NBA Trade Rumors: Carmelo Anthony, 15 Most Important Players on the Trade Market
The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching.
All eyes are on the Denver Nuggets and Carmelo Anthony. Teams have been vying for his services since the summer. Rumors swirl every day about ‘Melo’s next destination. Rumors have it that he will only sign his extension with the Knicks. There are also reports that teams like the Dallas Mavericks couldn’t give a damn about who he’ll sign an extension with. Mark Cuban is in win-now mode. When isn’t he? He desperately wants a Championship and would be willing to rent Anthony for the remainder of the season.
As the deadline approaches, everyone will be on the edge of their seat waiting to see where one of the best and unhappiest players will be playing next.
Anthony isn’t the only player who could help a contending team this season though. There are plenty of other players waiting to be traded and impatiently waiting to help a contender win an NBA Championship this season.
Here are the 15 most important players hoping to be traded this February.
Honorable Mention
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Troy Murphy, New Jersey Nets F
What does every team need in the postseason?
Big bodies.
Murphy isn’t a good defender at his position, but he can stretch the floor with good range.
This would make him a big factor for a contending team like the San Antonio Spurs or even Boston Celtics if they made an attempt to acquire Murphy.
Anthony Randolph, New York Knicks F
Randolph is, for some odd reason, an important piece in the New York Knicks’ jigsaw puzzle to acquire superstar forward Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets.
Randolph is a lanky individual with good athleticism but has yet to materialize in the NBA due to lack of playing time.
He’s still young though and could develop into a quality player.
I’m not holding my breath.
15. Eddy Curry, New York Knicks C
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The only reason Eddy Curry is on this list is because of his expiring $11 million contract.
It’s the only useful thing about Eddy Curry. Ever.
Nobody wants Eddy Curry because he sucks. He always did. He always will.
14. Johnny Flynn, Minnesota Timberwolves G
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For some odd reason, the Timberwolves drafted Johnny Flynn. It still doesn’t make sense to me, and it never will.
As one would expect, it has yet to pan out for the Wolves and Flynn. The Wolves have no need for him and still won’t when Ricky Rubio finally joins the team.
There are teams out there, though, that would greatly benefit from a spark plug like Flynn who is not afraid to attack the hoop or dish the rock.
13. Andris Biedrins, Golden State Warriors C
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Biedrins is a solid defensive and rebounding center. That’s about all he can do. He is a horrific offensive player and is a bit overpaid and probably won’t be traded, but he is the type of player a team like the Knicks or Heat could use in the post.
12. J.R. Smith, Denver Nuggets G/F
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J.R. Smith is instant offense off the bench. He is always looking to score.
He has unlimited range, mostly because he’ll just chuck it up from anywhere but will also attack the basket with force. He would be a great addition to a team like the Chicago Bulls, which has a fantastic point guard in Derrick Rose who likes to drive and dish it out to his perimeter players.
Smith would greatly benefit from Rose’s vision at the point position with his ability to spot up and toss the rock at the hoop.
11. Rashard Lewis, Washington Wizards F
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I’ve never been a fan of Rashard Lewis.
He’s one of the more limited players in the game. He’s not a good defender, rebounder or passer. Still, he can shoot the ball and has terrific range. His ability to stretch the floor would be a great addition to any contender.
The problem is that he has a horrific contract, which is unattractive to most of the contending teams.
10. Antawn Jamison, Cleveland Cavaliers F
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Jamison was traded to the Cavaliers last year.
Unfortunately, LeBron James left, and he’s now stuck at the bottom of the NBA hoping to be traded again.
Jamison is difficult to trade for considering his contract, but he could still benefit a team in need of a big man who can score.
The problem with Jamison is that he’s not a great rebounder or defender at this point in his career, but he can still get the job done.
9. Richard Hamilton, Detroit Pistons G
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Hamilton is a crafty veteran stuck in a horrendous situation at the moment.
Hamilton’s days are numbered in the NBA, but he still has an excellent mid-range game and stamina. He would be an instant offensive threat on a good team in need of a boost. He has been designated to the bench in Detroit and is rightfully unhappy with his role.
He needs a change of scenery, and hopefully, he is shipped off to a contender.
8. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats F
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Wallace is one of the best rebounders and defenders in the game.
Wallace gives everything he has in each and every game. For that, Wallace often comes away with nagging injuries—his only downfall. Still, Wallace is an explosive player and could be had for cheap during this potential trading frenzy.
7. Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors G
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Stephen Curry is a better fit for the Warriors than Ellis.
Ellis is having a good season, but I don’t see things working out in Golden State much longer. Ellis could be a great piece for another team. He’s a player who needs the ball in his hands. Even if he were delegated to a reserve role, he could be an excellent sixth man in the NBA. In fact, he may be better suited for that role given his talents and desire to take over a game.
The only downfall on the trade market is his contract right now.
6. Stephen Jackson, Charlotte Bobcats F
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Veteran Stephen Jackson can be an invaluable piece to a contending team.
Jackson can do it all. He can pass, rebound, defend and shoot. Most importantly, Jackson can be leaned upon as a leader. He’s one of the more underrated players in the league.
5. Marcus Camby, Portland Trail Blazers C
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Camby is still one of the best defensive centers in the league.
Come playoff time, he is invaluable for his defensive prowess and rebounding. A team like the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs or New York Knicks would greatly benefit from a soon-to-be healthy Marcus Camby prowling in the paints.
4. O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies G
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Mayo’s time has clearly run out in Memphis. He was recently suspended 10 games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He has been regulated to a reserve role.
Mayo is a superstar waiting in the shadows. He has very good shooting ability but deserves to be a major impact player for a team. Any team in this league would benefit from his shooting services.
3. Ron Artest, Los Angeles Lakers F
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For some odd reason, there are rumors that Ron Artest requested to be traded from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Yeah, makes no sense.
But alas, if this is true, he’s one of the most important pieces on the trade market with his fantastic defense. A team like the New York Knicks or Orlando Magic would greatly benefit from his defensive prowess.
2. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers G/F
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Iguodala is an underrated player and a triple-double waiting to happen.
He could be a huge asset to any team in this league. It’s actually a bit surprising that Philly would voluntarily ship AI off, but one lucky team could acquire a superstar performer.
1. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets F
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Carmelo Anthony is one of the best players in the league.
He is almost unstoppable from the perimeter. He can create his own shot, and his rebounding continues to improve. He is easily the best player on the trade market and has been close to reaching a Finals in his career.
Anthony is a winner and will continue to be a winner wherever he goes.
