NBA Trade Rumors: Top Buzz Surrounding Greg Monroe, Rudy Gay and More

With the league's balance of power becoming apparent one month into the 2016-17 NBA season, the trade rumor mill is starting to churn, and it involves some big-name players who could change the landscape significantly.

While it seems as though the league is still in pursuit of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, a major trade could close the gap, particularly if it involves another team off to a strong start, such as the San Antonio Spurs or Los Angeles Clippers.

As the 2016-17 campaign continues to take shape, here is a rundown of the top players rumored to be available on the trade market. 

Greg Monroe

Despite performing near an All-Star level for much of his career, big man Greg Monroe is seemingly on the outs with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Monroe is averaging career lows with 17.6 minutes, 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, that may stem from the fact that Milwaukee has had Monroe on the trade block since last season despite signing him in free agency during the 2015 offseason.

The 26-year-old is coming off a recent stretch that saw him play just over 17 minutes in four games, including a contest in which head coach Jason Kidd sat him for the duration.

Per Joe Zenzola of 105.7 The Fan, Monroe appears understandably unhappy with his current role:

Monroe's lack of usage is puzzling considering he boasts career averages of 14.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.

According to Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey, Monroe remains highly productive even though his minutes have been slashed significantly:

The former Detroit Pistons star has a player option for next season, which means he can become an unrestricted free agent, per Spotrac.

Monroe opting to remain with the Bucks would be a shocking development, so trading him and getting back value while they still can is an obvious move.

It can be argued that Monroe's value has plummeted because of the manner in which he has been utilized, but he is still a supremely talented player who can change the frontcourt complexion of a contender in a big way.

Milwaukee is on the edge of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, and while using Monroe more could push it over the top, dealing him for pieces Kidd is willing to deploy is likely the Bucks' best bet at playing extra basketball this season. 

Rudy Gay

Veteran Rudy Gay is in the midst of one of his best NBA seasons, but his time with the Sacramento Kings could be nearing an end.

According to ESPN.com's Zach Lowe, the Oklahoma City Thunder are interested in acquiring the swingman so Victor Oladipo can come off the bench.

The interest is understandable, as Gay is averaging 19.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He is also shooting 46.9 percent from the field, which stands as one of the best marks of his long and productive career.

Gay has been a key contributor for the Kings over the past four seasons, but the team has struggled to make strides and become a playoff contender in the Western Conference.

The 30-year-old has a player option for 2017-18, per Spotrac, which means he could become a free agent and leave for nothing if Sacramento doesn't deal him.

Prior to the start of the season, Gay told the Kings that he does plan to test free agency, according to ESPN.com's Marc J. Spears.

Because of that and the fact that Sacramento is still struggling to find the proper chemistry within its lineup, there is little reason to keep Gay beyond the trade deadline.

Oklahoma City could be a potentially great fit since it is in need of a complementary scorer alongside Russell Westbrook following the departure of Kevin Durant.

Gay can be a light version of Durant because of his length and shooting ability, and his presence could conceivably make OKC the Western Conference's second- or third-best team behind the Warriors and Spurs.

Omri Casspi

After enjoying the best season of his NBA career in 2015-16, Sacramento Kings forward Omri Casspi has been unable to crack the lineup with regularity in 2016-17.

The Israel native is averaging 10 fewer minutes per game this season than last at 17.1, and his numbers have suffered to the tune of just 4.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest.

Casspi averaged career highs last season with 11.8 points and 5.9 rebounds. He also hit a personal-best 1.6 three-pointers per game and was Sacramento's most reliable perimeter defender.

Head coach Dave Joerger hasn't given Casspi many opportunities despite that, and it could lead to the 28-year-old's departure.

According to Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee, Casspi hasn't formally requested a trade, but his agents have inquired about interest from other teams.

Casspi is affordable with a salary of less than $3 million this season, per Spotrac, and while he will become a free agent in the offseason, he is an ideal rental.

He proved to be an excellent D-and-three wing last season, and although that hasn't manifested itself this year, Casspi simply needs a chance to play more consistently.

Should the Kings opt to part ways with Casspi, he could be one of the top bargains on the trade market this season.

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