NBA Trade Rumors: Most Intriguing Names on the Market

Orlando Magic star center Dwight Howard is the most notable player on the NBA trade market, but he's not the only star player who could change teams in the coming weeks.

As more of the top-tier free agents start to sign contracts with teams, the most effective way for general managers to add important pieces like centers and point guards to their roster will be via trade.

Let's check out the most intriguing players on the trade market.

O.J. Mayo and Courtney Lee

The Boston Celtics might not be done adding depth at the shooting guard position following Ray Allen's decision to join the Miami Heat as a free agent.

Sam Amico of Fox Sports has the latest:

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Mentioned most in NBA calls today: Whether or not Celtics can work out sign-and-trade for OJ Mayo, or perhaps Courtney Lee.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 12, 2012"

Mayo is a better offensive player than Lee, but the Rockets guard is a better one-on-one defender. Either player would be a solid addition to the Celtics, but a deal for Lee seems more likely because he probably won't cost as much as Mayo.

Jose Calderon on the Block

Jose Calderon's tenure with the Toronto Raptors could be coming to a close. According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Spanish point guard is on the trade market.

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Mark Bartelstein, agent for Calderon, confirms to ESPN that trade talks underway. He & Raps prez Colangelo "working together" to find deal

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 13, 2012"

Talented point guards who can shoot well consistently and run an offense will always be in demand. According to Hoopshype, Calderon's salary for next season—the final year of his current deal—is about $10.5 million. That's a pretty manageable salary for a player who brings a lot to the court.

Kris Humphries Sign-and-Trade

If Kris Humphries doesn't want to re-sign with the Brooklyn Nets, the team would be smart to explore a sign-and-trade.

Here's the latest from Marc Stein of ESPN.com:

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Nets could well be involved no matter what Humphries decides. If Hump chooses Charlotte, Nets will surely offer to sign-and-trade him there

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 13, 2012"

After making some bold trades and free-agent signings this summer, the Nets would be foolish to pay Humphries what he wants.

Dwight Howard

The Houston Rockets amnestied power forward Luis Scola to make their roster better equipped for a potential Dwight Howard deal.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports explains the situation.

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Once Houston amnesties Scola, Rockets will be able to absorb 2nd max deal next summer in addition to Howard now. Gives them chance for CP3.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 12, 2012"

What if the Rockets don't get Howard and end up letting Scola go for nothing? The Rockets will have no one to can replace Scola's rebounding and scoring at the power forward position if they don't add a player such as Howard. The next few weeks will tell us a lot about what the future could hold for the Rockets franchise.

Andrew Bynum

Dwight Howard isn't the only option for the Houston Rockets at the center position, according to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.

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Houston's top priority is to land Dwight Howard. However, acquiring Andrew Bynum in three-team deal with Orlando and L.A. is a back-up plan.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 12, 2012"

The issue with Bynum is: would he be willing to sign an extension to remain in Houston long-term if traded there?

Marshon Brooks

In a story by Sam Amico of Fox Sports, he makes a note about Marshon Brooks' availability on the trade market.

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The Nets are also said to be aggressively shopping second-year guard MarShon Brooks.

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Trading Brooks would be a major mistake by the Nets. He is a young scorer with tremendous potential and can be an elite sixth man in just a few years.

Brooks is the type of young player that smart franchises don't trade away unless the return package is too good to turn down.

Antawn Jamison

Antawn Jamison is an unrestricted free agent but the Cleveland Cavaliers could still work out a sign-and-trade involving the veteran forward. According to Michael Scotto of RealGM, the Nets are an option as a possible trade partner.

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Forward Antawn Jamison has been linked to the Lakers for the veteran minimum, Nets via sign-and-trade, Bobcats, and Warriors. #freeagency

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 12, 2012"

Jamison is not going to be a starter on a team with playoff ambition, but he can be a solid bench player who can provide scoring and rebounding at the power forward spot.