NBA Trade Speculation: One Deal Each Team Must Consider This Summer
Over the next few weeks, basketball fans are going to be hearing about nothing but scenarios, whether they be relevant to the draft, free agency, or trades.
Today, I'll be focusing on trades, which are extremely vital to the success of a franchise. Some trades, most recently Pau Gasol heading to L.A., have changed the outlook and future success of a franchise.
Whatever the case, I'll make up a scenario for every team and explain why it would help them out.
Thanks for reading!
Be sure to follow Joseph on Twitter at @JosephFafinski.
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 30
Atlanta receives: C Andrew Bynum, SF Ron Artest
Los Angeles receives: SF Josh Smith, PG KIrk Hinrich
This trade was suggested by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about a month ago.
Why not do it? It would absolutely benefit both teams. The Hawks would finally be able to place Al Horford full-time at his more natural power forward position.
Smith's void would be filled immediately by Artest, too.
Boston Celtics
2 of 30
Boston receives: C Andrea Bargnani
Toronto receives: Avery Bradley, two future first-round picks
If Andrea Bargnani wants to prove his worth at center, Boston might as well be his last chance.
Other bigs in Beantown (Jeff Green, Kevin Garnett) are solid defenders and rebounders, and would pick up the slack for the former number one overall pick.
It might be a risky pick, but the C's could use him.
Charlotte Bobcats
3 of 30
Charlotte receives: PG Chris Paul, PF Aaron Gray
New Orleans receives: PG D.J. Augustin, SG Stephen Jackson, C DeSagana Diop, 2012 and 2013 first-rounders
This swap is one that I have garnered with the NBA Trade Machine.
Rumors were afloat six weeks ago that Chris Paul was considering the Charlotte Bobcats, so why not go ahead and create a dream scenario for Michael Jordan's club?
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Chicago Bulls
4 of 30
Chicago receives: SG O.J. Mayo
Memphis receives: SG Kyle Korver, 2012 first-round pick
The Chicago Bulls' one glaring weakness this past season was hidden within the fact that they didn't possess a real shooting guard, someone who could do it all.
I'm not sure who watched the postseason, but with previously unseen defensive intensity and heart, O.J. Mayo seems like a logical choice.
Besides, the Pacers already proved it only takes a solid player and a first-rounder, right?
Cleveland Cavaliers
5 of 30
Cleveland Cavaliers: SF Andre Iguodala
Philadelphia 76ers: 2011 fourth overall pick
Ah, I bet you didn't see this one coming.
Andre Iguodala would prove to be the small forward that the Cavaliers so desire.
And, to top it all off, they'd still have the number one pick.
It's a win-win!
Dallas Mavericks
6 of 30
It seems to the basketball blogosphere that the Dallas Mavericks aren't looking at wheeling and dealing this offseason.
They are resigning every key part of the championship team, and I'm not entirely sure trades are within their plans for the upcoming offseason.
The team is solid now, and there's no need to change it.
If I had to predict one guy who would be heading out, I'd select Brendan Haywood. His worth diminished greatly as the postseason progressed. Tyson Chandler was just too much for the champions.
Denver Nuggets
7 of 30
Denver receives: PG Steve Blake, SF Ron Artest, 2012 second-round pick
Los Angeles receives: PG Raymond Felton
In giving up Raymond Felton, the Denver Nuggets would still have Ty Lawson at the starting point guard slot.
If this trade was processed, it'd be an incredible (but small) Lawson, Arron Afflalo, Artest, Wilson Chandler, and Nene starting lineup, with Danilo Gallinari and Kenyon Martin providing viable threats off the bench.
If I'm Denver, I'm going to start jumping for joy now.
Detroit Pistons
8 of 30
Detroit receives: Jonny Flynn, 2012 second-rounder
Minnesota receives: Richard Hamilton
This one is easy yet effective for the Detroit Pistons.
Rip is aging, and the team is looking to get a solid player and a second-rounder in exchange for him. That's exactly what they get in this swap.
Golden State Warriors
9 of 30
Golden State receives: SF Andre Iguodala
Philadelphia receives: SG Monta Ellis
This is the trade that everyone is talking about, and to be completely honest with you, it does in fact benefit both teams.
The Warriors improve immensely on the defensive end, and the Sixers get that definitive scorer that they so long for.
It just makes sense.
Houston Rockets
10 of 30
Houston receives: PF Al Jefferson, 2012 first-round pick, SG C.J. Miles
Utah receives: SG Kevin Martin, PF Luis Scola
Now this would be a blockbuster trade.
Both teams exchange their franchise players, and the Rockets improve at power forward while acquiring a first-round pick in the process.
Indiana Pacers
11 of 30
Indiana receives: PF Al Jefferson, 2011 12th overall pick
Utah receives: SF Danny Granger, SG Dahntay Jones
Al Jefferson has struggled to find a niche in Salt Lake City while playing with a plethora of other useful bigs.
His talents would be much more appreciated in Indiana, where he would start at center from the moment he walked onto the Pacer hardwood.
Los Angeles Clippers
12 of 30
Los Angeles receives: SF Andre Iguodala
Philadelphia receives: C Chris Kaman, SF Al-Faroq Aminu
This trade is one that has been reported by columnists and junkies alike.
In making this trade, the Clippers address their one glaring need—a legitimate small forward. Let's face it: Ryan Gomes and Aminu didn't do the job this season, and they have to make this trade in order to compete with the best in the West.
Los Angeles Lakers
13 of 30
Los Angeles receives: PG Raymond Felton
Denver receives: PG Steve Blake, SF Ron Artest, 2012 second-round pick
The Lakers absolutely need a budding point guard. They can't keep relying on the liabilities that are Derek Fisher and Steve Blake.
This trade is a simple yet risky one for the Nuggets, and I'm not entirely sure they'd have the guts to deny this, as so much is thrown at them and they already are insisting at having Ty Lawson as their starting point.
Memphis Grizzlies
14 of 30
Memphis receives: SG Kyle Korver, 2012 first-round pick
Chicago receives: SG O.J. Mayo
As bold as it is to admit, this trade would benefit the Grizzlies.
They already have a couple solid wing players in Sam Young and Tony Allen, both of which are great defenders and have proved to be good enough to go on without Mayo.
Korver provides Mayo's shooting ability, and who's going to turn down that first-round pick in a great upcoming draft class?
Miami Heat
15 of 30
Miami receives: SF Thabo Sefolosha
Oklahoma City receives: SG Mike Miller
Why in the world would the Heat trade one of their best shooters for Thabo Sefolosha?
It's simple, really. The Heatles lacked defensive intensity in their depth on the wings. Sefolosha would provide instant relief as a backup to Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, both tremendous defenders themselves.
Milwaukee Bucks
16 of 30
Milwaukee receives: PG Toney Douglas, 2011 first-rounder
New York receives: PG Brandon Jennings
This one is so effective, and yet it works. In receiving the 17th pick overall and a young point guard in exchange for the ego that is Jennings, the trade works out for both teams.
If I were Milwaukee come draft time, I'd then use the pick on Klay Thompson if he was still available.
Minnesota Timberwolves
17 of 30
Minnesota receives: SG Monta Ellis
Golden State receives: PG Jonny Flynn, SF Michael Beasley, 2011 second overall pick
This trade would set up one heck of a starting lineup in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Just imagine a Ricky Rubio/Ellis/Anthony Randolph/Kevin Love/Darko Milicic starting lineup.
Sounds pretty solid, huh?
New Jersey Nets
18 of 30
New Jersey receives: PG Luke Ridnour, C Nikola Pekovic
Minnesota receives: SF Damion James
I'm not sure the Nets are entirely devoted to this offseason, but if they decide to make any moves this would be a wise one.
Ridnour is a veteran who would prove to be a legitimate backup for Deron Williams in Jersey.
New Orleans Hornets
19 of 30
New Orleans receives: SG Eric Gordon, SF Al-Faroq Aminu
Los Angeles receives: SG Marco Belinelli, SF Trevor Ariza, 2012 first-round pick
Here's a trade that could help keep Chris Paul in New Orleans.
Gordon and Aminu would start immediately if this trade were to go through, and they'd only have to downgrade at one position (small forward) and give up one first-rounder for a potential superstar.
New York Knicks
20 of 30
New York receives: PG Brandon Jennings
Milwaukee receives: PG Toney Douglas, 2011 first-rounder
In making this trade, the Knicks also might be able to then swap Chauncey Billups to someone else for a first-rounder.
The Knickerbockers also find the long-term point they have been looking for after the execution of the deal.
Oklahoma City Thunder
21 of 30
At the moment, the Oklahoma City Thunder might be the only team besides the Dallas Mavericks that are not in need of a trade.
I'd say they could use some young talent, but that's what the makeup of the majority of the crew is already.
Orlando Magic
22 of 30
Orlando receives: C Robin Lopez
Phoenix receives: SG J.J. Redick
All season long, the Orlando Magic played the majority of their minutes with Dwight Howard as their center.
However, there was no one on the depth chart behind him. No one!
Robin Lopez is a decent center who could get better under Superman's wing.
Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30
Philadelphia receives: SG Monta Ellis
Golden State receives: SF Andre Iguodala
This is a trade that has been talked about for hours on end.
Why would this trade help the Sixers?
They need a scorer, and Ellis' lack of good one-on-one defense would be complimented by the superb skills of point guard Jrue Holiday.
Phoenix Suns
24 of 30
Phoenix receives: SG J.J. Redick
Orlando receives: C Robin Lopez
The Phoenix Suns are absolutely looking for depth as their time clock continually ticks.
Vince Carter, Steve Nash, and Grant Hill are all nearing the conclusions of their respective careers, so why not give up one of your most worthless players for a spot-on shooter?
Portland Trail Blazers
25 of 30
Portland receives: Brandon Jennings
Milwaukee receives: Nicolas Batum
This trade is an interesting one because it sets the tone of the Portland Trail Blazers' future.
In relinquishing Nicolas Batum, a key member of their plans for this decade, they receive a young star at point guard, something they'll need because incumbent Andre Miller is at a tender 35 years old.
Sacramento Kings
26 of 30
Sacramento receives: PG Raymond Felton, 2012 second-rounder
Denver receives: SG Marcus Thornton
This deal makes a lot of sense for both of these franchises.
Raymond Felton has proven he is a legitimate point guard in this league, and Thornton's upside might be enough to land the UNC product and a second-rounder.
San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30
San Antonio receives: C Chris Kaman, SF Ryan Gomes
Los Angeles receives: SF Richard Jefferson, 2012 first-rounder
Another trade, another mention of Chris Kaman.
This trade would benefit both clubs, as the Clips would receive a much-needed small forward while keeping incumbent center DeAndre Jordan a part of the starting five.
The Spurs would grab hold of Kaman, a solid low-post scorer in his prime.
Toronto Raptors
28 of 30
Toronto receives: SF Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, PF Larry Sanders, 2011 second-round pick
Milwaukee receives: PF Andrea Bargnani, 2012 second-round pick
This trade seems out of the blue, doesn't it?
The Raptors would receive one of the league's best defenders in Mbah a Moute and an up-and-coming power forward in Larry Sanders.
I think it looks solid, at least.
Utah Jazz
29 of 30
Utah receives: SF Danny Granger, SG Dahntay Jones
Indiana receives: PF Al Jefferson, 2011 12th overall pick
In executing this trade, both teams would benefit completely.
Danny Granger would take his talents out west to Utah, where a small forward is needed, unless the Jazz re-sign Andrei Kirilenko.
Washington Wizards
30 of 30
Washington receives: 2011 second overall pick
Minnesota receives: C JaVale McGee
This trade is one that junkies have blabbered on and on about, but hey-- it makes sense for both teams, doesn't it?
The Wizards are looking at trading up to get Derrick Williams, and this is probably their most realistic option.
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