NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Surprise Moves That Could Be Made This Summer

It's easy to forget that front offices around the NBA still have a job to do in structuring their rosters for the upcoming season. 

With NBA headlines being dominated by the alleged interest of marquee stars playing overseas, there is the potential that many blockbuster or shocking trades may occur under the radar during the NBA's latest summer lockout. 

Have no fear, for here at bleacher report we'll steer away from the mania surrounding European hoops and inform you of what NBA rumors you need to be made aware of here in the States. 

Here are five surprise moves that could be made this summer. 

Dwight Howard to the New Jersey Nets

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2011/07/report-n-j-nets-to-make-push-for-dwight-howard.html

With the New Jersey Nets hoping to sign Deron Williams to a long term contract, they may soon turn their attention to acquiring a second big-name star in the form of Dwight Howard, according to The Orlando Sentinel.

Whether the Nets decide to make a push for Howard this offseason in the form of a blockbuster trade or wait until he's a free agent remains to be seen. 

Regardless, landing Howard or at least seriously pursuing the All-NBA center is something that Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov must do in order to convince Williams that the Nets are committed to winning long-term. 

Anticipate many more Howard to Nets rumors as the summer progresses. 

Josh Smith to the Orlando Magic

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/22/report-josh-smith-to-orlando-magic-trade-rumors-“legit”/

The Orlando Magic will be busy this summer looking to make sensible trades in order convince Dwight Howard that they are serious about winning. 

Acquiring Josh Smith and pairing him with Howard and the rest of the current Magic roster will instantly turn them into serious contenders in the Eastern Conference, and it's a possibility according to a report from CBS Sports' Ken Berger.

It remains to be seen what players the Magic will have to give up to the Atlanta Hawks for Smith's services, but it certainly is a rumor to keep an eye on. 

Monta Ellis to the Chicago Bulls

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2011/06/10/monta-ellis-update-nothing-right-this-second-but-all-sides-know-the-warriors-are-considering-a-trade/

It's been long rumored that Monta Ellis is being shopped around the NBA by the Golden State Warriors. 

The Chicago Bulls didn't address their need at shooting guard with their two first round draft picks in this year's draft, so the door remains opened for a possible Ellis to Chicago blockbuster, as this San Jose Mercury News report from Tim Kawakami suggests.

Combine that with the fact that Ellis has stated he wants to play for a contender who is "a great scorer away from a title run," and this rumor has serious potential to come to fruition. 

Andre Iguodala for Chris Kaman

The Philadelphia 76ers have long been rumored to be shopping star forward Andre Iguodala. 

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, they've found a potential trade partner in the Los Angeles Clippers. The Sixers appear eager to acquire center Chris Kaman in an attempt to solidify their center position. (Current center Spencer Hawes averaged just 7.2 ppg and 5.7 rbg in 2010-2011.)

Kaman has been oft-injured throughout his career, and despite an All-Star selection in 2010, the Clippers will likely need to add more to the pot in order to entice Philadelphia to move their star scorer. 

Chris Paul to the Lakers

It's no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of a point guard. New York Daily News sportswriter Frank Isola also reported last month that there is "some sentiment" within the team to make a "star playmaker" the Lakers' first priority with new coach Mike Brown installing a new offense.

Chris Paul is the best star playmaker available, and trade speculation has swirled around him for over a year as the Hornets struggle to build a solid team around him.

Any trade between the Hornets and Lakers involving Paul would likely result in Pau Gasol going to New Orleans. 

This may be the best case scenario for the Hornets, as they don't want to risk losing Paul for nothing come free agency (which is all but certain to happen), and Pau Gasol may represent the best player the Hornets have a chance at acquiring in return.