NBA Trade Rumors: Breaking Down The Latest Trade Chatter
The NBA trade deadline is March 15, but that won't stop teams from making blockbuster deals any time now because it's ideal to allow new players the most time as possible to fit in with their new teammates before the playoffs arrive.
Two of the latest and most interesting rumors are the Philadelphia 76ers' reported interest in New York Knicks superstar forward Amare Stoudemire, and Orlando Magic star center Dwight Howard adding the Chicago Bulls to his list of approved trade suitors.
Let's check out the latest trade rumors from around the NBA.
First, let's discuss this really interesting Stoudemire rumor
The Philadelphia 76ers lead the Atlantic Division right now and are playing fantastic at both ends of the floor. Veteran head coach Doug Collins has done a tremendous job improving this young 76ers team, and with several quality young players, they are an attractive destination for veterans via trade or free agency.
Stoudemire, however, has a massive contract. He signed a five-year, $100 million contract in the summer of 2010, and would be the highest paid player on the 76ers if he went there. Taking on that size contract is certainly a risk for the 76ers.
The Knicks have struggled this season, and the combination of Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony hasn't been a winning one in New York. After acquiring Anthony last season from the Denver Nuggets, New York destroyed the depth they had, especially on the bench.
Trading Stoudemire to the 76ers would allow the Knicks to bring back several good players, and that would improve their team going forward.
This is a no-brainer for both teams.
Dwight Howard adds Chicago to his growing list of trade suitors—finally!
You may have thought the Chicago Bulls would have been on Dwight Howard's list of approved trade suitors right from the beginning, for two reasons.
One, they have a lot to offer the Orlando Magic for the star center, more than any other team in my opinion. Second, even by giving up young talent to acquire Howard, the Bulls have enough talent to win championships with the star center.
If the Magic want to compete after trading Howard and not go into rebuilding mode, the Bulls can offer the best package of young players who are talented enough to perform well with increased minutes. Players such as Ronnie Brewer, Taj Gibson, Omer Asik and Joakim Noah are all quality young players the Magic would consider acquiring in addition to some draft picks.
Howard and reigning league MVP Derrick Rose would be an unreal combo, and one that would win several championships in the near future.
New Orleans Hornets center Chris Kaman drawing interest from Warriors, Celtics, others
According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, there are several teams with interest in acquiring New Orleans center Chris Kaman. Kaman was acquired by the team in the Chris Paul trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, and is an upcoming free agent making $14 million this season.
The San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets have interest in the center, and according to Hornets general manager Dell Demps, Kaman will be away from the team until a team trades for him. The Spurs and Rockets certainly need to upgrade at center, especially the Spurs, who may be a good center away from making a deep run in the playoffs.
According to the Boston Globe, the Celtics would be interested in signing Kaman if the Hornets buy out his deal. This seems to be a scenario that would only play out if Kaman is not able to be traded. You'd have to think the Hornets would much rather trade Kaman and get something for him than just buy him out. The Celtics cannot afford to give up young talent and/or draft picks for Kaman, but they certainly need an upgrade at center to improve their glaring rebounding issues.
According to the Contra Costa Times, the Warriors have expressed some interest in trading for Kaman, but according to sources a move to Golden State is unlikely. The Warriors are another team who need rebounding help and more strength in the middle.
Steve Nash to the Knicks? Don't count on it Knicks fans
ESPN's Marc Stein earlier this month wrote that Steve Nash will not demand a trade, but the Phoenix Suns are in an interesting situation with their star point guard.
The Suns would really anger their fans by trading Nash, who is the face of the franchise and the main attraction for people deciding to buy tickets or not. The Knicks don't have much to give them either, both in terms of draft picks and young talent.
If Nash wants to move, the Suns need to consider trading him because he has done so much for that franchise and they should honor his wishes.
But the financial and on-court consequences of moving Nash would be risky for Phoenix. I would bet on Nash staying in Phoenix until the summer when he becomes a free agent and can join a contender.
Would Ramon Sessions cure L.A. Lakers' point guard woes?
The Los Angeles Lakers need help at point guard because veteran Derek Fisher and the disappointing Steve Blake are not good enough to lead a championship team.
The Lakers, according to Yahoo Sports, have expressed interest in trading for Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Ramon Sessions.
Sessions would add some athleticism and playmaking ability to the Lakers lineup, and playing with much more talented players on the Lakers than he is with the Cavs would certainly help him. This is a no-brainer move for the Lakers.
Nicholas Goss is an NBA Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.





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