NBA Rumors: 5 Players Most Likely to Be Dealt Before the Offseason Ends

With the NBA free-agency period hitting its talent scraping phase, it's time for teams to assess their talent and ratchet up the trade talks.

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard is obviously the crown jewel of the trade market, but there seem to be just two teams vying for his services.

However, there are plenty of quality players being bandied about elsewhere.  Who are some of these guys?  Follow along as we take a look at the five players most likely to be dealt before the offseason ends.  

Jimmer Fredette (SG, Sacramento Kings)

It would seem like "oh how the mighty have fallen" would be an appropriate response to Fredette's status after the Kings' signing of guard Aaron Brooks.

And after reading Fredette's quotes to Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated, it seems like the former first-round pick was not too happy with his team's new signee.  

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"It is what it is," Fredette said after the game in which he hit 10-of-21 shots. "You just go out there and play. Aaron is a really explosive scorer, a guy who can really put the ball in the basket as well.

"It's all about trying to get the team better, and I'm going to go out and play as hard as I can and try to get as many minutes as I can, and just help the team in any way I can. Whatever is best for the team." 

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For those unfamiliar, the phrase "it is what it is" is the universally accepted way to voice displeasure without coming across as petulant.  Could this mean the abrupt end for Fredette in Sacramento?  If it is, ESPN Insider's Joe Kaiser speculated that both the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns could top the list of the young point guard's suitors.  

Possible Suitors:  Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz

Richard Hamilton (SG, Chicago Bulls)

Just one year after acquiring Hamilton in free agency, the Bulls are looking to move the masked gunner according to the Chicago Tribune.  

With just $1 million of his contract guaranteed for the 2013-14 season, Hamilton is essentially an expiring contract.  With that favorable contract, you would assume that the Bulls would have no shortage of suitors.

However, the Bulls have had trouble finding even remote interest in the former All-Star so far, according to the Tribune. 

That should change once the free-agency period winds down and leaves teams desperately looking for a veteran bench presence.  

Possible Suitors:  Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks

Jose Calderon (PG, Toronto Raptors)

With fellow point guard Kyle Lowry already in place and Calderon's ghastly $10+ million price tag staring the Raptors in the face, it looked like the Spaniard was headed for the amnesty trash heap.

Shockingly the amnesty deadline came and went Tuesday without the Raptors waiving Calderon, disappointing the point guard's many suitors.

Regardless, Calderon is unhappy in Toronto and the team will likely push those interested into trade talks.

According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, among those suitors is the Dallas Mavericks who have been gathering heaps of talented expiring contracts to stay competitive and cap flexible.  And despite his exorbitant price tag, Calderon still averaged 10.5 points and 8.8 assists per game last season.

If all that the Raptors want is a future draft pick, then Calderon could be a steal for the Mavericks or any other team.  

Possible Suitors:  Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers

Dwight Howard (C, Orlando Magic)

With the Lakers and Rockets in red hot pursuit of Howard, this overwrought saga has to end at some point this offseason, right?

It's known that D12's longstanding wish has been to join Deron Williams with the Brooklyn Nets, but their re-signing of Brook Lopez dashed those hopes.

Therefore much of Howard's impending move depends on his willingness to forego the Brooklyn dream long-term and extend his contract.  But with Houston general manager Daryl Morey seemingly willing to take on Howard without that commitment, D12's days in Orlando are finally numbered.

The only question is to where and for whom.  

Possible Suitors:  Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers

Andrew Bynum (C, Los Angeles Lakers)

Bynum has seemingly been the subject of trade rumors since his first minute in the NBA, but this offseason will likely be the one where L.A. finally pulls the trigger.  

The Lakers have made their interest in Magic center Dwight Howard no secret, and the 24-year-old Bynum is the centerpiece of their package.  Bynum is coming off of a breakout season where he averaged 18.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, leaving some to wonder whether he'll wind up eclipsing Howard in the next year.

The only problem with acquiring Bynum is that, like Howard, he's an expiring contract so his willingness to extend with his new team is paramount.  

Regardless, whether Bynum heads to Orlando or is shipped to some unknown destination as part of a three-way deal, his days as a Laker are likely over.  

Possible Suitors:  Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers