NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Teams Looking to Make a Deal

After an offseason full of player movement, several NBA teams are still looking to make another trade. They have two more months to get a deal done. 

The trade deadline is set for February 21 and general managers across the league are compiling massive phone bills while trying to explore options to make their team better. 

Whether a front office is looking at a blockbuster deal, or simply attempting to move role players, a smart swap can be the spark a team needs to have a successful season.

Here are the latest rumors on the teams generating buzz over potential midseason trades.

Cleveland Cavaliers 

When the NBA’s leading rebounder becomes available, there will be no shortage of interest from around the league. 

Anderson Varejao is averaging 14.4 boards per game this season and is attracting interest, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.

“There are plenty of teams calling the Cavaliers about Varejao because not only is he having an All-Star season, he also has a very reasonable contract.”

While Varejao may be one of the league’s better bargains, there is still plenty of motivation for the Cavs to put him on the block. Tristan Thompson is on a rebounding tear and has five double-doubles in his last six games.

Cleveland is trying to build a young core of players, and Varejao—at 30 years old—does not fit neatly into its plans. If the Cavs can find a trading partner willing to give up a package of draft picks and a young player, it would benefit both sides involved.

Toronto Raptors

Jose Calderon’s expiring contract and Kyle Lowry’s arrival in Toronto has fueled trade speculation, but Kennedy (link above) writes:

"

Rather than just trading Calderon’s expiring contract, league sources say that the Raptors would like to package the veteran point guard with Andrea Bargnani to complete a splashy blockbuster deal.

"

With two offensively gifted players being made available, teams in need of more scoring will certainly be calling GM Bryan Colangelo. 

Calderon is an extremely efficient point guard who can ensure that an offense runs smoothly. Bargnani is a seven-footer and a knockdown jump-shooter, but his inability to rebound and play defense at a high level has kept him from living up to his potential. 

While neither player is a star, both excel on the offensive end of the floor and would be useful additions for many teams.

Sacramento Kings 

The recent turmoil surrounding DeMarcus Cousins has fueled trade rumors involving the mercurial big man.

Per ESPN's Chad Ford: “Cousins new agent will be pushing hard for a trade. They, along with the rest of the NBA, think the Kings ownership/management is dysfunctional and they want him out of there.” 

However,  Sam Amick of USA Today reported that the situation regarding Cousins’ recent suspension may cause a rift in the front office. He reports:

"

The decision to reinstate Cousins on Dec. 24 was made unilaterally by the team's owners and went against the wishes and planned protocol of the team's front office, according to three people with knowledge of the situation who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. 

"

Amick’s report suggests that Kings ownership is ready to choose Cousins over general manager Geoff Petrie and head coach Keith Smart. If this is the case, the talented center will only be leaving Sacramento if he is following the franchise to another city.