NBA Trade Rumors: Five Players Who Have Recently Been Mentioned In Trade Rumors

The NBA season has been full of trade rumors.

Players such as Carmelo Anthony and Andre Iguodala have already been mentioned in numerous trade rumors.

Now, teams are pushing even harder to add new players to their team so they can become a top contender. Team are looking to establish themselves for future years as well.

Therefore, as the season inches closer to the trade deadline, you will hear more and more rumors heat up.

Recently, there have been five more players and rumors that can be added to the list.

5. Marcin Gortat

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ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Marcin Gortat #13 of the Orlando Magic attempts a shot over Wesley Johnson #4 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game at Amway Arena on November 3, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

Although Orlando Magic power forward, Brandon Bass, has been playing well lately, the trade attention still falls on center, Marcin Gortat.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that teams are always calling general manager, Otis Smith.

The article states the dilemma the Magic are weighing in is whether Gortat is more valuable for them during the playoffs or more valuable to dangle in a trade.

The magic would most likely look for another another scorer or perimeter defender and of course another center that isn't too expensive to replace Gortat.

This is Gortat's fourth season in the NBA and a Magic uniform. He has been a valuable bench player for the Magic his career and it just may be possible that this could be his final year in Orlando.

4. J.J. Hickson

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CLEVELAND - MAY 03: J.J. Hickson #21 of the Cleveland Cavaliers gets in for a dunk past Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 3, 2010 in Clev

Entering the season, Hickson was said to be a potential stud at the power forward position.

So far, he has averaged 10.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

He has been a solid player for them, but recently, his name has mentioned in trade talks.

The News-Herald reported that Hickson had originally been untouchable in trade talks...until now.

It also states that they are "close to including his name in possible deals".

What can we learn from this?

Every player is available if the price is right.

3. Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 03: Elton Brand #42 of the Philadelphia 76ers gets set to shoot a free throw as Andre Iguodala #9 gestures to a teammate against the Boston Celtics at the Wachovia Center on November 3, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO

The News Herald also reported that Elton Brand may be up for grabs as well.

Since there were already rumors involving Iguodala to the Cavaliers (most likely for Hickson), the article states there was one source that indicated the Sixers may also ask to take Brand off of their hands too.

It's going to be hard to get rid of Brand because of his massive contract.

There are very few teams in the NBA that have the cap space to afford him, or can afford the risk of taking on his contract.

However, he has proved he is getting back to his old self.

This season, Brand has averaged close to a double-double a game by scoring 15.5 points and grabbing 8.1 rebounds per game.

His recent success may draw some interest in teams.

As for Iguodala, he has mainly been mentioned with the Cavs.

There are plenty of other teams out there where he could play a big role such as the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, and more.

2. O.J. Mayo

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PHOENIX - NOVEMBER 05: O.J. Mayo #32 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a free throw shot during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on November 5, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, b

Hoops World has reported that Mayo may be headed to the New York Knicks.

A source close to Mayo stated, "They’re gonna move him next week and I think he’s gonna end up in New York."

Mayo in New York would be an interesting fit.

Right now at the shooting guard spot, the Knicks have Andy Rautins and Kelenna Azubuike. Mayo is clearly an upgrade.

Raymond Felton is having a career year this year and the addition of Mayo would improve their guard play even more.

The Knicks also have all-star, Amare Stoudemire and a solid player in Danillo Gallinari.

The addition of Mayo could be a big step in improvement for the Knicks in becoming a top contender.

1. Carmelo Anthony

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 07: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets watches on against the Charlotte Bobcats during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on December 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

Ahh...

Carmelo Anthony.

I had to mention him.

There have been rumors about him since the off season and questions are still stirring today.

Is he going to re-sign with the Nuggets? Will he pull a Lebron and go to the Knicks? What about the Nets?

Well, there have been many reports stating that the Charlotte Bobcats have interest in him.

Then again, who doesn't?

But the question is, why would Melo want to go to Charlotte?

Think about it.

They are one of, if not, the smallest market in the NBA.

Anthony also wants to play alongside another superstar or close to one. If the Bobcats aquire Anthony, they would definitely have to give up Gerald Wallace.

Basically, I see no incentive of Anthony going to the Bobcats.

After trade rumors were really heating up, ESPN's Chris Sheridan reported that Anthony would only sign his extension if he is traded to the Knicks.

In other words, the Nuggets have to determine if they let Anthony enter free-agency and have the small hopes of re-signing him, or they can trade Anthony knowing for a fact they will get something in return.

It will certainly be a tough decision for the Nuggets front office to make.

Did I Miss Anything?

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DENVER - JANUARY 6: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets controls the ball as Andre Iguodala #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends at the Pepsi Center January 6, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Is there a rumor I missed or player I didn't mention?

If there was, please leave a comment below because I would love your feedback!