NBA Rumors: Power Ranking Top Players on Trading Block

The March 15 NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching, which results in several rumors about star players possibly on the move. As always, some of these players are much better than others, meaning the price to get them will be high. 

Oftentimes, that can stray teams away, but if there's a chance to land an elite player that will have a drastic impact on a team (in a good way), then there doesn't need to be any hesitation in pulling the trigger on a deal. 

Trade rumors will continue to swirl as the weeks goes on, especially as all the big stars gather for the All-Star break this coming weekend. 

With that said, here are the top players on the trading block. 

Dwight Howard 

The best center in the NBA has long been rumored to many teams, even though the Orlando Magic say they have no interest in trading him. 

Still, because Howard will be a free agent at the end of the season and there's no guarantee he stays in Orlando, the Magic would be wise to continue listening to offers. After all, why let the best big man in the league walk away without getting anything in return? That makes no sense to me. 

Howard's preferred list of teams to be traded to include the Los Angeles Lakers, the New Jersey Nets and the Dallas Mavericks. All of them will try to land him in free agency too, but making a trade offer is the best bet. 

Howard's future remains a huge mystery, but one things for sure: the 6'11", 265-pound center is the best player mentioned in trade talks today.

Pau Gasol 

The Los Angeles Lakers' second most important player has been rumored to numerous teams, which prompted the Lakers' most important player, Kobe Bryant, to call out team management. 

Gasol has been linked to the Bulls, Timberwolves, Magic, Rockets and Celtics. The Lakers know he is the best player on the team that will get great value in return. Well, other than Kobe that is, but there's no way the Lakers will move him. 

The 7'0", 250-pound power forward is averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per game. He's a dynamic player that any team would love to have, which is why there are so many rumors going around. 

It's uncertain if the Lakers will actually deal Gasol before the trade deadline, but if they're smart, they should take Kobe's advice and decide now because it's a heavy burden for Gasol to have to deal with night in and night out. 

Chris Kaman

As teams continue to fight for the playoffs, coming down the stretch of the season will showcase which teams are truly ready for a postseason run. 

By adding extra depth, especially down low, it increases the chances a team has to excel in the playoffs. 

This is why Kaman is a great option on the trading block right now. John Reid of the Times Picayune reports that Kaman's expiring contract makes it very likely the New Orleans Hornets will trade him. 

Having missed time this season, it was wondered whether or not Kaman could still be a solid contributor. In the last five games, Kaman is averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Kaman would be superb addition for a team in dire need of a big man as the playoffs draw near. In order to thrive in the NBA, a team has to have a strong center capable of producing at a high level. Kaman can be that guy for a number of teams.