NBA Trade Rumors: Carmelo Anthony, OJ Mayo and 10 Players Who Need a Fresh Start
What's wrong, Carmelo? Are the rumors deafening?
The NBA's trade deadline is right around the corner, and believe it or not, Carmelo Anthony isn't the only player on the market.
While much of the chatter has focused significantly around Melo's possible landing spots, there are a plethora of players who could be very valuable to another team should they be moved.
With a host of teams trying to improve the roster before a potential postseason push, things should get very interesting over the next 10 days.
10. Aaron Brooks, PG Houston Rockets
1 of 10
Brooks lost his starting gig to veteran backup Kyle Lowry after sustaining a high ankle sprain earlier this season.
Despite coming back healthy, Brooks' level of play has fallen off noticeably since his return. Not only is his work ethic is in serious question, but frankly, so is his overall value.
The Rockets were weary to hand Brooks an extension last summer and now may be primed to carve a future without him.
9. Carl Landry, PF Sacramento Kings
2 of 10
Talent has never been the question with Landry during his time in the capitol of California.
Instead, the surplus of bigs have limited Landry's opportunities off the bench and he hasn't had the opportunity to flash his enormous skill set.
With the team in rebuilding mode for the future and his contract set to expire at season's end, there's no doubt that Landry will get a fresh start somewhere.
Let's hope it comes before the regular season ends.
8. Stephen Jackson, SF Charlotte Bobcats
3 of 10
Who is Stephen Jackson?
One of the least talked about stars in the league, Jax has been quietly successful throughout his tenure in Charlotte despite some of the self-inflicted turbulence that he's caused.
One thing is certain: Charlotte isn't going to contend for a championship anytime soon, and Jackson isn't getting any younger.
Perhaps if he played for a legitimate contender, he could better control his temper.
7. Terrence Williams, SG Houston Rockets
4 of 10
Another member of the Rockets team makes this list.
Most people are still having trouble figuring out exactly why the Rockets dealt for Williams if they didn't intend to play him, and I am a firm member of that group.
The kid has all the talent in the world, and despite his mental lapses in the past, he is far too skilled to rot at the end of the bench with no chance of playing.
If Williams landed on a team where he could play 25-30 minutes, he would be among the most dynamic players in the league.
6. Mo Williams, PG Cleveland Cavaliers
5 of 10
Despite his triumphant return to the court that saw the Cavs win their first game of 2011, Williams would be a much happier person if he found a way out of Cleveland.
After going into a well-chronicled depression following LeBron's departure, Williams has played in just 35 games this season and doesn't appear to be the player that the Cavs thought he was.
With an undesirable contract and a failure to establish himself as a legitimate No. 2 offensive option, it's going to be tough finding a new home for Mo-Mo.
5. OJ Mayo, SG Memphis Grizzlies
6 of 10
Mayo is set to return from his 10-game doping ban today, but the Grizzlies were 8-2 without him, highlighting just how far he has fallen from the Memphis rotation.
Despite the team maintaining that he is still a part of the long-term plans, it's becoming increasingly clear that the coaching staff has begun to sour on the swingman.
Mayo needs to be in an offense where he can take at least 12-15 shots per game, and with both Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph headlining the show in Memphis, that's unlikely to happen.
4. Chris Kaman, C Los Angeles Clippers
7 of 10
Kaman has played in just 10 games this season and has been an absolute non-factor in the Clippers' recent resurgence to a competitive squad.
Youngster DeAndre Jordan has played very well in his absence, and the team should be inclined to give him consistent minutes for this season and beyond.
Although Kaman's massive contract makes any possible trade a sticky situation, it's clear that he's not a a long-term piece for the very young Clippers.
3. Steve Nash, PG Phoenix Suns
8 of 10
When Nash signed an extension to stay in Phoenix, it's doubtful that this is the team he intended on playing alongside.
Although he has played the role of good soldier despite getting constantly badgered by media members about the possibility of playing elsewhere, it's no secret that Nash would love to win a championship ring.
He would be a great fit on a contender like the Los Angeles Lakers, but it appears very unlikely that the team would seriously consider dealing him.
2. Richard Hamilton, SG Detroit Pistons
9 of 10
Richard Hamilton either has the most sore groin in the world or he's fallen completely out of favor in Detroit—my bet is on the latter.
It's no secret that Hamilton and head coach John Kuester have clashed throughout the season, and with the Pistons attempting to rebuild, a divorce may be best for both parties.
He wouldn't bring back much (if anything) in a trade thanks to his bloated salary, but a buyout may open up some financial flexibility for the future of the Pistons team.
1. Carmelo Anthony, SF Denver Nuggets
10 of 10
The constant Carmelo rumors are getting to be almost as annoying as Brett Favre.
Almost being the key word.
Although Anthony is now reportedly open to the idea of signing an extension in Denver, it remains extremely doubtful that he will. Even if he isn't dealt prior to the deadline, Melo has made it clear that he wants to play his home games at Madison Square Garden.
Anthony will never be embraced the same way by Denver fans so long as the New York stigma surrounds him.
