NBA Rumors: 10 Possible Partners for a Ron Artest Trade
Despite being in the second year of a five-year contract worth just under $34 million, Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest is apparently asking to be traded from the Lakers after a recent run of the team's underachievement.
Contrary to media belief, Artest’s agent David Bauman issued the statement, “Ron is not looking for a trade… Ron is a Laker, and he just wants to win. Ron is frustrated with the losing, as everybody is.”
Whether or not Artest actually wants to be traded, the deadline is looming near for NBA teams to make a deal, so we’ll take a look at 10 potential trade partners for him.
Detroit Pistons
1 of 10
The way the Pistons' season is shaping up, it really wouldn’t matter what they do as the trade deadline nears, but nonetheless, Detroit could be in the sweepstakes for Ron Artest's services.
If the Lakers can get a player like Rip Hamilton or Tayshaun Prince back in a deal for Artest, they could win again by receiving a veteran athlete with playoff experience that can also play great defense.
It would make sense for Detroit, since the Pistons could demand a draft pick as compensation from the Lakers and they could trade away a bad contract that no longer appeals to the Pistons front office.
Washington Wizards
2 of 10
If the Lakers can manage to get a player such as Kirk Hinrich from the Wizards for Ron Artest, plus a few other players thrown in, the Lakers and Wizards will benefit dramatically.
The Lakers will acquire in Hinrich a hybrid point guard/shooting guard that can shoot well and plays plus defense.
Washington would have the leverage in this deal, since Hinrich is such a hot commodity to the Lakers and could demand a draft pick, preferably in the first round.
Ron-Ron would get a fresh start in Washington and help the Wiz more than his poor play is currently hindering the Lakers.
Philadelphia 76ers
3 of 10
In Philadelphia, Andre Iguodala has been the No. 1 scoring guy on a team that has been carried by him for years.
A Lakers-Sixers trade would spell the end of Iguodala’s reign in Philly, and also enable Philadelphia to get a few other trade chips in the deal from L.A. such as Shannon Brown or Steve Blake.
The Lakers would get a third or fourth shooting option and a physically tough player on the court.
Iguodala plays strong defense, has a pretty stroke and can fit in nicely with Phil Jackson’s style of play.
Atlanta Hawks
4 of 10
A straight up trade of Ron Artest for Hawks forward Marvin Williams could potentially be in the future for Atlanta and L.A.
Marvin’s scrappy, physical style of play was in full effect during his tussle with Knicks counterpart Shawne Williams, and it’s that fire that maybe the Lakers need during tough times.
This trade may be farthest away in the minds of Lakers fans, but "anything is possible."
(Sorry for the KG quote)
New Orleans Hornets
5 of 10
This trade could prove to be hugely beneficial for both teams.
Artest would be headed to a team where there will be little pressure to perform and he would be matched up with PG Chris Paul, who would get Artest back on his A game.
Trevor Ariza’s time spent in New Orleans hasn’t been what was expected of him, and a return to Los Angeles might be what he needs.
Ariza already knows the offense, he makes plays on and off the ball, and with both Ariza’s and Artest’s contracts matching up fairly well, this trade could be a match made in heaven.
Houston Rockets
6 of 10
Ron may be better suited for an underdog-type team now that he has his ring and won his championship.
The Houston Rockets may be looking for his services again, and would be willing to part with shooting forward Shane Battier to make this reunion possible.
Artest played well for the Rockets, playing the Lakers a to game seven in the conference finals and also becoming a catalyst for Houston victories.
Battier is still productive, and could prove as a viable option off the bench in Los Angeles.
Cleveland Cavaliers
7 of 10
Amidst a 22-game losing streak, one shy of tying the NBA record, it’s time for the Cavs to get some new blood in the organization in hopes of righting the ship and making this season worthwhile.
Artest to the Cavs would help offensively, but more importantly defensively, where Cleveland has struggled at times.
The Lakers could send both Artest and Steve Blake to the Cavs, for say, Anderson Varejao, and both teams will win with this trade.
I know it’s hard to hear for Cavs fans, but the loss of LeBron was obviously huge and it’s time for the team to plug up some holes.
Denver Nuggets
8 of 10
We all know that Melo wants to be a Knick, and this trade could seem a little farfetched, but the Nuggets are a huge potential trade partner for the services of Artest.
A deal involving Melo for Artest straight up is even more farfetched, but add a few players to the deal on both sides and the ball could get rolling on this one.
Melo would without a doubt be the Lakers' second scorer behind Kobe, and his presence as a starter would take the pressure off the other three starters, most importantly Pau Gasol.
Carmelo’s game is in his prime and Artest can be seen as at the back-end of his career, but with the right pieces involved, Melo could very well be taking his talents to L.A.
Indiana Pacers
9 of 10
Recently stating that previous off-limits forward Danny Granger is now available as trade bait, the Pacers could be a team looking to acquire the services of veteran Ron Artest to mentor younger players.
Of course, a close eye would have to be kept on Artest, but his return could prove beneficial to the Pacers, who are assumed to be entering rebuilding years.
Granger to the Lakers would be huge. He’s a great scorer that has the ability to rip down the boards and also plays a mean defense.
He would be a great fit in Phil Jackson’s system, and is young enough to remain with the teams for years to come.
Utah Jazz
10 of 10
Although there isn’t an immediate need for the Jazz to make a move, a trade involving Ron Artest and others for Andrei Kirilenko could be favorable for both teams.
Kirilenko could benefit from a change of surroundings, and he is turning into a legitimate contributor for the Jazz. He would be a better option for the Lakers over Artest and would have less pressure on him by playing for L.A. with the presence of big men Gasol and Andrew Bynum.
The Jazz would get Artest plus other Laker teammates that it could build around and construct a winning franchise with new faces in the lineup.
