NBA Trade Speculation: Ideal Trade Targets for Every Team

With luxury tax penalties set to increase as a result of the new CBA, salary cap management expects to lead to a redistribution of NBA talent over the next few seasons.

This redistribution, in many cases, will come in the form of trades.

Potential trade targets, as a result, may be ideal for specifically unique reasons to each team. 

In some cases, ideal trade targets are players who help a team improve while avoiding tax penalties as much as possible.

In other cases, an ideal trade could include a team with salary cap space taking on an over-priced player on an expiring deal who can help them win now without mortgaging the future.

This list identifies a combination of ideal trade targets worth exploring for each team heading into the summer. 

Atlanta Hawks: Pau Gasol

The Atlanta Hawks currently have only $18.5 million in total salary committed for 2013-14.

They are in a position to take back salary in a potential trade and could be an ideal partner for a team looking to avoid the luxury tax line. 

A team who could be trying to do specifically that is the Los Angeles Lakers. 

In a potential Lakers / Hawks deal, Pau Gasol and his  expiring $19.3 million salary could be shipped to Atlanta as a replacement for free agent Josh Smith.

Playing alongside Al Horford, the Hawks could be on schedule for a return trip to the Eastern Conference playoffs, assuming they re-sign Jeff Teague and fill out their remaining roster effectively. 

The winning culture that began in year one for Hawks general manager Danny Ferry could continue as a result of this trade, which does not mortgage the Hawks' future or impact their ability to sign a max-level free agent.

Boston Celtics: Luol Deng

The Chicago Bulls project to be over the luxury tax line in 2013-14 with a total committed salary of $73.2 million.

Luol Deng is scheduled to earn 14.3 million of those dollars before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2014.

The Bulls could save money by moving Deng in a potential deal with the Boston Celtics.

They could also get something back for a player they would have difficulty signing long-term, with Taj Gibson, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose inked through 2017.

If Paul Pierce's career with the Boston Celtics does indeed end this summer, Deng could be an ideal option to replace Pierce at small forward next season. 

Brooklyn Nets: Trading Gerald Wallace

The Brooklyn Nets could be employing the NBA's most expensive roster in 2013-14. 

With $89.5 million on the books at the moment, luxury taxes and repeater penalties will become a very real concern moving forward for the Nets. 

After averaging only 7.7 points on 39.7 percent shooting from the field this past season, Gerald Wallace will turn 31 years old in July.

He is also under contract for $10.1 million annually through 2016.

In an ideal world, the Nets would find a trade partner for Wallace, who is still a rotation-caliber player at worst on any team.

Charlotte Bobcats: Shawn Marion

The Charlotte Bobcats are in a reasonable position from a salary cap perspective, with roughly $40 million committed for 2013-14.

They could be a team who takes on the contract of a player like Shawn Marion, who Dallas would be wiling to part with for salary cap purposes. 

Under contract for $9.3 million for only next season, Marion would help Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on both ends of the floor. 

While he's certainly not the player he once was, Marion can still be a starter for this young team who does a little bit of everything and can help them learn how to collectively compete  moving forward.

Chicago Bulls: Paul Pierce

If Paul Pierce's contract does end up being bought out by the Boston Celtics, making him a free agent this summer, he could be an ideal trade target for the Chicago Bulls.

With Pierce coming off the bench in relief of Luol Deng, he would add a scoring punch and different dynamic at the small forward position for the Bulls' second unit.

The idea of watching Pierce take the NBA floor in any other color but Celtics' green is difficult to imagine, but if he is on the move, I suppose anything is in play.

It's worth noting that Pierce does have a relationship with Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, which includes a familiarity with his defensive system from their days together in Boston.

Cleveland Cavaliers: LaMarcus Aldridge

While I highly doubt the Portland Trail Blazers would be interested in moving two-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, he nevertheless remains an ideal trade target for the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports mentioned as much back in late April, and if Cleveland could pair Kyrie Irving with Aldridge for the next few seasons at a reasonable price, they would certainly jump at the opportunity.

Maybe the Cavaliers could entice the Trail Blazers with a trade package centered around picks No. 1 and 19 along with Anderson Varejao and another asset or two. 

Or maybe the LaMarcus Aldridge-to-Cleveland trade talk will remain only that among Cavaliers fans, without it ever really being close to materializing. 

Dallas Mavericks: Trading the 13th Overall Draft Pick

Last week, Chad Ford of ESPN.com reported that the Dallas Mavericks are looking to shop the 13th overall pick in this June’s NBA Draft.

The reason for doing so would be to clear the additional $1.6 million in cap space that would be required to spend on the player selected in that spot.

This would serve as one minor aspect in the ultimate pursuit of Dwight Howard and Chris Paul in free agency. 

If a team could move a future first round pick, or a combination of second rounders, Dallas would be wise to engage this type of trade opportunity.

After already dismantling the 2011 championship roster for a run at Howard and CP3, the Mavericks might as well go all the way.

Denver Nuggets: Evan Turner

If Andre Iguodala opts out of his player option for 2013-14 to test the free agent market, and is not able to be re-signed by the Denver Nuggets, Evan Turner could be a reasonably priced trade target for Denver to consider.  

Turner is on the final guaranteed year of his contract next season at $6.7 million.

While he did just shoot a career-low 41.9 percent from the field as a starter, Turner is still a 24-year-old small forward who averaged 13.3 points per night.

In a different environment than he was used to in Philadelphia, and under the direction of George Karl, Turner could take a step forward in year four of his NBA career. 

Even if he didn't accomplish as much from an offensive standpoint, he should be able to plug in and contribute defensively on the perimeter regardless.

Detroit Pistons: O.J. Mayo

O.J. Mayo currently owns a player option with the Dallas Mavericks at $4.2 million for next season.

Whether he picks that option up, or the two teams eventually agree on a sign-and-trade, Mayo could be an ideal piece to pair alongside Brandon Knight in the Detroit Pistons' backcourt. 

Mayo shot a career-high 40.7 percent from three-point range in 2012-13 while averaging 15.3 points and 4.4 assists. On his highest volume of field-goal attempts since 2010 (1,026), Mayo also shot 44.9 percent from the field overall. 

He could be a play-making presence that takes pressure off Knight in the backcourt while also adding a scoring punch for the Pistons' young nucleus.

Detroit would have to find an offer that interested Dallas, though, without moving Greg Monroe, Andre Drummond, Knight or any of its other core pieces.

Golden State Warriors: Trading into the First Round

Jarrett Jack made a major impact for the Golden State Warriors backing up both guard positions in 2012-13. 

Jack is an unrestricted free agent this summer  who will be extremely difficult for Golden State to re-sign given its current salary commitments. 

The Warriors already have $74.9 million in salary on the books. Jack, who just earned $5.6 million, could potentially earn upwards of $6-$7 million annually in the open market moving forward. 

Assuming he doesn't get that money from Golden State, an ideal replacement could be a reasonably-priced rookie selected in the mid-to-late first round.

Golden State would need to make a trade to get into the first round and  acquire said rookie.

Houston Rockets: Danny Granger

The Indiana Pacers are Paul George's team for the foreseeable future. 

This has made Danny Granger expendable in Indiana, after spending all but five games on the injured list in 2012-13.

Moving forward, however, Granger could be an ideal fit for the Houston Rockets, playing opposite of James Harden on the wing. 

If he can regain 85 percent of his 18.1 points-per-game scoring average on his career, Granger would represent an upgrade at the small forward position for the Rockets. 

Granger is under contract for $14 million in 2013-14 before becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.

Indiana Pacers: A Trade Partner for Danny Granger

Even when Danny Granger does return to full-time action in 2013-14, he will not be taking any minutes from Paul George. 

To no fault of Granger's, the Indiana Pacers have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals without the services of their one-time starting small forward. 

For that reason, along with his $14 million expiring contract, Granger provides the most value for the Pacers on the trade market. 

Unlike other players around the league whose roles have diminished despite a large contract, Granger still has plenty of on-court value in the right situation.

He lost his starting job because of an injury and George's emergence as an All-Star, not because he can no longer play. 

In an ideal situation, the Pacers would cash in on Granger's value via trade before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer. 

Los Angeles Clippers: Anderson Varejao

The first priority for the Los Angeles Clippers this summer is convincing Chris Paul to re-sign with the franchise he's helped transform upon arrival in 2011. 

This would also qualify as the second, third and fourth priority as well.

Assuming the Clippers are able to bring Paul back into the fold, the next area to address is their collective ability to defend the basket. 

Maybe a new coach combined with improvements from both Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan are enough to take the step forward necessary. Or maybe the Clippers could find a way to engage in a trade scenario that returned Anderson Varejao from the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Varejao is scheduled to return from a blood clot injury at the start of the 2013-14 campaign. He is an extremely serviceable big on a friendly contract that would provide defense and toughness up front immediately.

Los Angeles Lakers: Paul Pierce

If a sign-and-trade scenario exists—with any number of teams involved—that resulted in the Los Angeles Lakers adding Paul Pierce, it would be an ideal scenario for both parties next season.

Pierce, after all these years on the East Coast, would be afforded the opportunity to return home to the Los Angeles area in order to play out his final days with the Lakers. 

With Kobe Bryant under contract for next season, along with Dwight Howard's possible return, the Lakers would fill a glaring need at the small forward position with Pierce on their quest to compete for a championship.

The Lakers are already at a payroll number of $78.2 million without Howard's contract on the books for next season, so moving Pau Gasol would be required for any trade like this to be considered. 

Memphis Grizzlies: C.J. Miles

The Memphis Grizzlies ranked ninth in three-point field-goal percentage during the postseason at 32.4 percent from long-range. 

This past season, they also linked up with the Cavaliers in a midseason trade that sent Wayne Ellington and Marreese Speights to Cleveland in exchange for Jon Leuer.

If Memphis connected with Cleveland on a trade again this summer, this time it could include C.J. Miles. 

The Cavaliers would have to pick Miles' player option for $2.2 million up first, but assuming they did, he could be then packaged in a deal to Memphis.

Miles shot 38.4 percent from long-range in 2012-13 while averaging 11.2 points. He could provide more of the same for Memphis while coming off the bench for a team that needs to create space for Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph inside. 

Miami Heat: Derrick Williams

The Miami Heat are currently scheduled to pay $85.6 million in total salary during the 2013-14 campaign.

Pulling off any trade that returns substantial value on a short-term deal would be difficult. 

However, If Mike Miller is amnestied,in combination with other moves, Derrick Williams could be a young big worth targeting for Miami.

With Kevin Love returning from injury, and following the departure of David Kahn in Minnesota, Williams will be relegated to bench duty for the Timberwolves behind Love next season.

Under contract for $5.3 million with a team option in 2014, Williams could provide value to Miami off the bench while being free to roam the paint and contribute wherever possible. 

Milwaukee Bucks: Pau Gasol

If Monta Ellis declines his player option for $11 million this summer, the Bucks will have the salary cap flexibility needed to absorb Pau Gasol's contract for the 2013-14 campaign.

Assuming Brandon Jennings is re-signed, Gasol could help Milwaukee compete for a playoff spot.

His contract is also attractive from the standpoint that it expires in 2014, affording the Bucks the cap flexibility most teams desire for the free agent class next summer.

In a down-year, Gasol averaged 13.7 points and 8.6 rebounds for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012-13.  

Minnesota Timberwolves: Courtney Lee

The Boston Celtics signed Courtney Lee to a four-year, $21 million contract prior to the 2012-13 campaign.

He ended up falling completely out of the rotation down the stretch, averaging only 1.5 points in four postseason appearances for the C's. 

During the 2010-11 campaign, Lee played well under Coach Rick Adelman for the Houston Rockets. He could be an ideal target  in the trade market for a Minnesota Timberwolves team looking to add depth and shooting on the perimeter.

With three more seasons invested in a player that coach Doc Rivers just benched, it would seem the Celtics would also be willing to listen if Minnesota came calling.

New Orleans Pelicans: Danny Granger

Whether Eric Gordon is eventually traded or not, it would be interesting to see what a healthy Danny Granger could add to a New Orleans Pelicans' frontline that includes Ryan Anderson and Anthony Davis.

If he can be acquired for the right price, Granger could provide the consistent scoring option that New Orleans lacked in 2012-13.

If the Granger experiment didn't work, that money comes off the books in 2013-14 and the Pelicans are free to pursue other options. 

Much of what they end up doing on the trade market or elsewhere, however, revolves around the future of Eric Gordon. 

New York Knicks: Eric Bledsoe

The New York Knicks have $76.4 million tied up in the 2013-14 campaign at the moment. 

Re-signing J.R. Smith will be difficult enough to manage without incurring significant luxury tax penalties. Bringing in the needed backcourt help beyond Smith will be even more challenging. 

Eric Bledsoe, however, is on a $2.6 million deal for 2013-14. While he may not be able to be retained long-term by the Knicks, he could provide a shot in the arm along with Raymond Felton at the point guard position. 

Bledsoe would essentially replace Jason Kidd in the Knicks two-point guard rotation, providing a significant upgrade at a minimal cost. 

Oklahoma City Thunder: Luke Ridnour

With Minnesota Timberwolves' point guards J.J. Barea and Ricky Rubio under contract and healthy heading into the 2013-14 campaign, Luke Ridnour may be available for the right price.

The Oklahoma City Thunder could benefit by adding the veteran point guard who is on a $4.3 million expiring deal.

Ridnour would instantly provide depth in the Oklahoma City backcourt while filling the starting role until Russell Westbrook returns from the season-ending injury he suffered during the postseason. 

When the Thunder are at full strength, Ridnour, who averaged 11.5 points and 3.8 assists last season for the Timberwolves, would then improve a Thunder second unit dramatically off the bench. 

Orlando Magic: Eric Bledsoe

While Eric Bledsoe may only be a one-year trade target for the New York Knicks, he could potentially be the point guard of the future for the Orlando Magic. 

Before a team option kicks in for the 2014-15 campaign, Jameer Nelson is under contract for only one more year in Orlando.

Bledsoe could be an ideal replacement for Nelson. He would help the Magic improve both this year as well as beyond, while providing clarity to what has become the most important position on the floor.

The Magic have collected a number of quality young assets in Moe Harkless, Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris and Andrew Nicholson that could be used in a potential deal. However, it may take a lot to pry Bledsoe from Los Angeles, even if they know they can't afford to re-sign him.

Philadelphia 76ers: DeMarcus Cousins

The Philadelphia 76ers tried to land an All-Star caliber big man when they traded for Andrew Bynum last summer.

That move, unfortunately for Sixers' fans, failed miserably.

But maybe a deal for Sacramento Kings' center DeMarcus Cousins works out better this time around.

In a package that could include future first round draft picks and possibly Evan Turner, among other assets, the Sixers could benefit by targeting Cousins in the trade market. 

If he is able to stay focused on and off the court, the paring with All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday would be exciting to watch. 

Phoenix Suns: Eric Gordon

Eric Gordon signed an offer sheet with the Phoenix Suns prior to the 2011-12 campaign.

That deal was eventually matched by the New Orleans Pelicans, after Gordon expressed interest in playing for Phoenix.

Two seasons later, maybe that pairing eventually materializes via trade. 

The Suns have the cap flexibility to pay Gordon both next season and beyond. They also have an obvious need to add a legitimate star they can begin rebuilding around. 

Whether Phoenix has the assets to send back in a deal that returned Gordon remains to be seen, but they will most likely explore all possibilities. 

Portland Trail Blazers: Marcin Gortat

J.J. Hickson filled in admirably at the center position for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012-13.

However, the unrestricted free agent is not expected to return, as the Trail Blazers now search for a long-term answer at the five to pair alongside LaMarcus Aldridge. 

If Marcin Gortat could be pried away from the Phoenix Suns via trade, he could be that answer for Portland moving forward. 

Gortat is under contract for $7.7 million next season before becoming a free agent in 2014. In 61 games, he averaged 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds for the Suns in 2012-13.

Sacramento Kings: Future First Round Draft Picks

Whether it is by dealing Tyreke Evans or DeMarcus Cousins, the Sacramento Kings should be targeting future first round picks in the trade market. 

They currently own the No. 7 pick this year. If they can add an additional pick this year, or a future first rounder next season, the Kings should explore exchanging their veteran assets in order to do specifically that. 

With the ownership change upcoming, a complete overhaul might be the healthiest thing long-term for this organization.

That makeover could begin with acquiring as many first round picks as possible in an attempt to bring in new, young talent over the next few seasons. 

San Antonio Spurs: O.J. Mayo

The San Antonio Spurs are on their way to the NBA Finals.

They don't need much help and won't be too aggressive in the trade market this summer. 

If O.J. Mayo activates his player option with the Dallas Mavericks, though—or if an agreement can be made in a potential sign-and-trade—Mayo could be the long-term replacement for Manu Ginobili.

O.J. took steps to improve his shot selection and efficiency this past season and would figure to take major strides under coach Popovich.

The opportunity to play alongside Tony Parker would only make Mayo that much more effective on the perimeter, too. 

Toronto Raptors: Trading into the First Round

The Toronto Raptors do not own a first round pick for this year's draft.

They traded their 2013 selection in a package that returned Kyle Lowry back in 2012. 

After bringing in Rudy Gay in a midseason deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, and eventually missing the postseason, the Raptors are looking to build a new identity for the franchise moving forward.

Adding a young, talented first rounder to the mix could go a long way to helping re-shape that future. 

In addition to the No. 1 pick overall, the Cleveland Cavaliers could be a potential trade partner at pick No. 19. The Dallas Mavericks, at pick No. 13, could be in play as well.

Utah Jazz: Eric Bledsoe

Is there room for one more team to target Los Angeles Clippers' point guard Eric Bledsoe in a potential trade this offseason?

If so, the Utah Jazz make a lot of sense.

In Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter, the Jazz currently have a stable of young bigs under contract as they await the free agent decisions of Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson.

At the point guard position, however, Utah has been searching for stability since the departure of Deron Williams.

Eric Bledsoe will be an expensive trade chip, but the Jazz could make a serious run regardless this summer. 

Washington Wizards: DeMarcus Cousins

Maybe I just want to see John Wall reunited with his college teammate DeMarcus Cousins.

Whether it's a move that's possible to execute or not, the Washington Wizards should at least explore this possibility. 

Pairing Wall with Bradley Beal and DeMarcus Cousins would most likely result in an Eastern Conference playoffs run next season. 

The only value outside of their two guards that Washington could essentially offer, though, would revolve around future draft picks.

But maybe pick No. 3 and a future first is enough to catch the attention of the new ownership group in Sacramento.