony, Al Harrington

Nuggets Receive: Troy Murphy, Derrick Favors, Anthony Morrow, first-round picks

Frankly, I think this is a great move for the Nuggets.  Not only do they gain valuable picks and a highly touted rookie, but they also get to unload Harrington's awful contract onto the Nets.