NBA Trade Speculation: Potential Deals for All the Top Players on the Block

As the NBA lockout depresses fans across the nation, there's not much for NBA fans to do except speculate about possible trades—ones that were talked about voraciously before this lockout mess began.

Because there are quite a few top players still left on the NBA trading block, we're left having to formulate opinions as to where these teams might go. 

Since I'm officially writing to you right now, dear reader, I thought I'd do that for you, and come up with potential deals for all of the top NBA players currently on the block. 

The methodology? I used ESPN.com's Trade Machine, and consider the likelihood that both teams will accept the trade. All trades are formulated while considering the current/previous Collective Bargaining Agreement.  

So click on for more.

Dwight Howard: Lakers, Nets, Bulls

Potential Deal 1, Chicago Bulls: Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, Charlotte's first-round draft pick (2012) and their own first-round pick in 2012 in exchange for Dwight Howard and Ryan Anderson

This deal makes the most sense for the Orlando Magic—they get a highly-coveted center in Joakim Noah, while also receiving Carlos Boozer, whose contract is pretty tradeable. Additionally, the Magic will get two first-round draft picks in 2012, a draft class that many deem to be pretty awesome.

The Bulls have always been horrifyingly reluctant to trade Joakim Noah—this time, though, they'll actually be receiving an All-Pro center in return, too.

Potential Deal 2, New Jersey Nets: Brooke Lopez, Travis Outlaw, Dan Gadzuric, Anthony Morrow, 2012 first-round draft pick from Houston Rockets to Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard

The New Jersey Nets are in a willing mode to spend, especially after considering Deron Williams before the trade deadline came around last season.

This deal makes good sense for both teams, because the Nets will get the superstar power they want, while the Magic get a damn good head start on rebuilding, with second-year player Brooke Lopez on an expiring rookie contract; additionally, they'll get a first-round draft pick in 2012.

Potential Deal 3, Los Angeles Lakers: Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom in exchange for Dwight Howard and Chris Duhon

 Any deal involving the Los Angeles Lakers would have to involve Andrew Bynum, and for good reason. Bynum has the potential to be better than Dwight Howard because of his length and amazing footwork.

This deal doesn't make a ton of sense for either side: it's far too risky for LA to find out that Bynum was in fact better, and it's even riskier for Orlando, considering Bynum's injury history.

Andre Iguodala: Lakers, Warriors

Potential Deal 1, Los Angeles Lakers: Lamar Odom, Steve Blake for Andre Iguodala

This deal most likely won't happen, but if the Philly Sixers find out that they need some veteran leadership to start winning now, they'll definitely take Lamar Odom's bargain contract and Steve Blake's small-ish ink. 

The Lakers could use more athleticism, too. 

Potential Deal 2, Golden State Warriors: Monta Ellis for Andre Iguodala

It would be interesting to see a straight one-for-one trade between high-caliber players like Monta Ellis and Andre Iguodala. 

Iguodala is a better player, but Monta Ellis emerged as an elite 2-guard last season, and the Sixers need someone who can shoot; conversely, the Warriors need someone who can defend while not being a liability on offense.

O.J. Mayo: Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls

Potential Deal 1, Indiana Pacers: Paul George, George Hill for O.J. Mayo

The Indiana Pacers nearly had O.J. Mayo's contract this past February, which means they're more than likely to seek out Mayo's services. 

This deal makes enough sense on both sides to get a deal done—the Grizzlies are likely to want to trash Mayo after his character issues became evident after a suspension. They'd get in return two young players who have emerged as decent role players. 

Potential Deal 2, Chicago Bulls: Omer Asik and Ronnie Brewer for O.J. Mayo

During last season, the Chicago Bulls rejected this same trade. 

Now, the Bulls are far more desperate for a decent 2-guard now that they realized the importance of one after losing to the Miami Heat. 

The Grizzlies will like this trade, too: both Asik and Brewer are young talents that can contribute to the Grizzlies immediately.

Josh Smith: Lakers, Magic

Potential Deal 1, Los Angeles Lakers: Lamar Odom, Steve Blake, for Josh Smith

This deal makes more sense for the Lakers than it does for the Atlanta Hawks. 

The Lakers need more athleticism, and Josh Smith is that and more. But the Atlanta Hawks would probably want to rebuild shortly after trading Josh Smith, and adding two over-30 vets wouldn't help at all.

Potential Deal 2, Orlando Magic: Ryan Anderson, Jameer Nelson for Josh Smith

This deal makes all the sense in the world for the Orlando Magic. Chris Duhon or Gilbert Arenas can fill Nelson's void, and the Magic would get an All-Star-caliber player to convince Dwight Howard to stay in Orlando.

The Atlanta Hawks would get a young duo, too, but they could find that the couple might produce wins immediately. 

Rudy Gay: Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets

Rudy Gay has not really been officially placed on the trading block; however, considering the rumors that took place before the lockout, it's possible Gay will be traded. 

Potential Deal 1, Chicago Bulls: Luol Deng, Jannero Pargo, Second-Round Pick in 2012 for Rudy Gay

The Chicago Bulls needed a 2-guard because they needed someone who could play both on- and off-ball in order to better compliment Derrick Rose. A secondary scorer is required, and Rudy Gay can be just that. 

Gay is a scoring machine and can be trusted with the ball in his hands; this trade makes better sense for the Bulls than for the Grizzlies because Luol Deng isn't in Gay's class. 

Potential Deal 2, Denver Nuggets: Danilo Gallinari, Andre Miller, Chris Anderson for Rudy Gay

The Memphis Grizzlies are deep enough to compete, but if Rudy Gay gets traded away for Andre Miller, Danilo Galinari and Chris Anderson, the team would add enough depth to be a serious contender. 

This deal, though, makes more sense for the Nuggets, even if they are short on players with contracts, in that it gives them the primary scorer they needed in Gay.