NBA Rumors: Carmelo Anthony, Andre Iguodala, and Players New Jersey Nets Need

The New Jersey Nets, despite clear improvement, are still one of the worst teams in the NBA.

But in the top-heavy Eastern Conference, they are just four games out of the playoffs at 9-21.

And while this current team isn't likely to make a playoff run, one big trade could let them sneak in. Fortunately for the Nets, superstars like Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony and Philadelphia 76ers guard-forward Andre Iguodala are on the trading block.

Here are 10 guys that Mikhail Prokhorov, Billy King and Avery Johnson should target to push this team into the playoff hunt.

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

The Nets have two good scorers in Devin Harris and Brook Lopez, but neither of them is elite like Anthony.

A guy like Carmelo would fill exactly what the Nets need, and help them tremendously.

Andre Iguodala

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 21: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers tries to move against Loul Deng #9 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the 76ers 121-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressl

Iguodala is no Melo, but he'd fill the same niche as a scorer, just as a less effective one.

But he'd also bring a better all-around game.

Either way, Melo and Iguodala would be great options.

Danny Granger

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 11: Danny Granger #33 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after not drawing a foul from the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloadin

Small forward has been the Nets' biggest weakness all year, where Travis Outlaw hasn't done what the Nets hoped.

Granger was rumored to be going to the Nets in the offseason, but the Pacers likely won't part with their best player.

But if the Nets could somehow pull this off, he'd be a great addition.

Wilson Chandler

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NEW YORK - DECEMBER 22: Wilson Chandler #21 of the New York Knicks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on December 22, 2010 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloadi

If the Knicks are the ones to get Carmelo (and they don't have to give up Chandler in the trade), the Nets might be able to swoop in and give the Knicks salary cap relief for Chandler.

He's a downgrade from Melo, Iguodala and Granger, but won't cost as much.

Gerald Wallace

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 11: Gerald Wallace #3 of the Charlotte Bobcats against the Boston Celtics during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on December 11, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

There aren't too many Gerald Wallace trade rumors floating around, but why not?

The Bobcats are right around the Nets at the bottom of the East, but they have a far less promising future.

Why not make an offer for the super-athletic 28-year old swingman?

Tayshaun Prince

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 03: Tayshaun Prince #22 of the Detroit Pistons against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on November 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph,

If Prokhorov panics and wants an impact player now, he should target Prince.

The 30-year old wouldn't be the long-term answer and probably wouldn't be worth the price, but he might be enough to put the Nets in the playoffs.

Rip Hamilton

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MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 01: Richard Hamilton #32 of the Detroit Pistons shoots a jumpshot during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on December 1, 2010 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

See Prince, Tayshaun.

Al Harrington

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 16: Al Harrington #7 of the Denver Nuggets prepares to take a free throw against the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center on November 16, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 120-118. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ack

If the Nets work out a deal for Melo, they should try and get Al Harrington included in the deal.

He'd be a great fill-in for the short-term, holding down the fort for Derrick Favors.

And with his semi-big contract, it would sweeten the deal for the Nuggets if the Nets were willing to take him off their hands.

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

Mayo has fallen out of favor with the Grizzlies and would be a great addition for the Nets.

Omri Casspi

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DALLAS - FEBRUARY 12: Omri Casspi #18 of the Rookie team shoots against Marc Gasol #33 of the Sophomore team during the first half of the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam part of 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend at American Airlines Center on February 12,

The Kings should be willing to get rid of just about anyone on their roster, and Casspi hasn't been playing much lately.

He's got a lot of talent, and the Nets would be smart to take a look.

Matt Rudnitsky is a student at the University of Michigan and a Featured Columnist/writing intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Mattrud