NBA Trade Rumors: Who’s Next With Gilbert Arenas, Vince Carter Dealt?
Trade rumors have been running rampant today with the news of the two monster trades by the Orlando Magic.
With both Vince Carter and Gilbert Arenas on the move, what other players will be changing colors this season?
It does appear that many teams are getting into the trading fray. Which marquee players will be on the move over the next few weeks while teams are trying to assert themselves in the playoff race?
Read on to find out which 10 guys we think are the most likely to be traded, and be sure to let us know what you think.
10. Steve Nash
1 of 10
Why he could be dealt: The Suns appear to be on the decline this year and they need to start building for the future of the franchise.
Steve Nash has been the heart and soul for the Suns since he arrived in free agency a few years back. While the owner has assured Nash that he won't be traded this year, that could change if the Suns continue to flounder.
Who would want him: Despite Nash's advanced age, he is still a marquee point guard. New York has been rumored to be a possible destination. Nash would be reunited with former Suns head coach Mike D'Antoni, but it seems like the Knicks want to stay young.
If I had to pick somewhere for him to land, I think that Nash would end up back in Dallas where he would be an upgrade over Jason Kidd. The Mavs also have pieces that might entice the Suns.
9. Jamal Crawford
2 of 10
Why he could be dealt: Jamal Crawford is in a contract year and while he would like to sign an extension in Atlanta, the Hawks might not have enough money to be able to keep Crawford. Instead they could trade Crawford for a few pieces to a number of other teams who are trying to clear cap space.
Who would want him: There are a few teams that could use an electric scoring guard, including the Bulls, Knicks and Blazers, who have reportedly already called Atlanta to ask about Crawford.
8. Richard Hamilton
3 of 10
Why he could be dealt: The Pistons are trying to get younger and Richard Hamilton is one guy who has some trade value around the league. He is one of the most active offensive players in the NBA and his mid-range game is still top notch.
Who would want him: The Bobcats seem like a team that would be interested in Hamilton. The shooting guard and team owner Michael Jordan played together in Washington when Hamilton was just coming into the league. The Knicks also seem like a good fit.
7. J.R. Smith
4 of 10
Why he could be dealt: Denver looks like they need to go through a major overhaul, and J.R. Smith could be one of the casualties of that kind of facelift. Smith has had some problems but when he is hot, there are very few guys who can score like he can.
Smith is also in a contract year, so he could be a nice addition for a team trying to clear cap room.
Who would want him: The Bulls have been rumored to be interesting in acquiring Smith from the Nuggets, but if he is available I would imagine a few other teams would check on the asking price.
6. Stephen Jackson
5 of 10
Why he could be dealt: The Bobcats have been disappointing so far this season after reaching the playoffs last year. With the playoffs looking like a stretch, Charlotte is reportedly shopping around a few players on their roster, with Stephen Jackson being one of those players.
Jackson is an above-average defender who can shoot from the outside.
Who would want him: The Bobcats are trying to get in the mix with a certain forward from Denver. Jackson would be a decent piece in that trade. Or if the Bobcats tried to trade for Richard Hamilton, Detroit could be another possible landing spot for Jackson.
5. Gerald Wallace
6 of 10
Why he could be dealt: Gerald Wallace is another guy the Bobcats have been reportedly shopping around the league. Wallace could be a great addition to a number of playoff teams; his unique skill set would be a welcome addition to any contender.
Who would want him: Any team that was worried about possibly facing the Heat in the playoffs might want to take a look at Wallace. That includes the Knicks and Celtics. Wallace would be a huge help to both of those teams defensively.
4. Anderson Varejao
7 of 10
Why he could be dealt: The Cavs are in full-on rebuilding mode. After losing LeBron James in free agency, Cleveland went from needing role players to needing an alpha dog. Anderson Varejao is much more of a role player than an alpha dog.
Who would want him: He would be a perfect fit for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have reportedly been after Varejao. If the Cavs want to start rebuilding, they need cap relief and trading Varejao provides them that.
3. O.J. Mayo
8 of 10
Why he could be dealt: Since rookie Xavier Henry has taken over the starting role in Memphis, the prevailing wisdom is that O.J. Mayo might be on the move.
While the owner has said that neither Mayo or Hasheem Thabeet are being shopped, there is still a possibility if the right deal comes up.
Who would want him: While it seems like he would be a nice addition to the Bulls, he is a guy who is at his best when the ball is in his hands.
That conflicts with Derrick Rose's skill set. I think he could be a nice Plan B for the Knicks or the Nets if neither of them are able to land Denver's key trade piece.
2. Andre Iguodala
9 of 10
Why he could be dealt: The Philadelphia 76ers are not headed anywhere with their roster the way it is right now. Andre Iguodala may be the cornerstone of their team, but if they want to get better, it might be time to deal their best player.
Who would want him: Nearly every team that could trade for Iguodala would welcome him. However, the two teams that would be seen as favorites for him have to be the Knicks and the Bulls. Both teams need to do something to get better before the trading deadline, and Iguodala might be the best available player.
1. Carmelo Anthony
10 of 10
Why he could be dealt: Carmelo is going to be the marquee free agent on the market this offseason. With the Nuggets an unlikely place for Anthony to stay, the best way for Denver to get something out of Anthony is to trade him.
Who would want him: The Knicks and Nets have both given offers for Anthony, but the Nets are unwilling to trade for the forward without a contract extension in place.
Ultimately, I think the Knicks will make a substantial offer for Anthony, especially now that they have seen how they match up with the Heat.
