NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Gilbert Arenas Blockbusters That Make Sense
As recently as Dec. 2009, Gilbert Arenas was the face of the Washington Wizards. He was a three-time all-star, second team all-NBA (2007) and league-leader in scoring (2005-06).
He signed a mega-deal in 2008 for six years, $111 million dollars. Now, he has been convicted on charges of carrying a gun illegally and is one of the most immovable players in the NBA. However, there are teams that know the talent that was once there and could be willing to take a chance on the maligned star. Here are 10 trades that would make some sense for teams to make.
Indiana Pacers
1 of 10
Proposed Trade: Mike Dunleavy and Jeff Foster for Gilbert Arenas.
The Pacers are a good team that can make the playoffs as presently constructed. They need a legitimate scoring threat on the outside and Arenas can provide that. Plus, Dunleavy is getting less and less time in the rotation and that $10 million dollar salary doesn't look very good. Foster hasn't played much this season, but can be a decent contributor off the bench when healthy.
Atlanta Hawks
2 of 10
Proposed Trade: Jamal Crawford and Marvin Williams for Gilbert Arenas.
Jamal Crawford wants out of Atlanta and Marvin Williams has been disappointing since coming out of North Carolina in 2005. This trade gives those two a change of scenery that they need. The Hawks get another scorer to go with Josh Smith and another backcourt option with Mike Bibby.
Orlando Magic
3 of 10
Proposed Trade: Vince Carter for Gilbert Arenas.
This is more of a fantasy trade in that both guys have more value in name than they are actually worth on the court. Orlando needs to find someone to take over the role that Hedo Turkoglu had when the Magic went to the finals two years ago. Vince Carter isn't that player. Gilbert Arenas could give Orlando that scoring dimension that they haven't had in two years.
New York Knicks
4 of 10
Proposed Trade: Eddy Curry and Ronny Turiaf for Gilbert Arenas.
The Knicks, and New York in general, love a big name player. They would believe that they could make over Gilbert Arenas and turn him back into the player that he used to be. Plus, you get another scorer to bring into that high-octane Mike D'Antoni offense. The Wizards get two expiring contracts valued at roughly $15 million, allowing them to have flexibility and build around John Wall.
Dallas Mavericks
5 of 10
Proposed Trade: Caron Butler and DeShawn Stevenson for Gilbert Arenas.
Mark Cuban will take a chance on anyone if he thinks that they can bring Dallas that elusive championship. In this trade, Dallas sacrifices some depth to acquire another scoring threat which they seem to be missing. For the Wizards, it's all about the expiring contracts. Both Butler and Stevenson's deals expire at the end of the year.
Denver Nuggets
6 of 10
Proposed Trade: Kenyon Martin for Gilbert Arenas.
Denver can look to appease Carmelo Anthony by bringing in a player who can bring another dynamic to their already potent offense. They would have to make a rotation work between him and Billups, but Washington is making the rotation between Arenas and Wall work right now, so that shouldn't be an issue. Washington gets an upgrade at the four, plus Martin's deal is done after the year.
Portland Trailblazers
7 of 10
Proposed Trade: Andre Miller and Joel Przybilla for Gilbert Arenas.
The Blazers get bit by the injury bug more than any other team in the league. Acquiring Arenas to go along with Roy in the back court could make for a fun, exciting tandem. Washington gets a veteran point guard in Andre Miller, who can help mentor John Wall and is still a good player in his own right. Przybilla is an effective bench player who can bring some much needed depth to the Wizards.
Los Angeles Clippers
8 of 10
Proposed Trade: Baron Davis and Eric Bledsoe for Gilbert Arenas.
Neither team is going anywhere and they are going there fast, so why not trade a problem for a problem? Baron Davis wants out of Los Angeles and a change of scenery would likely do wonders for his career. Arenas doesn't necessarily want to get moved, but the Wizards would love to unload him. Plus, a tandem of Arenas and Blake Griffin would make the Clippers better than they are right now. Bledsoe is a solid rookie who can give some valuable minutes off the bench for the Wizards.
Charlotte Bobcats
9 of 10
Proposed Trade: Gerald Wallace and DeSagana Diop for Gilbert Arenas and Trevor Booker.
The Bobcats defense is pretty good, their offense needs help and bringing Arenas in the mix can bring some much needed firepower. Gerald Wallace is an upgrade at the small forward position for the Wizards and moving Thornton to the bench can extend the Wizards lineup.
Three-Team Deal: Washington, Orlando, Denver
10 of 10
Proposed Trade: Washington gets Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus, Arron Afflalo, and Ty Lawson, Orlando gets Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Renaldo Balkman, Denver gets Vince Carter, Daniel Orton, Gilbert Arenas, and Jameer Nelson.
A blockbuster that is more fantasy basketball than reality. This deal makes sense for all involved: Washington is able to add some solid, valuable contributors which they desperately need; Denver will get three good players in Carter, Arenas, and Nelson. and they won't be left empty-handed if and when Carmelo Anthony leaves after this year; Orlando gets the scorer that they need in Anthony, Billups can take over for Nelson at the point.
