NBA Trade Rumors: Who Might Take the Risk of Trading for Gilbert Arenas?
Considering Gilbert Arenas' recent past, it's difficult to to believe that he used to be one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA.
Over a three-year stretch from '04-'07, Arenas averaged 27.7 points per game. During those three seasons he made 609 three-point shots, and converted on 36 percent of his attempts from that range. Over the same stretch, he averaged nearly six assists and two steals a game, and just over four rebounds a game.
Then came the injuries and off-court shenanigans. Over the last three seasons, Arenas has appeared in just 47 games due to injuries and suspensions.
Those two aspects of his history has made the Wizards task of trading him very difficult. Not many teams are interested in a fragile, gun-toting ex-superstar.
The latest fiasco perpetrated by Arenas...faking a knee injury so another teammate could get more minutes. Seems honorable on the surface, but it's really just another example of Gilbert's inability to act like a professional.
All these things are working against the possibility of an Arenas trade, but as the season goes on and Washington becomes more desperate to unload him, some teams may emerge as suitors.
Orlando Magic
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One team that has already been mentioned a lot in regards to a Gilbert trade, is the Orlando Magic.
A few months back, the Magic discussed a possible trade with the Washington Wizards. Washington looked to be ready to move on from Gilbert Arenas and all the controversy that has come with him. They drafted potential superstar John Wall to play the position that Arenas has occupied for years.
Orlando did not get the production they had expected from Vince Carter. A straight-up swap of these two players would be possible since their salaries match.
If Orlando could've made this trade happen it'd be in a much better position to compete with Miami.
Arenas issues would've been significantly less visible on a veteran team like Orlando. He would start at point guard with J.J. Redick in the backcourt with him.
Redick's stats per 36 minutes last season were not much lower than Carter's. Believe it or not, at this point in Carter's career, he is not much of an upgrade over Redick.
At the forward positions, Stan Van Gundy would be wise to move Rashard Lewis back to his natural small forward position and start Ryan Anderson at power forward.
Anderson averaged 19 points and eight rebounds per 36 minutes last season. On top of that, he shot 37 percent from three-point range. The matchup problems these two 6'10" sharpshooters would create would be reminiscent of when the Magic had Hedo Turkoglu.
Then of course, Dwight Howard would still start at center. We all know what he provides for the Magic and I expect to see a lot of improvement from him on offense.
Their bench would be very deep with Jameer Nelson, Chris Duhon, Mickael Pietrus, Quentin Richardson, Brandon Bass, and Marcin Gortat.
Miami, and every other team, would have a very difficult time trying to cover the three-point line against Arenas, Redick, Lewis and Anderson. Arenas would have better teammates to pass the ball to then he's ever had before.
The Deal: Vince Carter for Gilbert Arenas
Orlando Magic with Arenas
| PG | Gilbert Arenas | 6'3" |
| SG | J.J. Redick | 6'4" |
| SF | Rashard Lewis | 6'10" |
| PF | Ryan Anderson | 6'10" |
| C | Dwight Howard | 6'11" |
Atlanta Hawks
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The Hawks are another Southeast Division team that will be desperate to try to keep up with the Heat.
Reigning sixth man of the year, Jamal Crawford, has been reported to be less than thrilled about his current situation.
Trading Crawford and backup center Zaza Pachulia would work salary wise.
If the Wizards insisted on receiving a little more talent for Arenas, the Hawks could offer Crawford and forward Marvin Williams.
Atlanta could use a good, veteran point guard as Mike Bibby's skills continue to deteriorate.
The Deal: Jamal Crawford and Zaza Pachulia for Gilbert Arenas
Atlanta Hawks with Arenas
| PG | Gilbert Arenas | 6'3" |
| SG | Joe Johnson | 6'7" |
| SF | Marvin Williams | 6'9" |
| PF | Josh Smith | 6'9" |
| C | Al Horford | 6'10" |
Charlotte Bobcats
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This one makes a lot of sense. Charlotte needs a point guard after the departure of Raymond Felton, and they can offer Washington one of the most valuable assets in the NBA: expiring contracts.
Boris Diaw and Nazr Mohammed are both in the final year of their respective deals, and their salaries combine to match that of Arenas.
The Deal: Boris Diaw and Nazr Mohammed for Gilbert Arenas
Charlotte Bobcats with Arenas
| PG | Gilbert Arenas | 6'3" |
| SG | Matt Carroll | 6'6" |
| SF | Stephen Jackson | 6'8" |
| PF | Gerald Wallace | 6'7" |
| C | Tyrus Thomas | 6'10" |
New York Knicks
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This scenario is contingent upon the development of young big men Anthony Randolph and Timofey Mozgov. If they develop quickly, Ronny Turiaf will become almost as expendable as Eddy Curry.
The expiring contracts of Curry and Turiaf would be very attractive to the Wizards.
This deal also depends on how well Raymond Felton plays. The point guard position is extremely demanding in Mike D'Antoni's offense. It's extremely early, but Felton hasn't looked too sharp this preseason.
If he can't start to figure things out, New York could be in the market for another point guard.
The Deal: Eddy Curry and Ronny Turiaf for Gilbert Arenas
New York Knicks with Arenas
| PG | Gilbert Arenas | 6'3" |
| SG | Wilson Chandler | 6'8" |
| SF | Danilo Gallinari | 6'10" |
| PF | Amare Stoudemire | 6'10" |
| C | Anthony Randolph | 6'11" |
Los Angeles Clippers
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Since joining the Los Angeles Clippers, Baron Davis has looked about as close to apathetic as any player in the league at times.
If he continues to play that way, he could become expendable.
Logistically, a straight-up swap of these two players works. However, it seems pretty unlikely.
The Deal: Baron Davis for Gilbert Arenas
Los Angeles Clippers with Arenas
| PG | Gilbert Arenas | 6'3" |
| SG | Eric Gordon | 6'3" |
| SF | Ryan Gomes | 6'7" |
| PF | Blake Griffin | 6'10" |
| C | Chris Kaman | 7'0" |
Any Chance a Deal Actually Goes Down?
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Let me know if you think any of these trades are just plain crazy.
Do you think Arenas will be traded before the deadline? If so, to who?
