NBA Trade Rumors: Teams Must Avoid an Out-of-Shape Boris Diaw

The Charlotte Bobcats have become frustrated with center Boris Diaw and have recently placed the 29-year-old on the trading block.

Diaw had started 235 straight games in Charlotte after being acquired from the Phoenix Suns, before being benched by head coach Paul Silas, who has become frustrated with the lack of performance from Diaw.

Now that he's on the trade block, teams around the NBA need to do the smart thing and stay away from him.

"Not interested" should be every teams' reply.

For one, Diaw's conditioning is a big problem. With the condensed schedule this season, teams can't afford to have a big part of their rotation not be in good shape.

Secondly, there's the lack of passion Diaw plays with. He often appears to just be going through the motions out on the court. Even TNT's Charles Barkley questioned his passion after a recent Bobcats loss.

Is this truly a guy who you can afford to have on the floor late in games?

Out of shape and a lack of passion isn't a good combination of traits for an NBA player to have.

Then there is the simple lack of production. Despite playing about 30 minutes per night, Diaw is averaging only 8.4 points per game, his lowest total in four seasons, to go along with 6.7 rebounds per night.

Take away two good games against the defensively challenged New York Knicks, and those numbers would look much worse.

Even with an expiring contract, Diaw shouldn't be overly attractive to most NBA teams.

The Bobcats aren't interested in a bad contract in return, so that would mean someone has to pony up draft picks or some young talent in exchange for Diaw.

That's simply a gamble that isn't worth making.