NBA Trade Rumors: Realistic Trade Targets for Every NBA Team
The NBA trade deadline continues to close in and the pretenders throughout the league are still waiting to make that move that could possibly make them contenders.
Meanwhile there are a few fringe contender teams still looking for that one piece to potentially make a title run.
The looming NBA labor negotiations also complicate matters some and teams will have to make some tough decisions regarding their expenditures in the near future.
A few big names have flooded the market and a few teams are ready to unload some players that certainly were expected to be on the market.
Here is a look at a reasonable target for each NBA team as we close in on February 24's deadline.
Cleveland Cavaliers
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The Cavs are the league's worst team and everybody knows they are in serious need of help on almost every front.
They have a few pieces that they may move themselves but their biggest interest has to be in bringing draft picks and young talent at this point.
Antawan Jamison and Anderson Varejao are rumored to potential movers out of Cleveland while Gerald Wallace and Andre Iguodala have rumored to be players the Cavs have their eyes on.
Iguodala may actually be staying put at this point as Philadelphia is in the playoff hunt at the bottom of the East.
Wallace may not be the answer for the Cavs and the Bobcats reportedly want a first rounder in return.
Cleveland's best bet is to send out the players they do not see as players for the future while getting back youth and draft picks.
Minnesota Timberwolves
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Target: Anthony Randolph
The Timberwolves are one of the many teams rumored to be involved with Randolph.
Their young core of talent headed by Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Wesley Johnson is good but not going to carry them to the playoffs.
Randolph is wallowing away on the Knicks bench, is only 21-years-old and has as much upside as almost anyone available right now.
The Knicks are likely going to want a first round pick in return.
Memphis' O.J. Mayo is also a possibility and would be a solid fit for them as well.
Sacramento Kings
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Target: Stephen Jackson
The Kings have a few young pieces and but lack some pop in the backcourt outside of Tyreke Evans.
The Bobcats are rumored to have both Jackson and Gerald Wallace on the block and looking to make a move just about anyone, at the right price though.
The Kings already tried to make a move for Atlanta's Jeff Teague and were turned down.
Jackson is a proven scoring threat that can play defense and will bring a fiery veteran presence to a team that lacks exactly that.
He might be a bit of a headache at times and the Kings could look for other scorers as well.
Toronto Raptors
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Target: Hasheem Thabeet
Toronto would be in the market for a young, defensive-minded big to help them become more physical inside.
Washington's JaVale Magee could be an option but the Wizards may hold on to him.
Memphis' big man sees limited action with Marc Gasol running for the Grizzlies and the Raptors could definitely use him to allow Andrea Bargniani to play full time at power forward.
Thabeet is reportedly an option to be moved and the Raptors have the pieces that could make the move.
The Raptors would also be wise to try and grab some draft picks.
Washington Wizards
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Target: Gerald Wallace
The Wizards have an interesting piece in Aundray Blatche that they may be interested in moving and Wallace could be one of the targets.
One of two Bobcats on the market, Wallace is a tough defender with rebounding ability as well.
He's been rumored to be on the move to multiple places and while the Wizards already made one big splash already this season sending out Arenas, they are still likely to make another move.
Wallace will not be had too cheaply, but they could likely send Yi away in the deal as well.
New Jersey Nets
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Target: Carmelo Anthony
Many do not believe the Nets are completely out of the running for Carmelo, and I am one of them.
The Nets have the best pieces to offer Denver and as time continues to roll on the situation for Denver continues to get worse.
New Jersey obviously wants in on him and will likely be back in the race before the end.
If not, they could try and get involved for Danny Granger.
The Pacers have already come out and said they may be ready to make a big move by the deadline.
Detroit Pistons
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Target: Chris Kaman
The Pistons are in desperate need of a true big man and they are trying to make some moves here before the deadline.
Kaman is a possible mover for the Clippers despite previous reports saying they were not interested.
The development of DeAndre Jordan has made Kaman, and his contract, possibly expendable for the right numbers.
The big man is from Michigan and would be a big time presence in Detroit.
One problem though is his injury issues.
Indiana Pacers
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Target: Anthony Randolph
The Pacers want to be big time playmakers at the deadline according to their top decision maker but it will take some power to get it done.
They have a lot of moving power with big expiring contracts, draft picks and a talented player that a lot of team could want.
One player they have been rumored to target though is New York's Anthony Randolph.
The Knicks' asking price is likely a first round pick and depending on how the rest of the deals go, the Pacers seem likely to be able to make that move.
Randolph is young with a ton of potential and could be a serious player for the Pacers going into the future.
Los Angeles Clippers
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Target: D.J. Augustin
The Clippers would love to get their hands on the young Charlotte point guard who was reportedly on the block.
Things have changed a bit under Coach Silas but as the deadline continues to get closer we can rule nothing out.
Augustin is putting up career numbers this season with the Bobcats who are actually in position to make the postseason again if they can win games.
They could possibly send Baron Davis over, this deal was reported, and it could resurface.
Milwaukee Bucks
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Target: Nene
The Nuggets big man has reportedly not been happy with how things are going in Denver and who knows what could happen with the Carmelo Anthony situation.
The Bucks have a lot of talent, but could use someone to compliment Andrew Bogut underneath.
Milwaukee is on the cusp of sneaking into the playoffs at the bottom of the East but they could be much, much better.
The entire situation in Denver will be the lynch pin to a lot of things in Denver and if the Nene is unhappy with Denver, the Bucks are certainly a possibility.
Golden State Warriors
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Target: Danny Granger
The Warriors are in need of a big man but there is no elite center truly available to them.
Pacers' small forward Danny Granger could possibly be moved before the deadline as Larry Bird said he is looking to make a splash with all the pieces he has to move with.
While Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry have been considered virtually untouchable, whispers circulated out that Curry is not as untouchable as Ellis.
The Pacers would likely want Curry in return for Granger.
Other pieces may have to be in play but the swap would land the Warriors with a young, fairly priced small forward for the future.
Charlotte Bobcats
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Target: Andre Miller
The Bobcats were reportedly looking for Baron Davis in exchange for Augustin in December before Charlotte's new coach started to like Augustin's play.
Andre Miller is almost always in talks to be moved and the Blazers have been quiet for a team that has the potential to be very active.
Miller would bring a veteran presence at the point guard position for Michael Jordan's team, something he has been looking for.
Charlotte was also linked to Baron Davis earlier as well.
They're two major pieces that could be moved are Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson but it is unlikely either of them would be heading to Portland.
Houston Rockets
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Target: Gerald Wallace
The Rockets were one of those other teams reportedly in the running for Carmelo and after starting the season with a lot of disappointment they could still be looking to add an impact player like Wallace.
Houston has pieces and knows that any big move would likely come at a price.
The athletic swingman is available and while his price may be a bit high, Houston is going to have to start figuring out life without Yao.
They may want to get after another big man also like Nene.
Philadelphia 76ers
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Target: O.J. Mayo
The Grizzlies shooting guard has essentially forced his way out of Memphis after rocking time on the bench, getting into a fight and getting banned for an illegal substance.
Philadelphia has some pieces and is actually in the running for a playoff spot in the East.
They may not want to push Iguodala away now, nor Elton Brand, but Mayo would be a likely target if the 76ers wanted to make a move.
He does have potential and would bring a fresh face into the mix.
Phoenix Suns
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Target: Josh Smith, First Round Draft Picks
The Phoenix Suns have fallen off the map at this point and we know all the talk about Steve Nash getting sent away is dominating the headlines.
Atlanta is the most talked about destination for Nash and the return of Josh Smith, to replace Amar'e, would be an ideal start.
The Hawks' 6'9" forward has become a more complete player in recent years and has improved his shot selection in a remarkable fashion.
The Suns will also look to go after draft pick.
Memphis Grizzlies
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Target: Anthony Randolph
The Grizzlies are another one of those teams that could be looking into the Knicks' little used big man.
Actually, if no Melo trade goes down, Randolph for O.J. Mayo is certainly something to think about for both teams.
Memphis is likely going to have Gasol take off in free agency and they may also be shopping Zach Randolph around.
Anthony Randolph has a ton of upside and untapped potential that is just waiting to come out.
New York Knicks
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Target: Carmelo Anthony
They want him before the deadline, they'll likely get him in the offseason if he is not traded; the Knicks have eyes for only Carmelo right now.
We know all the talk, what it would mean, what it would for the Knicks' future and it is getting a bit ridiculous at this point.
If the Melo deal goes away, O.J. Mayo, Chris Kaman, a backup point or another big man to help at center would certainly be on the Knicks' radar.
Anthony Randolph is just waiting to be traded away for something; whether part of the Melo deal, for a first round pick to send in the Melo deal or just completely on his own remains to be seen.
Portland Trail Blazers
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Target: Danny Granger
The Trail Blazers have been rumored in a lot of deals but still have made no moves and shown no indication of making moves.
They seem to be ready to go forward with Nic Batum, Wesley Matthews and LaMarcus Aldridge as their core but things could change with Granger on the block.
He's an experienced young scoring forward with a manageable contract and the potential fit in nicely on their perimeter.
The Blazers could also look to move for a more youthful point guard.
Denver Nuggets
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Target: Anthony Randolph
Working with the most likely deal right now, the Nuggets should get very interested in the New York youngster.
He was reportedly going to be sent away for the first round pick the Knicks would need to land Melo but now they may actually be interested in him and they rightfully should be.
He has as a ton of upside and could be a solid piece sent along with a few others the Knicks have that could help ease the loss of Melo.
If they really are going to deal with the Knicks before the deadline, this should be the guy they require in the trade.
Utah Jazz
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Target: Richard Hamilton, Shooter
The Jazz have been reportedly not interested in doing too many things and may not be able to send Andrei Kirilenko away before the deadline.
One thing they could use though is a solid shooting presence.
The market for Hamilton is reportedly slim to none at the moment and Utah may not be the team willing to add him either.
They certainly could upgrade at the shooting guard position if they really want to contend in the West.
Otherwise they will likely target draft picks.
Atlanta Hawks
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Target: Steve Nash
The Hawks would become a big time threat in the East with Steve Nash at point guard this season.
Phoenix has fallen apart and Nash would be ideal replacing Mike Bibby as the starter.
It would likely cost a bit of talent and draft picks, but if Atlanta wants to take the next step in the East and become a legitimate contender, Nash would be the answer.
Orlando Magic
22 of 30
The Orlando Magic already did their damage this season in the trade market and are unlikely to do anything else.
The acquisition of Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson could likely be the biggest splash in the trade market this season and we will see if pays dividends and puts them over Miami or Boston later this season.
Oklahoma City Thunder
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Target: Anderson Varejao
The Thunder have a lot of young talent on their roster but the question will always be when they are ready to take the next step.
Nenad Kristic is not the answer for them at the 5 and a player like Varejao can do everything they need: defend, rebound and hustle.
The Cavaliers are going to be in total demolition mode and while he will not be had for a complete steal, the Thunder are close to being great and should not throw away any possibilities of getting his abilities.
New Orleans Hornets
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The Hornets have already made a necessary move to help them this season and it is unlikely they will do much else.
They are 32-18 on the season and as long as Chris Paul stays healthy, they should be able to a dangerous team in the West.
Dallas Mavericks
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Target: Antawan Jamison
The Mavs lost Caron Butler and have battled other injuries as well.
Antawan Jamison is no stranger to being traded on the deadline to a contending team and would likely be a solid fit for the Mavericks throughout the rest of this season.
He cannot do it on his own, but as a piece in Dallas he can still be a solid force.
Jamison offers more stability than a few of the other players that have been linked to Dallas and would be comfortable playing into them right away.
Los Angeles Lakers
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The Lakers are unlikely to make a move this season despite a possible need for a backup center.
The two-time defending champions and their coach have the pieces they need to win and will likely keep their ship together moving forward.
Chicago Bulls
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Target: Carmelo Anthony
While still on the outside of this potential trade, the Bulls were reportedly getting wooed by Melo's camp just a bit ago.
The Bulls could also use a more legitimate sharpshooting threat on the outside but if there is a move to be made for Carmelo it would make the Bulls possibly the top threat to overtake the East.
If he goes elsewhere, the Bulls could still go after another shooter like an O.J. Mayo, Courtney Lee or less known but still important shooting prospect.
Miami Heat
28 of 30
The Miami Heat do not have the flexibility to go after any necessary players to help them right now.
They could use depth at the point guard position but will not be hard pressed to make any sort of move before the deadline.
They will unfortunately have to go forward with Bosh, LeBron and Wade ... too bad.
Boston Celtics
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The Celtics are the Celtics and do not need to make any unnecessary moves going forward.
They are simply still the front-runner in the East and can win with the players they have.
San Antonio Spurs
30 of 30
The Spurs are playing some fantastic basketball and do not need too much of anything to make them any better.
The way they are playing basketball right now is impressive and barring some injury to one of the core players in the next two weeks, they will plow on ahead with the league's best record and the best team.
