NBA Trade Rumors: Most Intriguing Reports Heading into 2012-13 Season

The NBA has seen a major shakeup since the conclusion of the 2012 season, but that doesn’t mean that we’re out of the woods when it comes to trade rumors swirling in 2013.

A number of teams have improved after an offseason full of moves, but that doesn’t mean that everybody is content with what they’ve got at this point in the process.

We’re all still getting used to seeing new faces in new places, but with a number of players still on the block, trade possibilities should continue to present themselves as the year progresses.

Is Josh Smith Finally Out In Atlanta?

Michael Cunningham of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported at the 2012 trade deadline that Smith wanted out of Atlanta, but the team ultimately chose to keep him around for a push at the postseason.

Following the departure of Joe Johnson over the summer, the Hawks appear to be in somewhat of a rebuilding mode. Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld has suggested that if the team can’t come to terms with Smith on an extension before the 2013 deadline, it might benefit Atlanta to see what they can get on the trade market before he walks.

The Oklahoma City Thunder chose to part ways with James Harden before losing him in free agency, and if the Hawks are smart, they’ll explore a similar option before it's too late.

Will Tyreke Evans Become a Free Agent?

Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld has reported that it’s “not out of the question that the (Sacramento) Kings try and trade Evans before the Feb. 21 deadline.”

Evans had a historic rookie season, becoming only the fourth player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Unfortunately, he hasn’t lived up to expectations and he’s been a popular trade topic the past two years.

Sacramento can choose to make him a restricted free agent in 2013 and let him test his value, but if the right offer comes along in the middle of the season, they can end the speculation for good with a trade at the deadline.

Is Anderson Varejao Expendable?

Anderson Varejao started the season off on the right foot with nine points, nine assists and 23 rebounds, which could be just what another team needs to justify trading for the big man.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of a promising rebuild, and with a young nucleus now leading the way, Anderson Varejao could find himself being used as trade bait before the year comes to its end.

According to Bob Finnan of The News Herald, the overwhelming opinion around the league is that the 30-year-old forward/center will be with another team come the trade deadline.

Sophomore Tristan Thompson and rookie Tyler Zeller will both challenge Varejao throughout the year, and while the more experienced option is the more reliable one at this point, Cleveland could choose to officially move on sooner rather than later.

Are Paul Millsap’s Days In Utah Limited?

According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld, Paul Millsap may be more interested in testing his value in free agency than extending his current contract with the Utah Jazz.

Millsap is a solid low-post player who brings both scoring and rebounding to the table, but a midseason trade might benefit the team in 2013.

The depth in the frontcourt is Utah’s best asset at this point, but it’s possible that an up-and-coming prospect in Derek Favors is losing out on valuable minutes.

Clearing Millsap from the roster would allow Favors to play a bigger role, and the team just might find that the prospect has a higher ceiling than Millsap when he’s allowed to play a starter’s minutes.

There are a number of teams in the NBA that are afraid of losing a player for nothing in free agency, but very few of them have the luxury of having another player ready to step right in once a trade is complete.

How Long Will Jose Calderon Be a Raptor?

The fact that Jose Calderon is entering the 2012-13 season a Toronto Raptor is somewhat surprising considering the team’s offseason acquisition of Kyle Lowry.

With Calderon on the roster, the team has a legitimate sixth man bolstering a backcourt with loads of potential. If he’s not dealt, he’ll keep the point guard position thriving at all times, but his expiring contract is going to garner a good amount of attention throughout the year.

Calderon is on the trade block (according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld) and he is likely to be a popular trade topic until the deadline is officially upon us.

According to Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld, fellow Raptor DeMar DeRozan is also a popular trade candidate.