NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting the Next 10 Stars To Be Dealt
It’s never too early to start looking ahead to next year. And there are some big-name stars who could be on the move next year.
Next year could shape up to be one of the more interesting trade deadlines—as opposed to this year, where there has hardly been any movement.
Here is a look at 10 big-names that could be traded next year
Chris Paul
1 of 10
Speculation has quieted down about the future of Paul now that the Hornets have a respectable record.
But how long will it last?
Paul has made it known that he is serious about winning a title and it remains to be seen if that can happen in New Orleans.
Though, they have made the right moves, including trading for Jack and Ariza. Moreover, it looks like West will receive a contract extension.
However, doubts about Paul’s future will linger.
After next year, Paul will have a player option for $17.7 million. There is a chance that he will pull the same stunt as Carmelo Anthony has done this year.
If that is the case, New Orleans may have no choice but to trade him.
Deron Williams
2 of 10
Williams has been frustrated by the moves made by management lately. Starting with giving Brewer away to the Grizzlies and letting Matthews, Korver and Boozer walk as free agents. This Jazz team isn’t constructed to win a title and Williams seems to be coming to this realization.
He has a $17 million option in the year 2013, if he makes it clear he won’t re-sign with the Jazz—they have to get something for him.
Steve Nash
3 of 10
There were several whispers about Nash being on the block this year. But, it appears Nash will be around a little longer.
As it stands right now, keeping Nash makes zero sense.
First of all, this Suns roster peaked a year ago when they reached the Conference Finals. Now, the roster is full of overpaid role-players and Nash has become their best trade asset.
Maybe Phoenix thinks they will get more for him next year when he becomes an expiring contract—which is attractive to all teams at the deadline.
Danny Granger
4 of 10
The Pacers intended to recover from the Palace Brawl by building around Granger.
But, it appears that he is no longer untouchable. It wouldn’t be surprising to see teams inquiring about Granger. He has a reasonable contract and is a high-character guy.
The Pacers have Paul George, who has a similar skill-set to Granger. As it stands right now they are good enough to win only 35-38 games a year.
By the time Indiana gets on the right track, Granger could be 31 or 32 years old—he could be an asset to bring in more pieces.
Josh Smith
5 of 10
Atlanta re-signed Al Horford to a five-year, $60 million contract and Joe Johnson to a six-year, $120 million contract.
Add the fact that Jamal Crawford will also be looking for a new contract this summer—you get a franchise currently in a financial bind.
The Hawks can’t afford to keep everyone.
This is a team that has already reached its peak—they have to make a change.
Smith will have plenty of value and the Hawks may look to move him for a true center.
Then’ Horford will be allowed to play his natural position at power-forward.
Anderson Varejao
6 of 10
I may be cheating a little here. Varejao certainly isn’t a high-profile player, but nonetheless, it is likely that he will be on the move next year.
Varejao is arguably Cleveland’s best asset.
He is a big-man with excellent footwork and plays with a high motor.
Plenty of teams will be calling the Cavs at next year’s deadline about the Brazilian forward.
Joe Johnson
7 of 10
Many are still wondering what exactly the Hawks were thinking when they gave Johnson that monstrous contract.
This is a team that is not getting any better and Johnson is already on the decline.
Johnson’s name was thrown around in a couple of trade rumors this year.
There is a chance that a contending team offers to take Johnson’s contract off of their hands for the right pieces. If that happens, Atlanta may not be able to refuse that offer.
Richard Hamilton
8 of 10
Hamilton clearly isn’t in Coach Kuester’s plans and Hamilton has been on the block all year.
Due to his horrendous contract, he hasn’t been moved yet.
It is likely that a contending team will make a move for Hamilton next year.
Andre Iguodala
9 of 10
The Sixers are in the playoff picture, so it is likely that they keep him around this year.
But maybe some team makes them an offer they can't refuse, like offering to take Elton Brand's contract.
The Sixers may also consider moving Iguodala to help develop Evan Turner.
Mo Williams
10 of 10
He is a former All-Star point guard and one of the better scorers in the league.
Williams will be an expiring contract next year and teams will try to make a move for him.
