NBA Rumors: Power Ranking the Top 10 Teams with Leverage at Deadline

With the trade deadline close to passing, nearly every team in the NBA is looking to make a move. From the lowly Bobcats to the NBA-best Chicago, no one appears to be satisfied.

The thing is, no team will be able to make a trade without meeting another one's request.

With the deadline a day away, it's important to ask the question of who has leverage over who. I've got the answer right here.

10. New Orleans Hornets

After reporting that Chris Kaman was off of the trading block, it appears he's once again available for the price of a second-round draft pick.

With Andrew Bogut now off of the trade market, the likelihood that Kaman is dealt certainly increases. As a result, the leverage the Hornets have grows steeper.

9. Houston Rockets

After T.J. Ford announced his shocking retirement, the San Antonio Spurs were left relatively thin at the point-guard position. News has now broken via ESPN's Chris Broussard that the Spurs are interested in acquiring the Rockets' Jonny Flynn.

While the Rockets are struggling to acquire Pau Gasol, the latest development could bode well for their potential trade. The Spurs' interest in Flynn creates an opportunity to include a third team in the trade talks.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Prior to Ricky Rubio's injury, the Timberwolves would have been at the top of this list. Once Rubio went down with a season-ending injury, however, Minnesota lost a whole lot of leverage.

Luke Ridnour is no longer a viable trade option, Michael Beasley has lost his luster and the Timberwolves' needs now outweigh their possessions. Nevertheless, they have enough talent to command some calls from contenders looking to improve.

7. Phoenix Suns

You'd think that a team with Steve Nash on the trade market could demand more attention, but according to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the Suns aren't getting many calls.

Nevertheless, a player of Nash's caliber will certainly receive attention at one point or another. Unfortunately for the Suns, that window of opportunity is rapidly closing.

6. Boston Celtics

ESPN's Chris Broussard reports that Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is actively fielding calls for the Big Three. With teams like the Los Angeles Clippers looking to improve at the 2, the likelihood of such a deal certainly improves.

Thankfully for Celtics fans, Rondo is safe.

5. Orlando Magic

After Dwight Howard decided to opt in, the Orlando Magic certainly gained leverage over the New Jersey Nets as they approached the trade deadline. Chris Broussard confirmed the sentiment by reporting the Nets are looking to acquire Howard right now.

Chances are, Deron Williams won't re-sign if Howard isn't acquired. With that being known, the Magic could sure get a lot of great young players in return.

4. Los Angeles Lakers

For a team desperate to fill a positional need of their own, the Lakers have got it pretty good.

The Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets have both made it known that they are interested in acquiring Spaniard Pau Gasol. The Minnesota Timberwolves have also attempted to ship Michael Beasley their way. Consequently, the Lakers have flexed their muscle and exhibited the ability to say no.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are likely to play a major role in what transpires. Surprisingly, they could be a lot more comfortable than we once assumed they'd be.

3. Atlanta Hawks

With Kirk Hinrich, Marvin Williams and Josh Smith all rumored to be available, the Atlanta Hawks have quite a bit of leverage as contenders look to strengthen their rosters.

While it's unclear where each player could end up, they're all big enough names that could garner quite the attention as the trade deadline draws closer.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

At this point, any team in the NBA with an available point guard could hold leverage over the Los Angeles Lakers. Considering the Cavaliers have nothing to lose by failing to make a deadline acquisition, however, there is no reason for them to jump into a trade prematurely.

As has been widely reported, the Lakers are interested in acquiring Cleveland's Ramon Sessions. While that gives the Cavaliers just one player to move, it's the most important player to the most spend-friendly team...

1. Portland Trail Blazers

The Los Angeles Lakers are desperate to acquire a point guard. The Clippers, Charlotte Bobcats and Minnesota Timberwolves aren't too comfortable with their current situation at the 1 or 2.

As Brett Pollakoff of NBC Sports recently reported, the Lakers remain interested in acquiring Raymond Felton. That deal alone could land the Blazers a new point guard, Steve Blake, and also open the flood gates to the other possibilities.