NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Players Who Can Push Teams Over the Top
Well, it almost that time of year that creates much anticipation for NBA fans and restlessness for NBA players.
You guessed it, the NBA Trade Deadline.
Though this year, it should be named the "Melo Sweepstakes."
But, this has been one of the stranger trade deadlines in recent memory. There have been rumors flying around left and right, but no significant talks among GMs have advanced very far. Some of that can be credited to the ongoing Carmelo Anthony ordeal.
Also, with the uncertainty of the new collective bargaining agreement, GMs are scared to take on any large contracts.
Still, there are players on the block who can push teams over the top and there will be some significant moves in a few weeks.
Let's take a look at some names (besides Melo) that could be on the move.
Antawn Jamison
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It appeared Jamison finally received his chance to play on a perennial contender when Cleveland traded for him last year.
Then, LeBron left and the Cavs have become a doormat for every team in the NBA.
This is a player who is no stranger to trade rumors. Just last year, many NBA insiders pegged him as most likely player to get traded. And this year appears to be much of the same.
Team he should go to: New Orleans Hornets
The Cavs have no use for him now that they are in rebuilding mode. But, with two years—$28 million—left on his contract, moving him will a bit of a challenge.
The New Orleans Hornets need another offensive weapon. Their defense is solid, but they have a tendency to go through a few scoring droughts. Jamison could come in as a backup small forward or power forward.
Marcus Camby
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Like Jamison, Camby has grown used to being the subject of rumors this time of year, also.
In one year, Camby has gone from veteran presence on an up-and-coming team to an aging veteran on a rebuilding team.
Contending teams are always looking to add more size to their roster. Camby will be a hot commodity once again, not only for his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess but his expiring contract.
Team he should go to: Orlando Magic
It would be wise for Otis Smith to call Rich Cho to find out how he can get Camby to the Magic.
Orlando depleted its frontcourt depth when they made that huge trade in December. And it was believed that when the trade was made that there would another move for big man.
Camby would serve as a great compliment to Howard as a second enforcer in the paint.
Tayshaun Prince
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Prince could heavily benefit from a change of scenery.
Though he is a forgotten player because the Pistons have been irrelevant, Prince can still play. He is averaging 14.6 points per game and 4.6 rebounds.
But, he has declined on the defensive end due to age and back problems. He can help a contending team in need of a perimeter presence, and his expiring $11 million contract is icing on the cake.
Team he should go to: San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs may be one perimeter defender away from becoming the undisputed Western Conference favorites.
This is where Prince comes into the picture—the Spurs still have rather mediocre perimeter defense.
And while Prince isn't the defender he once was, he still possesses the length to challenge the opposition's best perimeter scorer.
Richard Hamilton
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Yet, another Pistons player on the block. The difference is that Hamilton clearly isn't in Coach Kuester's plans.
Dumars has certainly made it known that Hamilton can be had. No takers so far, Hamilton has three years of over $36 million left on his contract. If you are a team trying to save money, his contract is poison.
Team he should go to: Utah Jazz
The Jazz need to make a move, not only because their team is struggling, but they also need to convince their star point guard, Deron Williams, to stay.
Hamilton can give the Jazz a dimension that they have lacked for years: an attacking shooting guard.
Stephen Jackson
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Jackson appears to be wearing out his welcome in Charlotte, after leading the Bobcats to their first playoff berth in franchise history.
Nobody should be surprised.
When Jackson is focused, he performs in the clutch and plays tough. The hesitation on making a move for Jackson is his three-year $28 million contract. That has to be a concern for a player who's already 32.
Team he should go to: Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose is the undisputed leader of the Bulls. Joakim Noah does the dirty work. Boozer is the smooth scorer in the low-post. And Luol Deng is the glue guy who does a little bit of everything.
The weak link is at shooting guard—Bogans is not the answer. Rose needs another scorer to complement him in the backcourt and Jackson would be a great fit.
There is no question this team can defend, but Jackson will give the Bulls balanced scoring.
Andre Iguodala
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It appears as if Iguodala is always put on the block, then taken off. Still, AI has been on the block for much of this season and there are teams that have interest.
The Sixers are in the playoff picture, so it is likely that they keep him around. But maybe some team makes them an offer they can't refuse, like offering to take Elton Brand's contract.
Team he should go to: Dallas Mavericks
With Caron Butler out for the rest of the season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Mark Cuban make a move for AI.
Iguodala will give the Mavericks more size on the wings and he is also an excellent defender. Jason Kidd would have a field day throwing alley-oops to Chandler and Iguodala.
Andre Miller
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Miller was the subject of trade rumors last year when it appeared that he and Brandon Roy couldn't play together.
Now, Miller is a 34-year old veteran point guard on a team that has been ravaged by injuries.
It is very likely that Miller will be moved in the next few weeks, especially if they are able to acquire a young player.
Team he should go to: Los Angeles Lakers
Miller isn't the ideal fit for Phil Jackson's triangle offense; he can't shoot and likes to dominate the ball. But, the Lakers need to make a move and Miller might be an easy target.
A sixth-man role in LA is a long shot, but certainly a possibility.
O.J Mayo
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Rumors have been flying around about the availability of Mayo.
It was just last year that Mayo appeared to be knocking on the door to stardom.
Now, he is averaging career lows as he has shown his displeasure with coach Lionel Hollins' decisions—mainly, the decision to have him come off the bench as the team's sixth man.
Team he should go to: Chicago Bulls
Mayo would complement Derrick Rose beautifully in the backcourt. Both players have the ability to wreak havoc on opposing defenses with their ability to get in the paint.
It appears Mayo needs a change of scenery and he could flourish playing for a coach like Tom Thibodeau.
Zach Randolph
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This is a tough one here.
The Grizzlies are in the playoff picture, so Wallace has to keep the team together. But, Memphis also overpaid Mike Conley and Rudy Gay. One wonders if they can afford Randolph.
The Grizzlies find themselves in a tough spot. Do they keep Randolph and hope the team makes the playoffs?
Or do they decide not to take the chance of losing him for nothing in free agency and trade him?
Team he should go to: Oklahoma City Thunder
The glaring weakness of the Thunder is the lack of a scoring option in the frontcourt.
Kevin Durant is arguably the best scorer in the league. But, when the playoffs come around, teams need to be able to dump the ball in the low post when the game slows down.
Randolph can be an excellent fit in this department and he also has the ability to create open lanes for Westbrook and Harden.
This would mean including Jeff Green in any package deal, but Randolph is a much better option as a starting power forward.
Mo Williams
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It appears as if the Cavs will be shopping Williams before the trade deadline. It might be a little challenging to move his contract since he still has two years $17 million on it.
Still, he is a former All-Star point guard and one of the better scorers in the league. And it is likely that Williams will be moved at the deadline.
Team he should go to: New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets acquired Jarrett Jack to back up Chris Paul, but he hasn't really been the answer so far. Williams could come in and play the sixth-man role immediately to a team that still struggles to score.
