NBA Trade Rumors: Breaking Down the Most Likely Deals

Though free agency is a hot topic for the NBA this time of year, we shouldn't be so quick to put down the myriad number of trade rumors also swirling around. 

As we all know, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard wants a new team badly, but new GM Jeff Hennigan just hasn't found a deal he's liked yet—even with talent-laden teams like the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers in the mix.

The same can be said for the Toronto Raptors and point guard Jose Calderon, who has asked to be traded since the team now has Kyle Lowry to run the point.  Still, no deal has been made.

Long story short, some trades are going to happen before the new season begins, and some of them are going to cause shockwaves throughout the league.  Let's take a look at a few of them that are in the mix and break down the likelihood of each happening.

No. 5: Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers

A few days ago, Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.com reported that the Lakers and the Magic were discussing a three-team deal that would bring Howard to LA.  In the proposed deal, the Lakers would land the All-Star center while Andrew Bynum would go to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Magic would receive multiple draft picks.

As much as I would love to see Howard in a Lakers uniform alongside Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant, I just don't really see this trade happening.  Howard's ego would clash hard with that of Bryant, and given how Nash is also in the picture, it's becoming clear that the Lakers are looking to incorporate more team play and not just get the ball to Kobe possession after possession.

Seeing as how Howard wants to be "the guy" wherever he goes, this trade is a disaster waiting to happen (Rant Sports).  Still, the Lakers seem to like him a lot, so a trade could still definitely be made.

No. 4: DeJuan Blair to the Golden State Warriors

For the past three years, Blair has been a large defensive presence for the San Antonio Spurs.  He may just be 6'7", but his 270-pound frame allows him to work the middle like someone much bigger.

Yet, according to Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group, the Spurs are willing to trade Blair and the Golden State Warriors are interested. 

There's just one problem: San Antonio wants a first-round pick and the Warriors don't have that to offer.

However, this trade shouldn't be counted out just yet.  As tough as Blair is on defense, he's only averaged 8.5 points and 6.3 rebounds, not to mention less than a block per game.  If anything, he's a smaller Kendrick Perkins.  He's talented, but isn't worth a first-round pick by a long shot.

Eventually, I expect Spurs GM R.C. Buford will lower his asking price and work out a deal that suits both the Spurs and wherever Blair ends up.  Seeing as how the Warriors need a big body off the bench, they could definitely offer up some young players in exchange.

No. 3: Jose Calderon to the Dallas Mavericks

With Jason Kidd headed to the New York Knicks, the Mavs are in dire need of a man to run the point.  Nothing against Darren Collison, but he's more of a shooter and a distributor should be first priority.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, GM Donnie Nelson has Calderon on the radar and has been in talks with the Toronto Raptors about a trade for the Spanish floor general.  This is a trade that is definitely feasible, as Toronto recently acquired Kyle Lowry from the Houston Rockets, and he is a better all-around point guard than Calderon.

That said, given the type of offense that the Mavericks seem to be gravitating towards, Calderon could be a perfect fit.  His defense is average, but he can make shots when they count and is a good scoring point guard.  That means that he could potentially help star forward Dirk Nowitzki shoulder some of the scoring load.

Nothing is official yet, but this is a rumor to watch in the coming days.

No. 2: Dwight Howard to the Houston Rockets

According to Marc Stein and Chad Ford of ESPN, the Orlando Magic prefer the Houston Rockets' offer for Dwight Howard over that of the Lakers.  Now this is a trade that I can actually see working out.

In the deal, the Rockets would receive the following: Howard, Glen Davis, Chris Duhon and Jason Richardson.  Hedo Turkoglu could also be in the mix.

Orlando would receive quite a heavier package: multiple draft picks, Kevin Martin, Patrick Patterson, Marcus Morris and Chandler Parsons.  GM Jeff Hennigan would also make out like a bandit in receiving the draft rights to Jeremy Lamb, Royce White and Terrence Jones.

This trade could definitely happen—it would fulfill Howard's wish to be the top dog on the team, but something tells me he would back off of approving the trade because of all of the people coming with him from Orlando.  He hasn't gone far with them in Orlando, so why would Houston be any different?

Regardless of that, both sides seem determined to make the deal happen.  Stay tuned!

No. 1: Richard Hamilton Traded Away from Chicago Bulls

Hamilton is a talented shooter, but his tendency to get injured may be the reason his time in Chicago is up.  According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, GM Gar Forman has put the former Connecticut Husky on the trading block.  Seeing as how the Bulls just brought back sharpshooter Kirk Hinrich via free agency, this move isn't exactly a surprise.

Regarding the actuality of a deal being made, it's going to happen.  Hamilton has just one year and $5 million left on his contract, plus an option for 2013-2014 for just $1 million.

Seeing as how the man shot 37 percent from long range and averaged 11.6 points per game last year, some team in need of a shooter will definitely take Forman's bait.