Four Trades That Could Change the NBA Season

As we quickly approach the NBA Trade Deadline, the playoff races are coming into shape. For most of the season, there have been rumors circulating regarding many players being moved, and yet little has happened.

In a season though where there is no clear-cut champion, there are many teams still in playoff contention that did not think they would be back in November.

While that may hinder the trade movement slightly, those same teams that are pretenders in reality, may look to make moves to become contenders over the next month.

LayupDrill.com takes a look at the five players (one per position) that could make a pretender into a contender, or a contender into a champion, if they acquired in the next month.

The Players

Michael Redd, Jamaal Tinsley, Shawn Marion, Brad Miller, David Lee

The Trades

1. Michael Redd—(SG) Bucks

While there have been no indications stating Redd is actually available, The Bucks, who have been stuck on the outside of the playoff race for most of the year, may look at entertaining deals for the Olympian, if the price is right. There are many teams that could offer Milwaukee potential value for Redd, but here is a possible deal that would work.

Bucks trade Michael Redd to Dallas for Josh Howard and Jerry Stackhouse.

This deal works for both teams for a few reasons. Dallas infuses a fresh face and new attitude into their locker room, as well as someone who could command a double-team to help Dirk in crunch time.

The Bucks get two players in Howard and Stackhouse who could use a change of scenery, and also have contracts expiring next season, so if they did not fit in with the Bucks, they could be potential expiring contract trade bait next year.

However, odds are that given playing time, both Howard and Stackhouse would put up solid numbers in a contract year.

2. Jamaal Tinsley—(PG) Pacers

As much as we have covered the Stephon Marbury saga this season, the fact is, the Knicks don’t have to do anything regarding his contract. He will be free to go at the end of the season, and the longer this drags out, the less likely it seems he will receive a buyout. But there is a point guard from Brooklyn as well that could help some contenders if given a chance.

The Pacers clearly have buried Jamaal Tinsley down in their roster. With T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack averaging a combined 25 points and nine assists a game for the rebuilding Pacers, Tinsley became expendable.

Indiana could still manage to trade Tinsley for either draft picks or a decent contributing player this year. He is owed a shade over $7 million a year over the next two seasons, and most feel he won’t be earning that in Indiana. Here is a potential deal that works.

Indiana Pacers trade Jamaal Tinsley to Miami Heat for Udonis Haslem.

The Miami Heat get a veteran point guard in Tinsley, who could back up the young Mario Chalmers, much like Sam Cassell was brought in to tutor Rajon Rondo in Boston. Tinsley also could assist Dwyane Wade in molding the very young Miami roster.

The Pacers get a bruising power forward in Haslem that could be used in the front line alongside Troy Murphy and Danny Granger, or perhaps use him as trade bait for draft picks down the road.

3. Shawn Marion—(SF) Miami Heat

The former Suns’ swingman has been trade bait since the day he arrived in South Beach, nearly a year ago. Now with another trade deadline approaching, it looks as if his wishes to go elsewhere will be granted.

Miami Heat trade Shawn Marion to Sacramento for Brad Miller and Shelden Williams.

There are few teams that will actually be able to make a deal work for Shawn Marion and his $17-million contract. The Heat would prefer to send Marion out West, and would want to bolster their front line in return.

Sacramento could get Miller off their books, and bring in an expiring contract in Marion, who would free up cap space for them after this season. As the trading deadline draws near, it is certain the Kings will look to make moves.

The Heat, who are currently in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race, are clearly overachieving, but are not yet on the level of the East’s Big 3 (Cleveland, Boston, and Orlando). Dwyane Wade knows this, and they may be more willing than ever to make a move in a few weeks.

4. David Lee—(PF) Knicks

One of the most coveted potential Trade Deadline players could be the Knicks’ power forward David Lee. Rumors have circulated for weeks that Lee has been shopped around the league, with mild interest coming from various teams out West.

If the Knicks’ management decides that they do not want to sign Lee to a long-term deal, then this potential move could benefit both parties.

New York Knicks trade David Lee to Portland for Jerryd Bayless and future draft considerations.

The Knicks are cash strapped, and do not seem to want to tie up any money long term until the summer of 2010. The Blazers have been interested in acquiring David Lee for a while, and initial offerings of Channing Frye did not seem to entice the Knicks.

New York, who is still in need of backcourt help with the sudden retirement of Cuttino Mobley, could use the young point guard who has yet to truly get his shot behind the talent-laden Blazers.