NBA Trade Deadline: Latest News on Teams Looking to Makes Moves

As the days draw closer to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline certain teams have established themselves as teams that will be movers at the trade deadline.  For various reasons teams like the Portland Trailblazers, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Bobcats and Houston Rockets seem intent on changing up their roster via trade before this week’s deadline.

Portland TrailBlazers

After opening up the season as one of the top teams in the Western Conference the Blazers have endured a free fall to a disappointing record of 20-21, which is currently outside the playoff picture.  As a result of this the Blazers appear willing to deal any player on their current roster outside of LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum.

Guard Jamal Crawford has become a hot commodity in recent weeks and is likely to be on the move with the Los Angles Clippers looking like a likely destination. 

Another guard that has generated interest is Raymond Felton who has been a bust in Portland but could still provide an upgrade at point guard for a team like the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Due to the recent struggles of the team it would be surprising if the Blazers were to stand pat and keep the roster as is.

Orlando Magic

The Magic are unquestionably the team to watch at this year's trade deadline as superstar big man Dwight Howard could potentially be on the move.  Even if the team holds on to Howard they will likely be active in the trade market in an attempt to bolster the roster for a deep playoff run this spring.

One name to watch is Minnesota Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley who has been linked to the Orlando Magic recently.  In addition to acquiring new pieces the Magic are also said to be exploring the possibility of trading Hedo Turkoglu and his burdensome contract.

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have been active in trade discussions throughout this season dating back to their failed attempt at acquiring Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol.  Despite failing in the earlier attempt at acquiring Pau Gasol the Rockets have continued to pursue Gasol in recent weeks.

Although the team has been a pleasant surprise thus far concerns over the luxury tax and the recent sidelining of Kyle Lowry make the Rockets a team likely to make a move this week.  In addition the past history of general manager Daryl Morey, deadline trades in each of his five seasons as Rockets GM, indicates that a deadline deal is to be expected.

Washington Wizards

Arguably the most disappointing team in the NBA is the Washington Wizards who have stumbled to a horrid 9-30 record.  With only John Wall looking like a sure bet to be on the Wizards past the deadline Wizards players JaVale McGee, Andray Blatche and Nick Young have been repeatedly brought up in trade rumors.

While it would be expected that Wizards will be looking to attain young players and draft picks the team has surprisingly been mentioned as a potential destination for Pau Gasol.