NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Big Names That May Be Changing Teams
Carmelo Anthony has dominated trade rumors in the news lately. But he isn't the only big-name involved in talks.
Dallas always seems to be a player at the deadline. New York is likely to make minor adjustments, if not major ones (read: Carmelo). Oklahoma City and Atlanta could be a move or two from joining the upper-echelon of their conferences. Portland and Phoenix are looking for a younger roster, as are Cleveland and Detroit. Houston's looking for that elusive star. And the Pacers are playing with some expiring contracts.
The list goes on and and on. Even the Lakers have been involved in trade rumors.
Here are a few of the big names who could be giving moving companies some business soon.
Carmelo Anthony
1 of 11
Personally, I believe Houston could make a good case for getting Melo. But who else wishes that New Jersey would've pullled off a deal so this saga would've concluded?
Potential destinations: Houston, New York, Chicago, New Jersey, Dallas
Antawn Jamison
2 of 11
You gotta feel for this guy—and admire him at the same time. He's gone from one promising team to another, but none have taken off. And Jamison hasn't won many games. Yet, you don't hear about him constantly complaining and talking about changing teams.
A trade would benefit both Jamison and the Cavs. Jamison deserves to win, and Cleveland needs a younger team—one committed to rebuilding. A buyout seems likely, as Jamison is desperate to win and only has one year left on his contract.
Many playoff teams would surely like to add his scoring and rebounding punch and veteran leadership— though how many want to take on his contract is another matter.
Potential Destinations: Milwaukee, Dallas, Charlotte, New Jersey
Mo Williams
3 of 11
Williams' situation is similar to that of Jamison. He was brought in to complement LeBron James. Obviously, that isn't his role anymore.
He makes a good complement to a team that already has a star or two. He'll attract defensive attention, but Williams can't create enough offense for his team on his own.
Williams has suffered from injuries this season, but he should attract interest due to solid shooting and ball-handling skills. Several teams could use a guard who can nail the shot from three-point range.
Potential Destinations: Atlanta, L.A. Lakers, Portland, Sacramento
Tayshaun Prince
4 of 11
Tayshaun Prince has been mentioned in trade talks for while. Now, they might actually pull the trigger. Detroit's looking to break from the past and turn the reins over—to a cast of younger stars.
Although the Pistons aren't going to get a home-run deal for Prince, they should be able to find a trade pretty easily.
Prince is a good defender with solid offensive firepower. He also comes with an expiring deal that'll appeal to many teams. He'll make a good piece on a contender, or provide veteran leadership for a young team.
Potential destinations: Dallas, Golden State, New York, Sacramento, Utah, L.A
Rip Hamilton
5 of 11
Two questions loom for Richard Hamilton:
1) whether he's worth the value of his contract, and
2) if the Pistons, without a permanent owner, could buy him out of it.
He could definitely help teams in need of scorers—but he's under contract for two more years, and over $25 million after this year. That's a caveat for teams that might be interested.
Regardless of possible trades, the Pistons do need to resolve the situation. Benching a former all-star who helped win a championship is not the answer.
Whether they trade him, buy him out, or trade other players to make room for him, they should do something.
Potential destinations: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Utah
Andre Miller
6 of 11
Andre Miller, a scorer and play-maker, has grown into one of the few underrated guards in the NBA. His resiliency has helped to keep the Blazers in the playoff race for two years despite the huge injury problems elsewhere.
The only question now is whether Miller and his expiring contract are more valuable as a member of the team—or as a trading chip.
Miller is supposedly in high demand, so Portland may find a package that would land them some more talent.
Potential Destinations: Atlanta, New Jersey, Charlotte, Memphis
Marcus Camby
7 of 11
Marcus Camby provides a huge shot-blocking and rebounding boost to Portland. He's also got great high post passing.
Portland and Camby have a good marriage, but what could Portland can get in return for a trade?
Thanks to injury problems, the Blazers don't have immediate championship hopes. They're entertaining the possibility of exchanging their veterans for some younger players, and/or draft picks—and Camby seems to be in high demand.
It might be time to deal him away.
Potential Destinations: Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, Oklahoma City, Orlando
Zach Randolph
8 of 11
If they continue to play well and can contend for the playoffs, the Grizzlies won't be likely to trade Z-Bo. But they'll have to make a decision on him either way, as his contract expires this year.
And after expensive contracts for Rudy Gay and Mike Conley—as well as upcoming decisions on Marc Gasol and O.J. Mayo, who could be another trade target—they might not be able to spend much on Randolph. Zach might also want a team where his skills get more attention.
Several Eastern Conference teams could use Randolph's rebounding and low-post scoring skills. Teams looking to stay in hunt for playoffs—or just stay relevant—would make potential suitors.
Potential destinations: Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana, Milwaukee, New Jersey, Toronto
Andre Iguodala
9 of 11
With a crowd of wingmen, I could see Philly making a move. They need Evan Turner to develop—a process that could be sped along if "Iggy" Iguodala is traded.
They also could use more cap-flexibility, and AI2 has a long, expensive contract. What they need is a legit center—but those are hard to find.
Potential Destinations: Dallas, Golden State, Houston, LAC, New York, Phoenix, Portland, Utah
Gerald Wallace
10 of 11
The Bobcats have been playing better of late, but they remain a cost-conscious team. Don't be too surprised to see Wallace get moved if they can get accrue some young talent, and save in return.
There should be plenty of interest in someone with Wallace's talents and work-ethic.
Potential Destinations: Dallas, Golden State, Houston, LAC, New York, Portland
Others: Yao Ming and Caron Butler
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These two are both in the same situation. They're former all-stars who have now suffered season-ending injuries, and are on expiring contracts.
Their teams, Dallas and Houston, are two teams that are consistently active in hunting for deals. Dallas is looking for another piece to keep them in contention, while Houston is looking to get back into contention.
Either way you look at it, Butler or Yao's contracts could be used in a trade to save another team money.
