NBA Trade Speculation: 7 Players Destined to Have New Homes by the Deadline

This year the NBA trade deadline is on March 15th at 3 p.m. ET—expect plenty of names to move to around to different teams prior to the deadline.

With the regular season culminating on April 26th, teams are going to be looking for key players, or stars, which will either help them reach the playoffs or solidify the team during the playoffs—for some teams, it might be for both those reasons.

Plenty of names have been tossed around prior to the beginning of the season and much throughout. One thing is for sure, teams want to avoid the "LeBron James problem," and to do so they will definitely be looking to ship out their star player if they know that they will not return with their team the following year. 

Here are the seven players destined to have new homes by the trade deadline. 

Luis Scola/Kevin Martin

Unless you do not receive NBA news, you know that in December the Houston Rockets were involved in a three-team trade involving Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Chris Paul and Pau Gasol. This trade was vetoed by commissioner David Stern.

Both Luis Scola and Kevin Martin might still be traded before the deadline because of the lack of size the Rockets have down low.

With the emergence of point guard Kyle Lowry, the Rockets are looking to put together a strong team for a nice playoff push. The Rockets, unlike other teams, realize that a strong frontcourt is key to success in the NBA.

Both Scola and Martin have enough value to lure in a big man from another team before the trade deadline is up.

There have been no recent rumors on either of these players being moved, but expect for talks to heat up from the Rockets side closer to the deadline.

Possible Destinations: Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, Utah Jazz

Pau Gasol/Andrew Bynum

According to ESPN's Ric Bucher, it seems like Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak are at an impasse with the futures of their two big men. This problem may cause Mitch Kupchak to leave the Lakers.

Jim Buss does not want to trade Andrew Bynum, but Mitch Kuptchak is willing to trade both Bynum and Pau Gasol—whatever the case is, expect one of these two to be gone by the trade deadline.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of some help at the point guard position—both Bynum and Gasol have enough value to bring in an All-Star point guard or a decent point guard and other talent.

Expect the Lakers to make a trade once their six-game road trip is over—especially if the Lakers keep losing the way they have in the past two games to the 76ers and the Jazz.  

Possible Destinations: New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets

Dwight Howard

The possibilities of Dwight Howard being traded before the deadline are growing as it gets closer.  

Dwight Howard is the best center in the NBA and there might not be anyone close to him. Howard, like many other superstars in the past, has demanded to be traded because of the lack of trust he has in the possibility of his current team winning a championship.

Howard has been acting very selfishly as of late by calling out his teammates for their lack of effort. Howard has also been creating a “list” of teams that he would want to play for.

According to Hoopsworld.com's Alex Kennedy, if Howard were to be traded to the Lakers, he would not sign a long-term contract.

It is safe to say that the Dwight Howard situation is a big mess—one bigger than the LeBron James saga.

Expect for Howard to be traded after Orlando hosts the All-Star game this year—let’s be honest, who wants to see Orlando host an All-Star game with Andrew Bynum or Brook Lopez as their main star?

Possible Destinations: New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks

Deron Williams

Disclaimer: If Dwight Howard is successfully traded to the New Jersey Nets, this is one player who will definitely not be traded to any other team.

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Deron Williams, like Dwight Howard, has created his own “list” of teams that he would like to play for. This list includes teams that are in desperate need of a young point guard—like the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.

Williams will likely be traded for another superstar if the Nets are not able to lure in Dwight Howard.

If Deron Williams is somehow traded to the Lakers, expect for a Chris Paul and Deron Williams conference championship matchup for years to come.

Possible Destinations:  Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks

Steve Nash

Steve Nash has been a vital part of the Pheonix Suns ever since he rejoined the team in 2004, but it seems like the run with the Suns might come to an end for the Canadian point guard.

According to Hoopsworld.com's Steve Kyler, The Phoenix Suns want to keep Steve Nash, but at age 38, he might not be the best player to keep around when the team is in rebuilding mode. Robert Sarver, the Suns owner, has reportedly said that he would only consider a trade if it is a guarantee that Nash will walk via free agency.

Nash would be a great addition to a team who is looking for a wily veteran for a strong NBA championship push—that is if the Suns decide to trade Nash.

Possible Destinations: New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers