2011 NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Possibilities That Can Turn Pretenders Into Contenders
The NBA Trade Deadline is a time for teams to concede defeat by dumping off star players, disgruntled players and/or their salaries. Other teams decide they can actually make a run at things and bring a player or two that can elevate the team to the next level.
In the face of a new CBA agreement, less money could be had all-around and players with expiring deals may be looking to cash in on an extension now before they stand to lose any more money.
That being said, there are a number of big name players possibly on the move by the Feb. 24 deadline that could very well alter the landscape of the NBA standings heading into the playoffs.
While the four top teams - Boston, Los Angeles (Lakers), Miami and San Antonio - are unlikely to make big splashes, the teams chasing them could all benefit in some way or other at the trade deadline.
Here is a look at 10 moves that could turn pretending teams into contending teams.
10. Richard Hamilton, Jason Maxiell (DET) For Andre Kirilenko (UTAH)
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Detroit is desperately trying to move Richard Hamilton along and if they can fetch an expiring contract like Kirilenko's it will be worth it.
Hamilton can come in and be a solid offense threat in Jerry Sloan's offense.
The Jazz are still very much alive in the Western Conference but they have lost seven of their last ten and could use a boost.
Kirilenko will likely walk at season's end if they do not find a home for him.
9. Chris Kaman (LAC) For Eddy Curry, Bill Walker (NYK)
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(Assuming no Carmelo Anthony trade)
The Knicks very been reported to be actively looking for a big man to allow Amar'e Stoudemire a move back to power forward.
The notoriously cheap Clippers are paying starting money to Kaman for another year, who is quickly being supplanted by DeAndre Jordan in the lineup.
Eddy Curry gives them a contract off the books at year's end. With the injury to Eric Gordon, Walker could be a guy that can give some minutes off the bench.
Most importantly though, it gives the Knicks a much desired rebounding and defensive presence down low that could make them a more solid contender all-around.
8. Andre Miller (POR) For Devin Harris (NJ)
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Whether it is this deal or a variation of this deal; the Nets could use a veteran presence and the Blazers are still in the hunt in the West.
A lot has been made of Miller's time in Portland and when he is not on the court the team has looked more "free flowing."
The Blazers are an intriguing team with a lot of potential pieces on the move. They are said to be very interested in Harris and the Nets seem to think he is not the answer for them.
It may not be this exact move but similar ramifications could make the Blazers more of a threat.
7. Anthony Randolph, Kelanne Azubuike (NYK) For O.J. Mayo (MEM)
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This deal would depend on what happens with the possible Carmelo Anthony trade. Randolph is reportedly going to go for a first rounder to get Melo or to the Nuggets themselves.
If Anthony goes elsewhere though or stays put, the Knicks can use him to get another player with scoring ability at a relatively cheap price.
Mayo has worn out his welcome in Memphis and would fit very nicely in the D'Antoni's offense.
The Knicks have the potential to make a lot of moves this deadline, with most of them hinging around Anthony Randolph.
6. Anderson Varejao (CLE) For Nenad Kristic, D.J. White (OKC)
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The Thunder have a lot of pieces in place but Nenad Kristic is getting it done for them.
His contract is up at year's end and the Cavaliers are in "I will do almost anything" mode.
Varejao's hustle and defensive prowess could be huge assets to the Thunder entering the playoffs and make them a more complete team.
5. Nene (DEN) For Brendan Haywood, DeShawn Stevenson (DAL)
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The Mavericks have been rumored to be interested in Nene for some time. With everything going on in Denver, this may be the opportunity to send him out to a team trying to make a push.
Nene can get out of his contract and the Nuggets would be wise to get something in return if he is unhappy.
Denver's chances going forward hinge solely on Carmelo, but the Mavs are in position to make a number of different moves with the situation they are in.
If this deal does not work then ...
4. Antwan Jamison, R. Hollins (CLE) For D. Stevenson, Brendan Haywood (DAL)
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Jamison was moved last season at the deadline and now the Cavaliers are the worst team in the league.
He brings a veteran presence with experience back to Dallas. Jamison can do a lot of the same things the injured Caron Butler would be expected to do.
The Cavaliers will likely move Jamison somewhere and the Mavericks are easily one of the teams that need him the most.
Dallas has to find something to fix their sinking ship.
3. Danny Granger, Jeff Foster (IND) For O.J. Mayo, Zach Randolph
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(Assuming no NYK-MEM trade)
This is a bit of a wild trade considering Larry Bird just came out recently with the news of trying to make a major splash at the deadline. Out of all that it seems that Danny Granger is very much in the thick of things to be moved.
Indiana is only two games out of a playoff spot in the East. While Granger certainly is their best player, they would get a creative 2-guard and a proven low post scorer in exchange for an expiring contract and Granger.
Randolph and Mayo could help the Pacers make a playoff push into the bottom spots of the East. Even though Memphis does give up a low post threat, they can get relief and a proven scorer in Granger who has a manageable contract.
A lot of things can happen with the Pacers now. Just an idea.
2. Steve Nash, Robin Lopez (PHO) For Josh Smith, Jeff Teague, 1st Round (ATL)
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We have heard this rumored around a bit. The Phoenix Suns are no longer the team of the past and would do well to send Nash away.
They could try and bring in a player to help push them into the playoffs for this season, or they could hope to bring in young talent and see where it goes. Nash is a 37-year-old point guard mind you.
Jeff Teague is a young talent and Josh Smith has become an all-around player who has finally figured out how to control his shot selection.
The Hawks would get Nash at the point and he should be enough to propel them to at least a shot a conference championship series.
1. Carmelo (DEN) For W. Chandler, A. Randolph, E. Curry and Draft Picks (NYK)
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We all know about this trade; this is what the deal could look like for the Knicks and Nuggets.
You could swap out Chandler for Gallinari, but there are consistently changing reports on which one it will be.
Now Anthony Randolph may be in the mix and he was expected to be traded for a first round pick to help in the trade.
The Knicks want Carmelo, Carmelo wants the Knicks; it may not turn them into a Finals team (they will be terrible on defense) but you will have to score a lot of points to beat them.
