NBA Trade Rumors: Updates On Carmelo Anthony, Andre Iguodala and More
Some NBA teams have already made some blockbuster moves, with the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards all swapping parts.
But that will not be the end of it. There are some big names either looking for new homes or being shopped whether they know about it or not. Now's the time of year where teams either build things up for a run at the playoffs or pack it in and try to dump unwanted salaries and attitudes.
Here's a rundown of the biggest rumors that, if they materialize, could shake the landscape of the NBA.
Phoenix May Keep Making Moves: Including Steve Nash
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It would be a strange scene to see the Phoenix Suns take the court without their leader and star point guard from the past seven seasons. Moving Steve Nash doesn't seem like a likely move--especially after Phoenix's recent foray in the market--but that hasn't stopped anyone from speculating.
Nash seems frustrated and Phoenix's play isn't what is expected of it. Some have asked Nash about his thoughts on demanding a trade, a strategy that the point guard has vehemently spoken out against. He'll likely stay put, but would be a mega piece in any trade, even at 36-years-old.
Carmelo Anthony To The Knicks Is Still The Hot Topic
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Carmelo Anthony's place near the top of the NBA's list of elite scorers is undisputed. His place with he Denver Nuggets, however, is seemingly always up in the air these days. And Melo has no qualms about getting out of the Mile High City--in fact, he's asked to be moved.
The only hang-up is Anthony's desire to team up with Amare Stoudemire with the New York Knicks. The New Jersey Nets are suspected to have moved to the front of the line with the Dallas Mavericks also in play.
Off-setting Melo's salary and finding worthy pieces to send Denver's way could be sticking points in this persistent drama.
Andre Iguodala May Be New York's Answer
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As New York elevates near the top of the Eastern Conference sans Carmelo Anthony, it's less and less certain that the Knicks even need to put that type of money into a player to make the next step into the elite stratosphere.
Andre Iguodala is a cheaper option and he may even fit better. Anthony doesn't seem a natural fit for coach Mark D'Antoni's free-flowing offense as Melo tends to isolate and stop the ball. Iguodala has been forced into the role of No. 1 on a 76ers team lacking talent.
Iguodala is better suited as a No. 2 and could play wingman to Amare Stoudemire, save the Knicks money and be a long term signing that could lift the Knicks to where they want to be in the NBA's echelon.
Cleveland Could Part Ways With Mo Williams
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Things weren't too bad for the Cavaliers at the beginning of the season in the wake of LeBron James' move to Miami. But the season his slid into a place of despair. Cleveland has lost 12 of its last 13 and may decide to pack it in soon and rebuild for the future.
Mo Williams was supposed to be the player that helped James get the Cavs a championship, but he has disappeared in big moments and, altogether, hasn't delivered. He's still a nice piece for a competing team looking for a little extra boost and willing to take a hit in the bank account.
Jared Jeffries Could Be The Key To a Big Trade
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Jared Jeffries is inactive for the Houston Rockets. It's clear he's not going to be used there despite his versatility. Jeffries' wants to play and he may have to move to do so.
He's not a big name in the NBA landscape, but with the Rockets likely willing to move him, he could be the player that makes a bigger trade work. Often times, two teams working on a deal bring in a third team to provide the necessary jockeying piece to make the numbers work.
Jeffries could be that player and get the next chance he desires.
J.R. Smith May Be The First Nugget To Be Moved
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Once rumored to be interested in Carmelo Anthony--and I'm sure they still are--the Chicago Bulls have recently turned their focus to J.R. Smith. Smith is an electrifying player that can score in bunches, as long as a team is ready to put up with some shenanigans.
Chicago could be that team. The nucleus is solid, especially with Carlos Boozer returning from injury.But Denver has plenty of talent that could offset the production of Smith and Chicago is looking for something. The teams could get a deal done.
Charlotte Bobcats Not Just Making Coaching Changes
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Larry Brown resigned as coach of the Charlotte Bobcats and Paul Silas stepped in, but that may be just the beginning of changes for the Bobcats.
Star Gerald Wallace could be heading westward to Portland in exchange for Marcus Camby and Andre Miller. Rumor has it that he Bobcats would throw in DeSagana Diop and D.J. Augistin to make things works.
Wallace is a very versatile player, but the Bobcats may need the the defensive prowess of Camby and the veteran leadership of Miller more.
Baron Davis Could Return To Charlotte
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It's been so long since Baron Davis was in Charlotte that the team has moved and a new one has taken its place. The Los Angeles Clipper point guard has been in trade talks all season long and the latest buzz involves Charlotte.
Ever since Davis' behind-the-scenes agreement with Elton Brand to join the Clippers a couple of seasons ago never materialized, things haven't been happy in the Staples Center for the Clippers.
Davis might get the spark back in his play with a move to a familiar place with a new franchise.
Richard Hamilton May Wear Something Other Than a Piston Uniform
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It's been a long time since the Detroit Pistons' heyday in the early 2000s. And it's been a long time since Richard Hamilton has been the force that used to rip teams apart with his sharp mid-range jump-shooting.
In fact, Hamilton recently lost his starting job to Ben Gordon and this has Hamilton disgruntled with his role with the Pistons.
It may not be long before these two parties stop living in the past and part ways.
Hasheem Thabeet May Get The Boot in Memphis
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The brass in Memphis is unhappy with the current state of affairs of the Grizzlies and is reportedly considering a shake-up. Although they have spurned trade discussions for their 2009 2nd overall pick, Thabeet is suddenly on the market.
Thabeet disappointed last season, being sent to the NBA Development League for a spell. He's back with the big boys, but he may be changing cities.
There is no doubt that Thabeet has potential. But this may not be a move for a team looking for production right away.
Is Jason Richardson Moving Again?
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Fresh off his move from Phoenix, Orlando's Jason Richardson's name has popped up again in trade talks. Rumors insist that the Magic acquired Richardson to use his expiring contract in a future move.
The Magic front office has denied this rumor. But rumors don't end that easily and it will take more to prove that Orlando is committed to Richardson.
