NBA Trade Rumors: Players in Danger of Being Dealt
Some guy named Dwight Howard may have gotten traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, but there are still several players rumored to be on the block.
Interestingly enough, forwards seem to be the most likely to be dealt, whether you are talking about an explosive veteran or a disappointing second-year pro.
Here's a look at some names on the trade block. Thankfully, we don't have to talk about Howard anymore.
Josh Smith, F, Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have been trying to trade Josh Smith for a long time. They have gone back and forth with him, but Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD recently reported that they may revisit dealing the 26-year-old.
Kennedy wrote:
"Don't be surprised if Josh Smith trade rumors start surfacing this season. Smith has demanded a trade in the past, but the Hawks decided to hold onto him. Now, with Smith in the final year of his contract, Atlanta may move him prior to the trade deadline if they think he's going to walk next summer.
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Smith, an explosive athlete known for his disruptive defense, averaged 18.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.4 steals last season in Atlanta.
His field-goal percentage was down, on the other hand, in part because he hoisted up way too many mid-range shots for his own good.
The Lakers were reportedly interested in Smith this summer before landing Howard.
Al Harrington, F, Orlando Magic
Given Al Harrington is due $21.4 million over the next three years, the Magic could trade him after landing him in the Dwight Howard trade.
They are looking to build for the future now and Harrington's expensive contract figures to be a roadblock in their rebuilding process.
Although there is still a chance the Magic keep Harrington, as Sam Amick of SI.com noted:
"Harrington (three years, $21.4 million remaining) isn't nearly as expensive as he would appear for the Magic, who prioritized financial flexibility in all of their Howard talks. Only 50 percent of the final two years of his deal are guaranteed, meaning the Magic are only on the hook for $7.3 million after next season if they waive him.
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Harrington averaged 14.2 points and 6.1 rebounds with the Denver Nuggets last season, shooting 44 percent from the floor. He's been known primarily as a one-dimensional scorer throughout his career.
Derrick Williams, F, Minnesota Timberwolves
After adding Chase Budinger and Andrei Kirilenko this summer, the Timberwolves can afford to trade Derrick Williams now.
Williams, selected No. 2 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, disappointed last year in Minnesota, averaging 8.8 points on 41 percent shooting.
Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1000 noted recently that Williams and Luke Ridnour were likely to be dealt. He speculated that Anderson Varejao may be a player the Timberwolves could go after in exchange.
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