NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Deals That Could Help Contenders Turbo-Charge Their Offense
There is now less than a week until the NBA Trade Deadline, which naturally means that these rumors are going to continue piling up. The questions surrounding Carmelo Anthony, O.J. Mayo, and others will finally be answered in a week's time, and some players will be in new, perhaps surprising, uniforms.
There are many teams who are trying to make a push for the playoffs, and while some need help just to make it in, others feel that they need one more piece to gain a title. For those teams, this week is perhaps the most significant one until the playoffs.
As many teams are looking to provide a boost to a lackluster offense, here are ten trades that will do just that.
Carmelo Anthony to New York Knicks
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This has been discussed since before the season even began, and will continue to be talked about even after the deadline passes. Nonetheless, combining Anthony with Amare Stoudamire would make for a very powerful offense.
The Knicks are, surprisingly enough, only around .500, so this trade may end up being necessary for them if they want to go far in the playoffs.
O.J. Mayo to Chicago Bulls
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O.J. Mayo is a shooting guard who is not fitting in for the Grizzlies, and is one of the hottest names on the trading block not named Carmelo Anthony. The Bulls, meanwhile, have their main weakness at the shooting guard position.
Getting O.J. Mayo and putting him in that two spot could make the Bulls a much better team offensively. It's certainly an improvement over Keith Bogans, if nothing else.
Stephen Jackson to Dallas Mavericks
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While Gerald Wallace is the go-to forward for defense on the Charlotte Bobcats, Stephen Jackson is the go-to guy on offense, and could be productive on another team.
With Caron Butler out for the year, the Dallas Mavericks have been looking for that presence at the small forward position. Acquiring Jackson and putting Shawn Marion back in that sixth man position could end up being what the team needs to go toe-to-toe with the Spurs.
Richard Hamilton to Utah Jazz
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Andrei Kirilenko has a big expiring contract, and as much as they will hate to admit it, the Utah Jazz cannot continue to rely on the players they currently have. The Jazz are barely in the playoffs right now, and need to make a move both to stay there and to prepare for next year.
A fellow B/R writer suggested here that the Jazz trade for Jason Maxiell and Richard Hamilton. It's a necessary move on Detroit's end and it will make salary room for the Jazz to remain competitive, and there are good points in the article.
DeMarcus Cousins to Oklahoma City Thunder
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DeMarcus Cousins is not going to remain in Sacramento. Whether he is moved this year, during the offseason, or at another time, Cousins will see a new uniform sooner rather than later.
The Oklahoma City Thunder seem to be in need of a big man, and they are actively looking for one. Cousins might be a good acquisition here to provide some depth and even more offensive production there.
Devin Harris to Portland Trail Blazers
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A trade rumor that is generating a lot of buzz lately is one involving the Portland Trail Blazers and New Jersey Nets. Yes, the Nets are not just trying to get Carmelo again.
This trade would be a straight up one, Devin Harris for Andre Miller. This would give LaMarcus Aldridge a number two man now that Brandon Roy's out, and Andre Miller might be a more valuable guard for the Nets if they want to get Carmelo, so that the offense can go through him.
Jeff Green to Dallas Mavericks
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This rumor is starting to look like a possibility for the same reason as a Stephen Jackson to Mavs move. It is unlikely to happen because both the Thunder and Mavs are looking to make a deep playoff run, but it fits.
The Mavs need a small forward that can shoot and make plays, and Green does that. His playing time might lessen, and as long as the Thunder get help in the middle then they'll take that risk in letting Jeff Green play elsewhere.
Monta Ellis to Denver Nuggets
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The Denver Nuggets want to get some energetic pieces if they lose Carmelo Anthony. While this would be conditional on a three-team deal taking place, it's certainly possible.
The Warriors have size issues, so if Al Harrington was added in as a piece that went to the Warriors, then this deal could be a possibility. The Nuggets could still make the playoffs with Monta Ellis leading a late charge along with others, so this works for them as well.
Zach Randolph to Orlando Magic
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Surprisingly enough, after already making the biggest trade so far this season, the Orlando Magic are looking to make another one. They are looking to add yet another big man to team up with Dwight Howard, and that man is Memphis's Zach Randolph.
Randolph has quietly been putting up amazing numbers for the Grizzlies, and if paired with Howard and company, the Magic could create one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. The only remaining question would be what Memphis would accept for him, which could be nothing since they're still barely in the playoffs.
Carmelo Anthony to Los Angeles Lakers
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Imagine taking Ron Artest out of that Lakers lineup and putting in Carmelo Anthony. The Lakers are already a top ten team in points scored per game, and with Anthony in the mix, they could be right there at the top. Yes, their defense could take a hit, but if it gets them a championship then that won't matter.
