NBA Trade Rumors: Latest on Players Who Could Help Contending Teams

There are so many NBA trade rumors out there. We'll narrow it down and focus on the players who could help contending teams.

The best teams always make shrewd pickups at the deadline to help shore up a weakness.

This year will be no different.

Which players will be the missing piece this season?

Andrea Bargnani

The Bulls have begun talks with the Raptors about acquiring Andrea Bargnani, according to ESPN. The main piece the Bulls would send back is Carlos Boozer.

Why would the Bulls do this trade?

As Marc Stein notes:

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From Chicago's perspective, sources said, Bargnani's arrival could help address its glaring lack of 3-point shooting and brighten the overall look of its payroll, given that the Italian forward makes $5 million less than Boozer this season.

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Bargnani is averaging 30 percent from the three, down from his career average of 36 percent.

Bargnani is not having the best year, only averaging 15 points per game and providing little in the way of defense.

Boozer, on the other hand, is having a very nice year, averaging nearly 16 points and nine rebounds per game.

Bargnani would help from downtown, but they would lose the interior presence of Boozer. They can, however, make that up with Taj Gibson.

A change of scenery could benefit Bargnani greatly and could lead to a resurgence for the former No.1 overall pick. 

How advanced the talks are is unknown, but it would help the Bulls in an area of need heading into the postseason. 

Al Jefferson

Al Jefferson is one of the best post players in the league and he could be taking his talents to San Antonio.

According to SheridanHoops.com, the Spurs could be very interested in taking on Jefferson.

It makes a lot of sense for both sides. The Spurs need another big man, and Jefferson is one of the best. He's averaging 17.1 point per game and 9.6 rebounds per game.

Jefferson is a free agent, so the Jazz would like to get some value for him in case he leaves in the offseason. They have Enes Kanter, who's ready to take over for Jefferson.

Luke Ridnour

The Jazz are currently seventh in the Western Conference playoff race, but they are in desperate need of a point guard.

Mo Williams is out until March, and Earl Watson is banged up, too.

Enter Luke Ridnour.

According to SheridanHoops.com, the Timberwolves are exploring trading Ridnour and one of the possible trading partners could be the Jazz. 

Ridnour would be an upgrade for the Jazz at point guard. He's averaging nearly 12 points and nearly four assists per game. 

He's not flashy, but he's a steady point guard who would help steer the Jazz to the playoffs.