NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Players Who Should Be Dealt

The NBA is full of teams that need to make trades to better themselves. This is especially true of teams like the Phoenix Suns, who could unload Steve Nash and start building for the future.

There are many other teams who need to make trades to avoid losing value on their teams.

Here are the top five that need to make trades by the deadline.

Steve Nash

Steve Nash is one of my favorite NBA players, but he needs to be traded.

Before you comment, don't worry; I know that Nash has said he wants to stay in Phoenix. I also know that is the best solution short-term.

However, the Suns need help long-term. Once Nash does retire, the Suns will be like the Indianapolis Colts without Peyton Manning. They'll fall flat.

This team is bare without him and needs to start rebuilding. They can't do that until Nash is gone.

Dwight Howard

I know this is an obvious one, but it's even more important for the Orlando Magic than for Howard.

It's clear that this guy does not want to be in Orlando any longer. The team needs to get the best deal they can for him long-term and start rebuilding.

They should even include a lot of the guys they have now and really blow up the team. Truthfully, this team continues to win games, but without Howard, the current setup would make a terrible team.

Pau Gasol

I'm afraid Pau Gasol has worn out his welcome in LA.

The Lakers should trade him now while his value isn't completely diminished. They still have a chance to do well this season and could get some valuable pieces for him.

The best trading partner would be Houston, especially if they would be willing to give up Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola. The Rockets are aching for a big name to fill seats, Gasol could be that for them.

The Celtics' Big Three

I'm sorry, but it's obvious that it's time for the Boston Celtics to move on. The Big Three era was great for the franchise to rekindle its old dominance for awhile, but that has clearly ended.

The Celtics should unload at least two of these three for younger talent and draft picks. Just imagine what guys like Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett could add to current championship contenders.

Those guys aren't stars anymore, but they can still contribute very well to a good team that isn't built on them.

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is killing the New York Knicks.

Before he arrived last season, the Knicks were doing well with Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo offense. Raymond Felton and Amar'e Stoudemire were a dynamic duo, and the team appeared on the rise.

Then, they give up everyone but Stoudemire to acquire Anthony. It was alright at the end of last season, but they were clearly not the same team.

Now it's even more clear. Anthony bottles up D'Antoni's offense and really any offense for that matter.

They could get a lot for him, and they should.