NBA Trade Rumors: Top Landing Spots for Reported Available Big Men

Although the 2012-13 NBA season has yet to even begin, with the arrival of October comes the first wave of trade rumors. 

Although most of the big names are settled in with their current teams as training camps get set to begin this fall, there are some NBA stars who have yet to guarantee their future.

Here I present my top potential landing spot for three veteran big men this season.

Anderson Varejao, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers veteran power forward Anderson Varejao has been the subject of trade rumors over recent years and is not guaranteed to finish this coming season in Cleveland, according to the Akron Beacon-Journal's Jason Lloyd.

Lloyd discussed Varejao's future this past weekend:

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Varejao’s name continued to surface in trade talks over the summer, but he will start the year with the Cavaliers. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll finish it here. He remains the team’s most valuable trade chip, because he can average a double-double without having a play called for him and he’s on a very reasonable contract that runs for three more years.

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With the Cavaliers drafting big man Tyler Zeller in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft last June, there are a number of places the team could send Varejao. 

The top landing spot in my eyes would be Orlando. The Magic lost Dwight Howard this past offseason and need a reliable body to play in the front court. Sure, Varejao doesn't elevate and play defense quite like Howard, but he would be a solid addition to a team that is clearly in rebuilding mode.

Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks

It is "unlikely" that Atlanta Hawks star forward Josh Smith will resolve his contract situation with the team before next summer, and therefore expect Smith to be the subject of endless trade rumors this season.

Here is Hawks general manager Danny Ferry discussing the situation to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (via Chris Vivlamore):

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I’ve been clear that I value Josh as a player. He has worked hard this summer and I believe he is going to have great season. I’ve been in contact with his representatives. Josh and his representatives have been clear that he is excited about the direction of the team and wants to be part of the future in Atlanta. That being said, I don’t expect the contract situation to be resolved until next summer.

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In my view, the best potential destination for Smith would be Dallas. The Mavericks could use an explosive young talent to pair with Dirk Nowitzki in the frontcourt as they try to win a second championship.

Smith averaged 18.8 points and 9.6 rebounds per game last season, both were career highs. If the Mavericks could somehow offer up enough talent to get Ferry's attention, then Smith could be a realistic target for Mark Cuban this season. 

DeJuan Blair, San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs reserve big man DeJuan Blair "believed the team would trade him after he fell out of the playing rotation during the playoffs," according to MySanAntonio.com's Mike Monroe.

Here is Spurs general manager R.C. Buford on Blair's situation (via Monroe):

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We understand the way he feels, if we were in his shoes we may feel similar. Having said that, DeJuan helped us win a lot of games and we have not had anything presented to us that puts our team in a better position than moving forward with DeJuan.

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Clearly Buford is not denying trade rumors involving Blair. Instead, all he is saying is that San Antonio has yet to receive any intriguing offers for the fourth-year forward.

If there was ever a team that could use Blair's services this season and in the future, though, it would be the Boston Celtics. Boston has been among the league's worst rebounding teams over the past few seasons, and ranked dead last on the boards in 2011-12.

If the Celtics were to land Blair through a trade this year, they would bolster their front court and add a key piece who can score at a high percentage in the paint and corral loose balls around the rim. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more reaction and analysis on the latest NBA trade rumors.