NBA Trade Rumors: Each Team's Biggest Questions Heading Toward Trade Deadline
NBA trade rumors are floating all over the place. It seems like wherever you turn, there is Carmelo Anthony and the possibility of another trade for the young star. Yet, he is not the only player who could be on the move.
The Nuggets are also not the only team that would like to pull the trigger on a trade. Each team has some deficiency they need to shore up. Sometimes the best way to do that is through a major deal.
Here will will inspect all 30 NBA teams and discuss their question marks and whether a trade is necessary to their future success. Some of these teams are already out of the playoffs, so nabbing a fresh young player or relieving some cap space may be in the cards.
Here is the NBA before the trade deadline.
Boston Celtics
1 of 30
The Boston Celtics are proof that a vibrant offseason is all you need to shore up some of the holes on your team.
The Celtics have a well-rounded lineup that could be harmed by moving too many pieces in the middle of the season. They just got back Kendrick Perkins, which is like securing a blockbuster trade in itself.
The front-runners to represent the East in the Finals would do well to increase the chemistry they have spent so much time cultivating. The only issue from here on out is health. You can not trade for that; you can only cross your fingers and hope for the best.
Verdict: Stay Pat
New Jersey Nets
2 of 30
The Nets are in dire straits for a trade. They seem to be the only team that has the desire and players necessary to make a trade with the Nuggets.
Yet, they are not the first choice for Carmelo Anthony. If they do not get a confirmation that Melo would sign an extension by Monday, they will look else where.
The priority here is to free up cap space.
The Nets will try their hardest to trade Troy Murphy. That will prove extremely difficult. Murphy is a great role player, and would be a welcome addition to any team, just not for $12 million.
Verdict: Trade Troy
New York Knicks
3 of 30
The Knicks are finally relevant again. The hope is that they stay that way for a little while longer. The best way to do that is to trade for another star player to coexist with Amare Stoudemire. I wonder if there are any available who would like to play in New York.
Yes, we have all been inundated with the Carmelo-to-New York talks, but the trade needs to happen. The Nuggets star has threatened to sign an extension with Denver. It is his way of telling New York that he needs to be shown they want him now, not on the cheap in free agency.
The Knicks have done just that this weekend. The Knicks have upped the ante and have given the Nuggets their choice of Danilo Gallinari or Landry Fields. This could very well be as good as it gets for Denver.
Verdict: Pull the Trigger on Melo
Philadelphia 76ers
4 of 30
The 76ers have reneged on their wish to trade Andre Iguodala. That is a horrible mistake. The tenure of AI 2 has not been all it should have been.
The fact that Iggy is playing much better ball and the 76ers are in the playoff hunt is a blessing. His stock has never been hire. Philadelphia has Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner to fall back on. There are teams that would kill for Andre on their team.
Philadelphia has the perfect window to deal the player they were desperately trying to trade at the start of the season, something tells me they will blow it.
Verdict: Ship off AI
Toronto Raptors
5 of 30
The Raptors have question marks all over the roster, but they like it that way. It is abundantly clear that they want to relieve as much cap space as possible.
They shouted that loud and clear when they bought out Peja Stojakovic. The only real talent they have left is Andrea Bargnani. With the threat of a lockout looming, a small market team like the Raptors will take as much flexibility into the off season that they can.
Verdict: Continue the Fire Sale
Chicago Bulls
6 of 30
The Bulls are an interesting lot. They has shown me enough to be considered legitimate contenders. Yet, I still feel they are one piece away from being the favorites in the East.
That component could very well be as simple as time. Joakim Noah is getting healthier with every game, and the team is still adjusting to Boozer in the post. The Bulls could use some scoring from the outside, but a trade for talent may just force this team to take a step back.
The Bulls are formed for a deep playoff run as it is. Lets see how far they can make it with the current personnel.
Verdict: Stay Pat
Cleveland Cavaliers
7 of 30
Oh, boy. This team does not need an overhaul, it needs to be taken out back and put out of their misery. There really is nothing the Cavs can do by way of trade to improve their immediate station in life.
The Cavs will do well in the NBA again, it just may not be for a few years. Cleveland needs to deal Antawn Jamison, and fast. There is no reason they should be paying him money so that he can throw up 20 points a night in a losing effort.
This is time for the young players to get some time on the court. Cut ties with the elder statesmen on the team and get some breathing room under the cap.
Verdict: Ship off Antwan...Then burn the place down
Detroit Pistons
8 of 30
The Pistons that won the Finals are dead. There is nothing left of them but scattered remnants of greatness. The time is ripe to turn the page in Detroit.
The only issue is convincing teams to take on some of the aging veterans. Rip Hamilton can still shoot the lights out, but is owed an exorbitant amount of money.
The Pistons will most likely part with Tayshaun Prince which I cringe at. Prince does the little things you want in a role player. He plays defense and helps out in distributing the ball. The Pistons would do well to get younger while keeping Prince. Sadly, that is just not in the cards.
Verdict: Have another team drink the Rip Hamilton Kool-Aid
Indiana Pacers
9 of 30
The Pacers are in the perfect spot for a re-building team. They are playing fine basketball considering the roster deficiencies and will have a boatload of cash coming off the books this summer.
The Pacers just need to let the season play out as it is. Young players, like Roy Hibbert, are coming along nicely. Indiana should be content to see what kind treasures await them in free agency.
Verdict: Stand Pat
Milwaukee Bucks
10 of 30
I was crucified here when I said that the Bucks lacked depth and would not make the final eight teams. Low and behold, I may not be such an idiot after all.
The Bucks have great young talent that will be tearing up the East shortly. By shortly I mean in the next couple of years. The Bucks are stacked on the court, but have issues when they turn to their bench. The word is that the Bucks are not actively pursuing a trade.
The season for them is not over by a long shot. They can still squeak into the bottom portion of post season teams.
Milwaukee will take their chances and get better through free agency. They have Michael Redd's huge contract coming off the books this summer.
Verdict: Trade for some depth
Atlanta Hawks
11 of 30
In a perfect world, the Hawks would be selling Jamal Crawford to the highest bidder right about now. Atlanta is plying inspired ball this season though. They should finish out the season in the four or five slot in the post season.
Normally, a team on the cusp would want to deal the $10 million owed to Jamal, but he is an integral part to their success.
I say ride it out and see where this lot takes you. Oh, and cross your fingers that Al Horford stays healthy.
Verdict: Don't touch a thing.
Charlotte Bobcats
12 of 30
The Bobcats need Michael Jordan to sell his share of the team and suit up for the Bobcats. As that will not happen in a million years, we will concentrate on reality for the time being.
The Bobcats are a team that would love to get in the trade mix. The problem is they have little to offer teams. Their most expendable commodities are Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace. Both have huge contracts that less than appetizing to other teams.
You can bet they will try to deal one of them to a team that needs some outside shooting. If they do, it will be the coup of the deadline.
Verdict: Shake things up immediately.
Miami Heat
13 of 30
Are you kidding? This team only wishes it could move some pieces. The Heat are as good as they are gonna get. Good thing for Heat fans that they are pretty damned good.
They have too much money spread over the better players. The movable pieces are not the least bit attractive to any other team. It will have to be about working on that chemistry they have been talking about.
Verdict: Stand Pat
Orlando Magic
14 of 30
The Orlando Magic are far too mediocre for the blockbuster trade they accomplished in January to be considered successful.
If I were them I would entertain a Jason Richardson trade. He is their most movable piece with $14 million coming off the books next season. They only wish they could move Gilbert Arenas who has been a ghost of his former self.
Instead, this team will stay with what they have. You don't make a huge trade only to second-guess yourself. Perhaps this team just needs some mileage together before it clicks. That's the hope anyway.
Verdict: Hope time heals
Washington Wizards
15 of 30
The only deal the Wizards might entertain is the Kirk Hinrich to the Lakers rumor that may still be on the table. If the Wizards get enamored with any of the lesser stars Los Angeles has, they might just move on it.
Other than that, this is a team that was hamstrung for what seemed like eons by the huge Gilbert Arenas contract. They are so happy to be free of it, they may gladly take this trade deadline as a welcomed respite.
Verdict: Keep this young talented team intact.
Golden State Warriors
16 of 30
The Warriors should not be players as the deadline nears. That is not because they don't want to, and not because they don't need to.
No one in their right mind would take on Dan Gadzuric or Vladimir Radmonovic, even with their expiring contracts. Those are the only players they will be sending off anyway. They should hold tight to the Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry duo.
It is a little rough around the edges right now, but the defense will come shortly, hopefully.
Verdict: Don't change a thing, unless you can off-load your trash.
Los Angeles Clippers
17 of 30
The Clippers have become enamored with the idea of DeAndre Jordan taking over the center position of the franchise completely. That is relatively bad news for Clippers fans, all six of you.
Chris Kaman offers a still great half-court center that is reliable on both ends of the court. Jordan is young and will need some grooming yet.
But Kaman can yield a big name player, the Clippers need one of them.
Verdict: Ship off Kaman for a solid role player.
Los Angeles Lakers
18 of 30
The big rumor was to send Bynum off to Denver in exchange for Carmelo Anthony. LA fans thought that was a fantastic idea until they took a second. Then they realized it would be a horrible trade for a team that boasts such an advantage down low.
The other piece to move would be Ron Artest. Funny, no team wants an aging defender that lost the ability to score.
Verdict: The Lakers will be silent on the 24th.
Phoenix Suns
19 of 30
If you live in the greater Phoenix area, you have been saddled at some point with a very weighty conundrum. With Nash, or without Nash, how shall we proceed?
I am here to tell you that the question is moot. There is no way that the Suns move Nash before the February 24th deadline, or anyone else for that matter. They already made their huge deal when they landed some castoffs from the Magic.
Verdict: Suns stay mum on the 24th
Sacramento Kings
20 of 30
The Kings will not be seeking a deal this week. They will however be taking offers for the players that have expiring contracts, that includes Samuel Dalembert. I am not sure if the Kings are cutting costs for an eventual move, or if they are strategically dumping costs before the next CBA.
Either way, the Kings have little on the payroll and will be dumping even more salaries next year. The last thing they seem willing to do is take on a contract that will foul all of that up.
Verdict: Wait till next year.
Dallas Mavericks
21 of 30
The new winning ways of the 76ers may have just hindered the Mavericks from making a blockbuster deal. They have been looking for a replacement for Caron Butler since the star forward went down with an injury.
So far Peja Stojakovic has been filling in nicely production wise. But the Mavericks would love to see someone like Andre Iguodala in their uniform. As I mentioned, Philadelphia is increasingly unwilling to deal Iguodala at this time.
The Mavericks will have to make due with the lot they have.
Verdict: Stay Pat.
Houston Rockets
22 of 30
The Rockets are one team that would love to get down and dirty in the next week. They have a bunch of expiring contracts to deal, including Shane Battier.
They also have a plethora of perimeter players to offer. They one thing they will want in return is a post player that can stay healthy for more than ten games.
News hit that the Rockets were even interested in dealing Aaron Brooks. The trade talk listed Brooks going to the Knicks. You can bet that will not happen until the Carmelo drama is ironed out.
Verdict: Ship off the dead weight.
Memphis Grizzlies
23 of 30
O.J. Mayo may want to unpack his bags. The young Grizzlies eyesore was rumored to be on his last leg in Memphis. But the team can not get away from the fact that they need his scoring off the bench.
A recent injury to Rudy Gay has made him even more indispensable. Is he still on the market? You bet. The Grizzlies will not be giving him away for free like they did for Pau Gasol a few years ago.
Verdict: OJ Mayo could be gone if the deal is right.
New Orleans Hornets
24 of 30
The Hornets would love to make a deal that would satisfy their beloved Chris Paul. But the team does not have the cap space or players to make a deal. The Hornets are eight game above .500 and in a good spot to make some noise in the post season.
There are no more guarantees that anything they do will ever satiate Paul. So, why try? If they could convince someone to overpay on one of the starters, then pull the trigger. Other than that, they will be silent all week.
Verdict: Nothing to see here.
San Antonio Spurs
25 of 30
I think we can all make the safe assumption that the Spurs are content at the moment. They are playing with zeal, as well as with a great deal of chemistry.
The last thing they want to do is make changes to the team that holds the best record int he NBA. They will be standing in the corner as the deadline nears.
Verdict: Don't touch a thing.
Denver Nuggets
26 of 30
Are you serious? This team is front and center when it comes to the trade deadline. They are currently entertaining two offers from the Nets and Knicks.
As it sits now, they have a deal with the Nets, all they need now is confirmation from Carmelo Anthony that he will sign an extension with them. That looks like it will happen when hell gets its first snow storm.
The second possibility is to the Knicks who just opened up Danilo Gallinari into the mix. They have stated that their latest offer is their best, and they are done dealing. Melo will be one of to places on the 25th.
He will either be in New York, or with the Nuggets after settling for more money and security over the stardom Manhattan has to offer.
Verdict: Interesting times are ahead.
Minnesota Timberwolves
27 of 30
The Timberwolves could still be the missing link to Carmelo landing in New York. Reports insinuated in early February that they were the third team in a New York and Denver deal. The missing piece would have been Corey Brewer going to Denver.
These talks have died down for the time being, but Brewer remains their most expendable asset. His days in Minnesota are numbered.
Verdict: See you later Brewer.
Oklahoma City Thunder
28 of 30
The Thunder will most likely enter the playoffs with the same cast of characters they have now. The only player that will be n question is Jeff Green.
He has become the piece that many teams wants and the the Thunder are most willing to part with. The one position they will trade for is a low post player. If they find one available before February 24th, a sign-and-trade would not be out of the question.
Verdict: Jeff Green could be gone, but won't.
Portland Trailblazers
29 of 30
The Blazers are only four games back of the Thunder in the Northwest Division. That is remarkable considering all the injuries they have been dealt with this year.
The one person they could part with, and should part with, is Andre Miller. He is still a potent guard that has not clicked in the role of aged leader in the Blazers locker room. He would do well to say his goodbyes and go to yet another team.
Other than that, the Blazers will entertain offers that will yield them some new legs for Greg Oden.
Verdict: Sell Andre Miller.
Utah Jazz
30 of 30
The Jazz have some soul searching to do. They need to find out what kind of team they want to be in the post-Jerry Sloan era. That era could start with the loss of Andrei Kirilenko.
He is by far the most expendable piece on their team. His $18 million salary will be coming off the books. The Jazz could get a couple of solid players from a team wishing to shed money. They could also wait until the offseason and enjoy that freedom themselves.
Verdict: Save AK-47 and use that money in the offseason.
