NBA Trade Rumors: Deadline Deals Los Angeles Lakers and All Teams Need to Make
As the NBA trade deadline fast approaches, every team seems to be on the verge of making a move. The Los Angeles Lakers seem to be in on the Carmelo Anthony saga, and there are even rumors of Andre Iguodala leaving the Philadelphia 76ers.
All of the rumors are bound to drive fans crazy and even if the trades don't happen, some people's mindsets will be beyond repair. The speculation is simply becoming too much.
Thus, here are trades that each NBA team needs to make either before or at the deadline for the good of their teams.
Atlanta Hawks: Jamal Crawford For Antawn Jamison
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If there's one man who has been a key contributor to the success of the Atlanta Hawks this season, it's guard Jamal Crawford. For a sixth man, he is incredibly consistent off of the bench. Simply put, when he's on, he is ON.
On the other end of this trade, not much needs to be said. The Antawn Jamison experiment in Cleveland has been a failure. I'm not sure whether it's Byron Scott, the lack of LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, or owner Dan Gilbert being a distraction with all of his anti-LeBron talk. Regardless, a change needs to be made.
Crawford has the personality and consistent lights-out shooting skill that the Cavs need. In return, the Hawks will receive a player who coming off the bench could be a fine multi-tool player in Larry Drew's system. Jamison rebounds, shoots the ball well, and is on fire if surrounded by the right talent. With the money working and the multitude of talent on all sides, what's not to like about this trade?
Dallas Mavericks: Shawn Marion For Beno Udrih
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When he was on the Phoenix Suns and playing for Mike D'Antoni, Shawn Marion was a beast. He could shoot from long range, drive to the basket and draw fouls, and was a solid defender too. Since being traded to the Miami Heat and placed out of a fast-paced system, his numbers have dropped.
Currently coming off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks, Marion has been averaging about 11 points and six rebounds per game. We all know that he's better than that. Thus, a trade to the Sacramento Kings, a team that is in need of a leader on the court, makes perfect sense.
The Kings would give up shooting guard Beno Udrih, who has been inconsistent in Paul Westphal's system. Udrih has a good three-point shot, but it hasn't been as prominent in an offense focused on young guns Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins. In Rick Carlisle's defensive system, he could use his talents stealing the ball and driving to the basket much more effectively.
Boston Celtics: No Trade Whatsoever
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The Boston Celtics are the type of team that every players dreams of playing for. The team has so much history, and legends have passed through there.
The Celtics' core three are Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. All three are marquee players and one would imagine that there would be controversy over sharing the ball, but they all play very well together. In fact, the Celtics are the top team in the Eastern Conference despite an even more stacked Miami Heat squad.
Thus, no need to upset the apple cart in Boston. The Celtics stay as they are.
Golden State Warriors: Brandan Wright For Tyler Hansbrough and Brandon Rush
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Ever since being selected 8th overall in the 2007 NBA Draft, power forward Brandan Wright has failed to meet expectations. He didn't get much playing time under former Warriors coach Don Nelson, and his career has been marred by injuries. He isn't the type who can play in an offense-heavy pro system, so it's time for him to go.
Enter Wright's teammate at UNC, Tyler Hansbrough. This young man was an unstoppable offensive force as a Tar Heel and has been drowning in the defense-oriented Pacers system his entire career. Send him to Golden State with Brandon Rush or a draft pick in exchange for a Wright, and all parties will benefit. Plus, Hansbrough's contract is up after this season. Why not?
Charlotte Bobcats: Gerald Wallace For Andre Iguodala
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For those who read my article last week regarding players who simply had to be traded, you'll remember that I talked about Gerald Wallace. His numbers are down, and fans in Charlotte are getting impatient.
Thus, it makes sense that the 76ers would take on Wallace in an effort to rid themselves of Andre Iguodala's heavy salary. Wallace is a good shooter and plays better defense than Iguodala, and would be the dominant small forward that Sixers coach Doug Collins needs.
On top of that, the Sixers drafted forward/guard Evan Turner out of Ohio State last year, with the second overall pick. This young man is slowly and unfairly being labeled as a draft bust because he simply hasn't been able to get on the court with Iguodala ahead of him. Wallace has been a mentor for the young players on Charlotte, so he could be the same for Turner rather than someone hampering his development.
Houston Rockets: Aaron Brooks For Rodney Stuckey
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The Houston Rockets are a team that should be great, but aren't. Much of this is in part to center Yao Ming's perennial injury problems. Still, some of the blame must be placed on Aaron Brooks.
Houston's head coach is Rick Adelman, who most may remember best as the long-time head coach of the Sacramento Kings. Simply put, the team he had in Sacramento was amazing and would have won multiple championships were it not for Mount ShaqandKobe. His point guard on that squad was offensive mastermind Mike Bibby. In Houston, Adelman doesn't have that luxury.
Brooks is a fine point guard, but he doesn't have the penetrating style that Bibby had in his prime. As long as Kevin Martin is the prime offensive weapon, the Rockets will suffer. Hence, acquiring Stuckey's expiring contract makes perfect sense.
Stuckey and Brooks are basically the same type of player, but the former fits better into Adelman's offense. Plus, he has been on the outs with Pistons coach John Kuester all season. A change of scenery is necessary, and Houston would be ideal for him. Throw in Ishmael Smith's contract so the money works, and the deal is perfect.
Chicago Bulls: Kurt Thomas For Roger Mason
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All season long, Knicks president Donnie Walsh has said how much he would like for the team to have a solid big man. Chicago Bulls center Kurt Thomas spent the best years of his career in New York and is still effective in the middle, so why not orchestrate a homecoming.
The Knicks seem to have found the answer at center in Russian phenom Timofey Mozgov, but that can only do so much. Amare Stoudemire can't go back and forth between center and power forward all season, so Thomas would be ideal. To give him up, trade small forward and bench-warmer Roger Mason's expiring contract to Chicago.
On the other end, move Carlos Boozer to center and start Taj Gibson at power forward until Joakim Noah comes back. Problem solved.
Los Angeles Clippers: Kaman Goes to Cleveland
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When he's healthy, Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman is a dominant presence in the key. He has both height and strength, and draws fouls better than committing them. Sadly, he has missed most of this season with an injury and cheaper option Deandre Jordan has done very well in his absence.
That being said, with his heavy contract, Kaman is a top trade chip for the Clippers. A destination that makes sense for him would be Cleveland, a team that really needs a big man. Were Cleveland to send over Anderson Varejao and Jamario Moon, the Clippers would receive perfect compensation in return.
Varejao can spell rookie star Blake Griffin at power forward, and Moon gives the team a great defensive forward who can knock down key three-pointers when asked. Pull the trigger, Clips!
Cleveland Cavaliers: Trade Jamison, Varejao or Both For True Leaders
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Simply put, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a mess this year. Needless to say, Antawn Jamison hasn't been able to fill LeBron James's shoes. As I mentioned in a previous slide, the experiment has failed.
Anderson Varejao is growing frustrated as well, so perhaps these two need to be traded for players who can be leaders. Jamison was the top dog in Washington for a long time, but his lack of true leadership skills were what led to his being traded to Cleveland.
Thus, time for him to move on again, this time with Varejao.
Los Angeles Lakers: A Tale Of Two Andrews
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Given how his name has come up in the Carmelo Anthony rumors, it appears that the Lakers are getting fed up with Andrew Bynum. Honestly, I'm not surprised. He's only 23 years old, and already has had two major knee operations. Call me crazy, but his career may be on the decline sooner than one may think.
That being said, why not trade Bynum to the Milwaukee Bucks for their center, Andrew Bogut (pictured at left). It would make sense for Milwaukee from a financial standpoint, and it would give Los Angeles the athletic center it needs.
Offensively, Bynum will only average about 15 points and 10 boards per game. However, he is currently averaging three blocks a game. That type of center is hard to find. All in all, GM Mitch Kupchak should consider taking a gamble on making this offer.
Detroit Pistons: Run Rodney Out Of Town
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This season has been a frustrating one for Pistons point guard Rodney Stuckey. He hasn't been getting along with his coach, and he has lost his go-to guy in Richard Hamilton.
The fact is, Stuckey is a shooter. As long as he's a Piston, coach John Kuester won't let him be just that. I mentioned before, a trade involving the Houston Rockets and Aaron Brooks could be ideal.
Experts can go on and on about how Hamilton needs to be traded, but no team will take on that heavy a contract for a player on the decline. Thus, time for Rodney to wave good-bye.
Milwaukee Bucks: See Previous Slide
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Come on...it could happen!
Memphis Grizzlies: OJ Mayo For Grant Hill
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As I mentioned in a past article, OJ Mayo simply needs to get out of Memphis this season. He is upset with head coach Lionel Hollins over losing his starting role, and is becoming a distraction to the team's progress. If there's one team that needs a top shooter to come off the bench, it's the Phoenix Suns.
For a long time, the Suns have been a run-it and gun-it team. The one weak link in their starting lineup this season has been Grant Hill. He has had his share of good nights, but for the most part has been inconsistent. That being said, with the Suns in the hunt for a playoff spot, he has to go.
By trading Hill for Mayo, Phoenix can put the multi-talented Jared Dudley in Hill's spot. Coming off of the bench, Mayo can spell Vince Carter and Steve Nash at both guard positions. In moving to Memphis, Hill can be a top sixth-man and the veteran leadership that the Grizzlies need on the court and in the locker room. Throw in Goran Dragic for financial purposes, and this deal can become a reality.
Indiana Pacers: Trade Tyler For Toughness
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I'm probably sounding like a broken record now, but Tyler Hansbrough is never going to be the tough inside man that the Pacers need. He is an offensive player, always has been and always will be.
I mentioned before that a move to Golden State would be feasible. Another possible trade for Larry Bird to consider would be sending the former Tar Heel to New Jersey for rookie power forward Derrick Favors. This trade would give the Nets a scoring big man to take some of the pressure off of Brook Lopez, and would put Hansbrough in a system in which he can be effective.
The names in play may turn heads, but if Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov was willing to trade Favors for Carmelo, he should be willing to trade him for Hansbrough. Throw in guard Dahntay Jones for salary reasons, and this deal is a cinch. Plus, it would be a homecoming for Trenton native Jones.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Corey Brewer For J.R. Smith
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Corey Brewer was a star guard at the University of Florida under Billy Donovan. He was such a standout that the Minnesota Timberwolves took him seventh overall in 2007. Sadly, his college success hasn't translated well to the NBA.
Brewer averaged a career high 13 points a game in 2009, but his numbers have dropped off again this season. The fact is, the Timberwolves are a team used to having most of their production come from a big man. The team has turned into the Kevin Love Show, and Brewer needs out of Minneapolis.
His contract expires after this season, so why not trade him for another? The Nuggets could give up J.R. Smith for Brewer, easily. This way, Denver receives a young guard with a bright future and Minnesota receives one who has peaked, but plays much better defense and sometimes makes electrifying shots.
Miami Heat: Carlos Arroyo For Draft Picks
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Simply put, Carlos Arroyo is the odd man out on the new and highly improved Miami Heat. Mario Chalmers has proven to be a more effective point guard for coach Erik Spoelstra, so Arroyo is expendable.
A trade with any team could work. Arroyo is making under $1 million this season and plays alright defense, so a team in need of a point guard to come off its bench shouldn't have an issue giving up a second round pick or cash for Arroyo
New Orleans Hornets: Emeka Okafor For Andrew Bogut
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Ever since being drafted second overall in 2004, Emeka Okafor hasn't lived up to expectations. When he was a star at Connecticut, scouts anticipated he would average 20 and 10 consistently, and he has only averaged 13 and 10 for his career. Plus, his shot blocking is just not what it should be for a 6'10" 255 pound big man.
Again, I think that the Bucks would be wise to consider trading Andrew Bogut for Okafor. This way, they would bring in a player who has experience actually winning a championship! Both players' salaries are about the same, so it'd be as though Bogut never left.
Long story short, the Hornets need a dominant big man and Okafor isn't one. This deal might not ever happen (at least not this year), but it's time to shop the former Husky.
New Jersey Nets: Trade Devin Harris, Acquire a Leader
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The Nets have had Devin Harris as their point guard for three full seasons. The past two, the team has had the same label. A young team with a ton of talent, but without a leader.
That being said, it's time for Harris to go. He has become a better passer, but is still a shoot-first guard. Perhaps it is time for Prokhorov to re-explore a trade with Denver and instead of pursue Carmelo Anthony, bring in veteran Chauncey Billups.
Unlike Harris, Billups is just what a point guard should be. He is a true quarterback of the offense. On top of that, he would be a perfect fit on coach Avery Johnson's young team. With his leadership on the court only helping the development of the young players, the Nets will slowly become a contender again as they prepare to move to Brooklyn.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Nenad Krstic For Nazr Mohammed
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Again, it's a mere case of swapping two expiring contracts. The Thunder are an even better team than they were last season, but they're just missing one piece to the puzzle. They need a dominant big man in the middle.
Nenad Krstic is a fine athlete, but he is not athletic enough to keep up with the top centers in the Western Conference. On top of that, Serge Ibaka isn't ready to be a consistent starter just yet. Thus, if the Thunder want to go far in the playoffs and have a shot at beating the Spurs and Lakers, a trade for Nazr Mohammed (pictured at left) would be ideal.
Mohammed has it all. His inside game is great, he plays physically, and is just the type of center coaches dream of. If placed into coach Scott Brooks's system, his offense would improve and he'd be a tough customer for opposing players.
Orlando Magic: Ryan Anderson For Another Big Man To Complement Dwight Howard
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Let's be honest, folks. Considering the four teams ahead of them in the Eastern Conference race, the Orlando Magic have underachieved.
Looking at the roster, the problem appears to be the lack of a defensive power forward to pair with Dwight Howard. Thus, trading Ryan Anderson seems to be the most effective decision.
A deal that makes sense would be to send Anderson, Malik Allen and a draft pick to the New York Knicks for Anthony Randolph. The Knicks have been looking to dump Randolph all season, and acquiring Anderson would give them another big man off of the bench who could give Stoudemire a break.
Phoenix Suns: Grant Hill For a Consistent Shooter
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As was mentioned before, Grant Hill has been a great presence in Phoenix, but too inconsistent to be effective in coach Alvin Gentry's system. With the Suns in the hunt for the final playoff spot in the West, it's time for them to trade the aging veteran.
In all honesty, OJ Mayo is the best fit for this club. He is an electrifying shooter who can play both guard positions, and his presence on the bench would give Jared Dudley the opportunity to blossom as the tough forward that he is.
Philadelphia 76ers: Andre Iguodala For a Defensive Forward
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When the Sixers picked Evan Turner in the draft last year, it was their way of sending a message to Andre Iguodala. That message was simple: start being a leader or you're out!
If the season were to end today, the Sixers would be the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. That's a fine improvement from last season, but one must remember that the team is in an easy conference and division.
The fact is, Andre Iguodala is never going to be the true forward Doug Collins wants him to be. A product of the University of Arizona, he is always going to have that shoot-first mentality. It's not his fault at all, just how he learned the game.
Again, trading Iguodala to Charlotte for Gerald Wallace would be a great move for this Sixers team. It would shed salary and give them a player who, rather than try to take minutes away from Turner, would help turn him into a superstar.
Portland Trail Blazers: Joel Pryzbilla For Anderson Varejao
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Currently, Portland has the final playoff spot in a tight Western Conference. They have been hurt by the losses of Marcus Camby and Brandon Roy, but even with those two were missing a key piece. The team needs a top power forward to spell LaMarcus Aldridge at power forward.
With Camby injured, Joel Przybilla is the starting center. His $7 million contract expires at season's end, so why not trade him for a great defensive forward like Anderson Varejao? In doing so, the Blazers could move Aldridge to center until Camby returns and place Varejao at power forward.
Also, it would give the Cavaliers a true big man at center instead of the undersized J.J. Hickson.
Toronto Raptors: No Trade
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I'm sorry, but the Toronto Raptors are just that bad. No trade could possibly benefit them or any other team. No wonder head coach Jay Triano (pictured at left) looks so aggravated!
Sacramento Kings: Beno Udrih For a Consistent Shooter and Leader
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Beno Udrih, when he is at the top of his game, is one of the deadliest three-point shooters in the NBA. Even better, he also plays good defense. Still, with his inconsistency, he is slowly wearing out his welcome in Sacramento.
As I also mentioned before, the Kings are in need of a veteran leader in their starting lineup. One trade that could make sense for the team would be sending Udrih and guard Francisco Garcia (for salary purposes) to the Detroit Pistons for Richard Hamilton.
Honestly, this could be a great move for Hamilton were the trade to happen. He would bring experience to a young and inexperienced team, and mold future stars Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins into perennial All-Stars. The Kings were great once, and it's time for them to contend again. All the Maloof Brothers need to do is call the Pistons and pull the trigger!
Washington Wizards: No Trade
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Once again, a team that should not make a move. The Wizards have already made their significant move of the season, trading controversial guard Gilbert Arenas to Orlando for Rashard Lewis. This gave rookie guard John Wall (pictured at left) a mentor, and a sign that the Wizards had hope.
With a talented young starting five and a bench that is still learning how to play with the starters, the Wizards can only get better and better. Watch out for them!
San Antonio Spurs: No Trade
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Richard Jefferson's gesture says it all. The Spurs are rocking and rolling their way to the top seed in the Western Conference. They communicate well, play consistent basketball, and are just that good! No need to upset what's happening in San Antonio
Utah Jazz: Mehmet Okur to Atlanta For Jamal Crawford
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Despite being sidelined with a back injury now, Mehmet Okur would be a valuable asset on any team. He is a solid big man with one heck of a three-point shot. Still, he is costing the Jazz $9 million a year and with Al Jefferson starting at center, he is expendable.
Now let's talk about Utah's draft last year. They took Gordon Hayward, a shooting guard (and not much else), out of Butler University. Needless to say, while Hayward is a great shooter, he needs a mentor. That being said, why not trade Okur to Atlanta for Jamal Crawford's expiring contract?
As I mentioned before, Jamal Crawford is a clutch player. When he's on fire, he never misses. He would be a perfect mentor for both Hayward and breakout small forward, C.J. Miles.
New York Knicks: Work a Three-Team Deal and Land Carmelo Anthony
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This has been the saga all season. The Knicks have been trying and trying to land Nuggets star forward Carmelo Anthony, but the Nuggets have been playing hard ball. Still, there seems to be hope.
Last we heard, the Knicks were working on a three-team deal involving the Nuggets and Timberwolves. In the deal, here is what would occur.
Minnesota gets: Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph
Denver gets: Corey Brewer, Wilson Chandler (pictured at left) and a first-round-pick
New York gets: Carmelo Anthony.
Were this trade to happen, it would be the sports story of the year. Anthony has repeatedly stated his desire to play in New York, so it's time to make it happen.
Denver Nuggets: See Previous Slide
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I just said what trade the Nuggets needed to make, now it's time for them to follow through. The fact is, the Carmelo saga has been a distraction all season. In actuality, it has been hurting the team's performance.
If you think about it, this should have been done months ago! The only problem has been Denver GM Masai Ujiri. He's young and wants his first major trade to be a big one.
Um, Masai? You're trading Carmelo Anthony. That's already a big trade to begin with regardless of who Denver receives in return!
Again, Anthony wants to play in New York. Grant him his wish!
