NBA Trade Rumors: Separating Fact from Fiction on Carmelo Anthony and Others
NBA trade rumors are already beginning to heat up, even though we're not a quarter of the way through the season. Some of them are players who have overstayed their welcome and need a change of scenery, while other teams are suffering from the LeBron effect: they have a star who likely won't come back, so they'll get what they can now instead of ending up with nothing.
The top trading blocks come from all teams, and range from being almost a sure thing that they're going to being no more than a rumor. Some names have been flying around for a long time, while others seen sudden, and perhaps surprising.
Carmelo Anthony
1 of 15
The big question is not if Carmelo will be traded by the deadline, but when and to whom. The main teams brought up are the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks. A combination of Anthony and Dwight Howard or Anthony and Amar'e Stoudamire would work well for either team. Other possibilities that have been brought up include the Chicago Bulls.
Will he be traded? Fact, no question. Just as long as the Nuggets can still compete, they'll take whatever deal is best if he's still a Nugget at the deadline.
Steve Nash
2 of 15
After Stoudemire left to join the Knicks, Nash has been a hot target as well. At 36, Nash is nearing the end of his career, and would certainly like to win in the next couple years. The Knicks are a possibility that is heavily tossed about, as he could reunite with coach Mike D'Antoni. The Nets could always trade Devin Harris and bring Nash in as well.
Will he be traded? Fiction. There might be a possibility next year, but the Suns are still competitive even though they lack size. The Suns will want way too much for him if he is dangled; he'll retire as a Sun.
Tayshaun Prince
3 of 15
The longtime Piston is being brought up as a possible trade option of late. This is mainly because the Pistons seem to realize their greatness has passed, and if they're going to win, they need to rebuild, rather than keep all their old pieces. This means either Richard Hamilton or Prince is likely out. The Hawks have been the main team attached to Prince, though others could surface.
Will he be traded? Fiction. I don't think the Pistons will get involved in the trade market much; if they do, they may want too much for Prince and/or Hamilton.
DeMarcus Cousins
4 of 15
It's not often that a rookie is thrown up as a big trade option, but when a coach and rookie are at odds, it's a safe bet that the coach will win. He has a bad attitude, and they may ship him off before he goes from bad to toxic. There is talk about a swap with the Rockets involving Aaron Brooks.
Will he be traded? Fiction, but this one isn't the team's fault. I think many others will see his attitude and pass for now, not taking the risk.
Aaron Brooks
5 of 15
Beyond the trade involving Cousins, Aaron Brooks has been one of the hottest players in the rumor mill. Last year's most improved player has fit very well with Luis Scola and Kevin Martin. The Hawks and Kings have shown interest, but the problem is that he's been on the injured list most of the season.
Will he be traded? Fiction. The Rockets are bad because they don't have Brooks and Yao Ming. Put Brooks back in and the team will rebound. If anything, they'd be more willing to pick up a piece off the trade block.
Andre Iguodala
6 of 15
Once Allen Iverson left Philadelphia, it was meant to be the other AI's team, but it hasn't worked out that way. The 76ers have been struggling, and both sides seem ready to move on. He's a hotly targeted item, with the Nets, Knicks, and Rockets all being possibilities.
Will he be traded? Fact. It's set in stone that he's done, the only question is which team will give Philly the best offer.
Gilbert Arenas
7 of 15
Despite the baggage he carries, Arenas has been a target of trade rumors, seeing as how the Wizards aren't going anywhere. Some figure it's time to build the team around John Wall and let Arenas go. The Magic have been thrown around as a name, and if anyone's willing to take Arenas' contract, they'll trade it.
Will he be traded? Fact. Both sides want a fresh start, and maybe a new team will actually light a fire under him. He's not going to the Magic though; it's a bad fit.
Richard Hamilton
8 of 15
He's in the exact same situation as Tayshaun Prince, with one major caveat. Unlike Prince, who has continued to play consistently well the past few years, Hamilton is showing signs of slowing down.
Will he be traded? Fiction. If either is gone, it would be Prince; I don't think there would be any takers on Rip right now unless he finds some former glory.
Chris Paul
9 of 15
The second player being tossed about as a result of the LeBron effect (see Carmelo Anthony), Chris Paul is one of the top point guards in the league. He is a player you can build around, to the point where the Hornets have been one of the teams brought up in the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes. Unlike others on this list, the Hornets are a good team who can contend right now.
Will he be traded? Fiction. He certainly could be during next season, but the Hornets have a year to find the pieces, and I think they'll give that a shot rather than giving up.
Antawn Jamison
10 of 15
The Wild Thing, Anderson Varejao's contract and drive has been brought up, with some trade talks emerging. However, not much has been brought up there. More has been spoken, however, on Antawn Jamison and getting rid of his contract. He was brought in to win a title, and since that won't happen, he may be out.
Also, he's getting eight figures for a sixth man type role. The Cavs won't say much on this since the fans are probably tired of trades, but they may send him to a contender for something. It likely depends where the Cavs end up.
Will he be traded? Fiction. Teams will look at what happened last time and see he's really only good in the regular season at his age.
Andrei Kirilenko
11 of 15
Kirilenko was a fairly big name in the offseason regarding a possible trade. Now, he is a starter, the Jazz have been surprisingly very good without Boozer, and trade rumors have subsided. That doesn't mean they're gone though. If the Jazz feel they're one player away from a title, Kirilenko's big contract could be the one to go.
Will he be traded? Fiction. The Jazz seem happy with what they have, and if he was going to be traded, it would have already happened.
Vince Carter
12 of 15
Carter's expiring contract and his solid play have made him the main piece in pretty much every deal that is discussed involving the Magic. He fits well with the Magic right now, but you know the Magic want that final piece that puts them over the edge. If they find it, Vince is gone.
Will he be traded? Fact. He'll be part of a deal to get a big name, and the Vinsanity Tour will make its fourth stop.
Baron Davis
13 of 15
Davis has the same problem as Aaron Brooks; he's missed most of the season so far. That being said, the Clippers aren't going anywhere this year, and while they have a great foundation, Davis isn't going to wait around. The Hawks would be a good fit, as would Charlotte, but Davis may end up waving off a trade because he'd rather be on a contender.
Will he be traded? Fact. Eric Bledsoe has filled in for Davis and done quite well, so the Clippers don't need Davis. If any team wants him, they could probably name their price.
Jamal Crawford
14 of 15
Crawford's contract is set to expire, and as a result, even though the Hawks are playing fairly well in the East, he is the subject of trade rumors. He's one of the more valuable sixth men in the league, and he would be more than fine with a trade. Possibilities have included a trade to the Clippers for Chris Kaman, as well as others.
Will he be traded? Fiction. It's tempting, but if Atlanta wants to make a move to become one of the elite teams, trading a sixth man who gives you 14 a game isn't going to do it.
Chris Bosh
15 of 15
Somehow, 20 games after the Heat fans were chanting how this team would be perfect, they've been struggling with chemistry. As a result, trade rumors have exploded for the Heat involving pretty much everyone not named Dwyane Wade or LeBron James. Bosh, on the other hand, is not getting that exception. His stats are way down this year (then again, so are LBJ and Wade's points and rebounds).
Will he be traded? Not only fiction, but fantasy. I don't understand the rumors on this one, who they would get, why they would trade him, or anything. He's not going anywhere, miami thrice will remain miami thrice. I had to note it though because some rumors actually have seemed to swirl about him of late. Just ignore them.
