NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Josh Smith, Eric Bledsoe and More

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith and Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe remain two of the best available trade targets for teams looking to make a big splash during the NBA's free-agency period. 

Outside of Dwight Howard, Smith is probably the most accomplished player that could be switching jerseys very soon. The 27-year-old forward has spent all nine seasons of his NBA career in Atlanta thus far, but if the NBA rumor mill proves correct, he'll be leaving. 

The 23-year-old Bledsoe hasn't accomplished nearly as much as Smith in his three years as a reserve guard for the Clippers, but he's still coveted by many teams. After shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc last season and flashing his massive potential, he's worth more to other teams than the Chris Paul-led Clippers. 

So where could these two be headed this offseason? Here's the latest. 

Rockets and Pistons in Play for Smith

Ironically enough, it appears Smith's situation all depends upon Howard at this point. 

According to Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports, the Houston Rockets have tabbed Smith as their backup plan if they come up empty in their pursuit of Dwight Howard. With just $44 million on the books for the 2013-14 season, the Rockets have more cap space than just about anyone, per Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld. 

Should Smith not feel like waiting out the Howard saga the Detroit Pistons are also in play. According to Spears, the Pistons met with Smith for five hours, though no contract was offered up. 

According to the report, Smith has yet to meet with the Hawks, which will likely seek a sign-and-trade deal for the forward so they can get something in return for their longtime star forward. 

Large Market Developing for Bledsoe

If the Clippers really want to deal Bledsoe they should have no issue finding suitors. According to Spears, the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks have all inquired about acquiring the 23-year-old. The backup point guard is set to be a restricted free agent next season. 

ESPN's Marc Stein gave some specifics on the Mavericks involvement in the market, reporting that O.J. Mayo could be a piece involved in a sign-and-trade deal.. 

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reports that the Bucks could be offering J.J. Redick in return for Bledsoe. 

The Raptors are reportedly offering DeMar DeRozan, adding yet another intriguing swingman to the mix, per Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld. 

New Orleans Pelicans Seek to Unload Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez is likely on his way out of New Orleans as the team tries to bring Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans into the fold, per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.

The team recently acquired former Philadelphia 76ers point guard Jrue Holiday in a draft day trade and has reportedly offered Evans a four-year, $44 million deal, per USA Today's Sam Amick.

According to Stein, even if the Pelicans cannot find a suitor for Lopez, they have the option of buying out his contract for a mere $500.00 by July 5. The seven-footer is set to make just over $5 million this season. 

The 25-year-old Lopez started all 82 games for the Pelicans last season, averaging 11.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.