NBA Trade Rumors: 50 Biggest Questions Heading Into the NBA Trade Deadline
In one week, the NBA trade deadline will pass, and the rest of the season can go on without speculation. But that's a week away, leaving plenty of time for questions to be asked and potential answers to be debated.
Carmelo Anthony has dominated trade talks. Richard Hamilton, Ron Artest and Devan Harris are also creating buzz. Plenty of teams are purportedly in trade talks, whether looking for pieces to push them over the top—or for simply cap relief.
Where will 'Melo end up? Does Miami need to make a move—and if so, could they afford to? Are the Celtics shopping?
Here are the 50 biggest questions that need answers between now and Feb. 24.
50. Is David West Off the Market?
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David West can opt for free agency this summer, and he hasn't signed an extension with the New Orleans Hornets. But general manager Dell Demps isn't reportedly about to trade him.
Why not?
West is a great player. averaging 19 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. But he's far from irreplaceable.
West will walk at the end of the year. New Orleans could be better off trying to get something for him now.
49. Will Houston Find Takers for Yao Ming's Contract?
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At 7'6" and deft with the ball, Yao Ming is an MVP-type player when healthy. But he hasn't been healthy for much of his time in Houston, missing practically all of the past two seasons and not making it to 60 games played in three more.
Now, his contract is approaching expiration and Houston wants to move it. But where can they send it? The Rockets need help in the post and have perimeter players to package with Ming's contract.
48. What Is Dallas Looking For?
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Simply put, Dallas is looking for a replacement for Caron Butler. The small forward is out with injury. But replacing Butler short term may not be enough. Butler is a free agent at the end of the year, and, despite stating that he wants to stay in Dallas, he will be heavily pursued.
Dallas really wants Carmelo Anthony. But that is likely not happening, even in a rental situation. Can Dallas find another three worth acquiring?
47. Is Anthony Randolph Going to the Timberwolves?
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Anthony Randolph was a part of the three-team trade that would send Carmelo Anthony to New York and Randolph to Minnesota.
Even if it's not in a 'Melo deal, the Timberwolves are interested in Randolph. Reportedly, the cost would be a future first-round pick.
But Portland has also expressed interest in Randolph. He's not getting much run in New York and could stand a change in scenery.
46. Do the Lakers Believe They Need to Make a Move?
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For about 24 hours, Carmelo Anthony was headed to the Los Angeles Lakers. Phil Jackson laughed it off as a silly rumor. The same happened when Ron Artest supposedly wanted out, then didn't want out, then was on the block and then wasn't. Is Jackson laughing now?
Jackson seemed content with his team over a week ago when the Anthony rumor surfaced. Since then, the Lakers have put up back-to-back duds against Charlotte and Cleveland.
The Lakers have to be wondering if they need to make a move.
45. Will New Orleans Get a Big Man?
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The Hornets want to add depth to their front court. They've stated that they won't move David West.
But the Hornets main two targets, New Jersey's Troy Murphy and Cleveland's Antawn Jamison, come with roadblocks.
Murphy could be gone in a Carmelo Anthony deal. And the Hornets would love to acquire Jamison in the event that he is bought out. That looks unlikely. Whether or not the Hornets are willing to make a trade for Jamison is unknown.
44. Is Ramon Sessions Moving?
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Cleveland has several players in the rumor mill, and Ramon Sessions is being the latest to join them. The team that's creating buzz around Sessions is Atlanta.
The Hawks want more help at point guard for Mike Bibby, even if it possibly costs them in terms of luxury taxes.
The Hawks don't look ready to take on Boston, Orlando or Miami in the playoffs. Adding Sessions' scoring could help out.
43. Where Is Tayshaun Prince Going?
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The most common rumor around Tayshaun Prince involves a trade sending him to the Los Angeles Clippers for center Chris Kaman. However, other reports claim both teams are happy with the players they have.
Any team looking for length on defense should look at Prince. He's entering the waning years of his career but could stand to improve with a move.
He's a champion who could add veteran leadership and versatile contribution.
42. How Would Nene Help the Rockets?
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Houston is looking to take advantage of the sliding Utah Jazz and potentially self-destructing Denver Nuggets. In fact, it may help Denver begin its rebuilding.
The Rockets need help at center, with Yao Ming out with injury. Houston struggles with defensive rebounding and is heavy on back-court players. Nene would provide a huge boost if the two sides can strike a deal, which would involve draft picks from Houston.
The Rockets will have to fend off the likes of the Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder.
41. Is Troy Murphy More Than an Expiring Contract?
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Troy Murphy hasn't played for the New Jersey Nets since Jan. 7. He's fallen out of grace with coach Avery Johnson and won't be back with the team.
He's been on the trading block in great part to his expiring contract. But is that all he's worth to a receiving team? This is a player that has averaged double digit scoring eight times in his career and a double-double five times.
Whoever gets Murphy should encourage him to lace 'em up.
40. Is Boston Actively Looking for a Three?
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With Marquis Daniels out with injury, Boston is reportedly looking for wing depth. Delonte West's return from injury has been delayed due to more injury, tweaking his previously broken wrist in practice on Tuesday.
Von Wafer is doing what he can to offset the losses at the three position, but the Celtics should try to acquire somebody. The name at the forefront is Detroit's Rip Hamilton.
However, Boston is hoping Hamilton is bought out of his contract so that they can simply sign him instead of make a trade for him.
39. Is Rudy Fernandez on The Trading Block?
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As good and young as swing man Rudy Fernandez is, the Portland Trailblazers are looking for stability at point guard. Apparently, the Portland finds Fernandez expendable to do so.
If the Nets are unable to nab Carmelo Anthony, they would still have point guard Devan Harris as a trade piece. Portland would love to get Harris.
38. Can Jared Jeffries Find Minutes on a New Team?
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Jared Jeffries hasn't lived up to his 11th overall selection in 2002. But things have gotten even worse for Jeffries this season. He's getting career low minutes and has only played in 18 games.
He's on the trade because of his minimal role and expiring contract. If traded, Jeffries hopes for a chance to earn minutes. Most of the teams in talks with Houston couldn't be hurt by granting that wish.
37. Can Dallas Contend Without Making a Move?
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Dallas has been clicking lately, winning 13 of their last 14. They've vaulted to second place in the West with the Lakers faltering.
But there is still concern that Dallas isn't a true contender with its current roster. Losing Caron Butler to injury has left a large hole on the wing. Some believe that Dallas needs to make a move to fill the void.
They could also look for more size and target Charlotte's Stephen Jackson or Detroit's Tayshaun Prince.
36. What Can Carl Landry Provide for a Suitor?
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Any team looking for some depth in the front court or for cap relief should be calling up Sacramento and discussing Carl Landry.
Every once in a while, Landry pulls out a double-double. He is consistently scoring in double figures and grabbing several rebounds.
Landry isn't a starter, but he's a more-than-capable bench player.
35. Is Jeff Green Available?
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Jeff Green is available if Oklahoma City can get a good big man in return. But there just aren't many worthy bigs on the market right now.
Green is a very talented and productive player that boasts youth. This makes him all the more valuable to a Thunder team looking for a boost to make it a true championship contender.
34. Will Toronto Use Its Chris Bosh Trade Exception?
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It's not looking likely that the Raptors will use the trade exception acquired from its sign-and-trade with Chris Bosh last off-season. There is $10.76 million left.
It does not expire until July 11, so there is no rush for the Raptors to use it.
Toronto is packing it in this season and will stay quiet on the trade front.
33. Does Eddy Curry Have Contributions Left?
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Is Eddy Curry on his way to becoming one of the biggest busts in NBA draft history? He's played 12 games in the last three seasons. He's seen as an expiring contract. He could very well be unemployed next season.
Is there a team that remembers Curry's play from 2002-2008, in which he averaged double digit scoring for six straight seasons?
If Curry is traded this season, it might be a good idea to take a look at him if he's healthy.
32. Why Is No One After Andrei Kirilenko?
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Andrei Kirilenko is a valuable asset for the Utah Jazz. He scores without requiring plays run for him. He defends. He rebounds. And he is on an expiring contract.
With so many teams looking for help on the wing (Lakers, Mavericks, etc.) how is it that there is next to no buzz surrounding Kirilenko?
The Jazz seem primed for a restructuring and likely will let the Russian walk at the end of the season anyway.
31. How Valuable Is Anthony Morrow?
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Anthony Morrow has been rumored in trades with Denver for Carmelo Anthony. But what exactly would Denver be getting?
First of all, the Nuggets would be getting a young shooting guard with one of the best three-pointers in the game. He's firing threes at a 44 percent success rate.
Outside of pure shooting, Morrow is raw. He needs work on his defense and isn't a complete offensive player right now.
30. Does Chicago Need To Make a Move?
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Whether or not Chicago needs to make a move, it is apparently trying to. They want improved play at shooting guard and have Cleveland's Anthony Parker in their sights.
Parker is experienced and well-rounded. He's also shooting 39.8 percent from three. The trio of Kieth Bogans, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver has been solid for the Bulls, but they feel something is still missing.
I don't know that I agree.
29. Is DeMarcus Cousins Tradeable?
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It just doesn't seem to be working out between Sacramento and top draft pick DeMarcus Cousins. The center has struggled controlling his temper, most recently coming to blows with teammate Donte Greene after a game.
There are teams that want to bolster their front court. But whether or not any of them want to take on Cousins' baggage is unknown. The Kings may not even be looking to move him.
But Cousins has the talent to help some teams out if a deal is possible.
28. Should Cleveland Blow It Up?
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It's about time for Cleveland to dismantle its roster and look to the future. The Cavaliers' first season post-LeBron James has been a disaster. The silver lining is that Cleveland possesses players that other teams want.
Anthony Parker, Antawn Jamison, Ramon Sessions and more have drawn interest from other teams. If Cleveland can get draft picks and cap relief, it should unload some players.
27. Should New York Consider Trading Raymond Felton?
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On of the biggest keys in any trade between the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets involving Carmelo Anthony is New York point guard Raymond Felton.
Felton has upped his game significantly this season, averaging 17.1 points and 9.0 assists per game.
But the Nuggets want him if they are to send Anthony and Chauncey Billups across the country. New York has quite the dilemma there.
26. Will Antawn Jamison Be Shipped Out of Cleveland?
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There is a demand for Antawn Jamison's skills. The power forward scores 17.7 points per game, rebounds, shoots from the outside well, and provides experience.
There is no demand, however, for Jamison's contract. He is owed $15.1 million next season, a number that slows any talks with Cleveland about a trade for him.
Still, good big men are hard to find in the current trade market.
25. Do The Heat Have Enough to Make a Move?
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The Miami Heat have looked impressive as a regular season team, but their lack of depth in the front court will become a concern come playoff time with the likes of Boston.
Miami should be looking into acquiring another big to help in post defense. Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Chris Bosh don't provide it. Erick Dampier can't do it the way he used to.
But having Bosh, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in near max contracts, the team has little else on the roster of great value, making a move very difficult without a hefty amount of draft picks.
24. Is Courtney Lee Leaving Houston?
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Courtney Lee has struggled to find his place in the crowded Houston back court. Thus, he's a much talked about trade piece.
He's a strong guard with solid defensive skills. With plenty of teams in the market for guard help, the Rockets should be able to shop the 25-year-old.
He was a starter on a contending Orlando Magic team. I don't see much different in his game now.
23. Can Houston Afford to Lose Aaron Brooks?
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The relationship between Aaron Brooks and the Houston Rockets has been strained this season, and Kyle Lowry has established himself as the team's starter.
But if Houston sends Brooks packing, it's suddenly without a legitimate backup to Lowry.
Brooks is a fast, explosive player that can energize a team and score in bunches. Is Houston prepared to offset losing him?
22. Who Wants Stephen Jackson?
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Stephen Jackson is a shooting guard in a power forward's body. He has the skills of both. Jackson is a strong scorer that contributes with rebounding and respectable defense.
Plenty of teams could use a veteran swing man, especially one with the length of the 6'8" Jackson.
He would flourish in a diminished role on a contender. Maybe Boston or Dallas should call up the Bobcats.
21. Can The Grizzlies Move Hasheem Thabeet?
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Hasheem Thabeet hasn't developed the way that the Memphis Grizzlies hopes he would. Now, he is on the trading block. Memphis would rather cut its losses than keep working on Thabeet.
But there is currently no market for the 7'3" center that developed as reputation as an elite shot blocker in college. Memphis has been aggressively shopping its 2009 first round pick.
20. Should the Nets Trade Favors for 'Melo?
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Derrick Favors has played well as a rookie, showing promise for the future. His inclusion in a trade for Carmelo Anthony earlier this season caused the Nets to reconsider his value.
Now, he's back in the mix for a similar trade. Giving up such a talented young player in addition to several draft picks is putting a lot of stock in 'Melo.
Is Anthony worth it with the free agency market around the corner for New Jersey?
19. Should New Orleans Go After J.R. Smith?
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J.R. Smith started the season on the trading block and is back on it with the impending Carmelo Anthony trade.
There are plenty of suitors, including Chicago. But New Orleans is also in the mix.
The Hornets are trying to push into a decent playoff spot and could use Smith's scoring. There are few players more willing to hoist up shots.
18. Who Is Going To End Up With Devan Harris?
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It's looking more and more like Denver will get Devan Harris in a blockbuster trade that lands Carmelo Anthony in New Jersey.
But other teams have made plays for Harris as well. Portland has suggested bringing Harris in—possibly for Rudy Fernandez or Joel Przybilla— to strengthen itself at point guard.
The Trailblazers better get busy if they really want Harris.
17. Does San Antonio Need to Make a Move?
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It's tough to argue with the San Antonio Spurs' 46-10 record. But doesn't it seem like something is missing? Doesn't it feel like a seven-game series could expose the Spurs?
Tim Duncan should be well rested for the playoffs, but there is a lack of a post presence on this team when Duncan is sitting. Matt Bonner patrols the three-point line and DeJuan Blair is undersized.
Maybe San Antonio needs to look into snatching another big man before it's too late.
16. Will Deron Williams Get Help?
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The Utah Jazz is property of Deron Williams at this point. Whatever caused the sudden and shocking exit of head coach Jerry Sloan, it's now up to Williams to deliver the Jazz to the playoffs.
Despite a satisfying roster on paper, Utah is sliding. Injuries have played a large part, especially the absence of center Mehmet Okur.
Utah needs size on the inside. Will they make a move to help out D-Will?
15. Is Gerald Wallace Going Anywhere?
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Charlotte forward Gerald Wallace can't escape trade talk. He's been rumored as a potential suitor for several teams all season long.
With the deadline nearing, is anyone going to pull the trigger on Wallace?
He's a 15-point, eight-rebound per game player that can play small forward or shooting guard, if needed. He fits the bill for several teams' needs.
14. What Would Make Carmelo To Knicks Deal Work?
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It may be a moot point soon enough with New Jersey reportedly closing in on a deal, but what would it take for Denver and New York to finally get a deal done?
New York says that Denver wants too much. But Denver is looking at rebuilding and wants its share of draft picks.
New York also is hesitant to give up Raymond Felton and Danilo Gallinari. If New York wants to get back in on the 'Melo talks, it will have to pay a hefty price.
13. Does Denver Still Have a Shot at Extending 'Melo?
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Denver would still love to sign Carmelo Anthony to an extension. But that's very unlikely at this point. The Nuggets have nearly sent their superstar out of town twice and are reportedly very close to doing so again.
It's questionable if Denver fans would even want 'Melo back at this point. After all, he never really took the Nuggets close to a championship and now he clearly wants out.
12. Is Memphis Going to Move O.J. Mayo?
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After serving a 10-game suspension, O.J. Mayo is back with the Memphis Grizzlies. Right now, there is nothing indicating that will change.
Although the talented shooting guard isn't fitting in right with the Grizzlies now, the team doesn't want to give up on him yet.
Mayo would definitely draw interest around the league thanks to his youth and athleticism.
11. Who Could Use Danny Granger?
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Danny Granger doesn't look like he's available anymore. At least, he's not as available as the Indiana Pacers had apparently made him in the previous couple of weeks.
If Granger is still on the market, teams had better line up with solid offers. He's the type of complete shooting guard/small forward that would make a perfect No. 2 on a championship contender.
Here's looking at you, Dallas.
10. Can Rip Hamilton Expect to be Bought Out?
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Teams have backed off the idea of trading for Detroit's Richard Hamilton and, instead, are hoping that they can sign him after a buyout.
For this to happen, a sale of the Pistons would have to be completed. This makes the possibility very sketchy.
Boston and Chicago are both looking at Hamilton.
9. Should Dallas Move Caron Butler?
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Dallas has a tough decision on its hands. With Caron Bulter out with injury, the Mavericks must try to charge forward without him. With good chemistry, they seem just a player shy from truly contending for a championship.
In order to get that player, they may have to ship Bulter and his expiring contract out. Butler wants to stay in Dallas and the Mavericks have found him to be a key part of their team.But Dallas may need to drop him to lower their luxury tax penalty.
If they do trade him, he would be available to them in free agency.
8. Would 'Melo Make The Knicks a Contender in The East?
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New York has slid nearly to .500 basketball. It needs a boost if it is going to give Boston, Miami and Chicago a real run.
Carmelo Anthony could provide that boost. However, the cost of acquiring Anthony might throw of the rotation too much for the Knicks to make noise.
There wouldn't be much time for the team to get its chemistry together before the playoffs started.
7. Is Houston Still in The 'Melo Mix?
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The Houston Rockets were a dark horse candidate to acquire Carmelo Anthony. Were is the accurate verb tense.
The Rockets can't match the offers made by both the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets. Houston is going to have to go another route to make itself known in the Western Conference.
6. Is Andre Iguodala Off The Market?
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Andre Iguodala had plenty of trade rumors to play through this season and he's done it successfully. The Philadelphia 76ers have played their into playoff positioning, effectively taking Iguodala off the market.
There would be suitors, but any deal would likely leave the 76ers on the outside of the postseason. Why would Philly make that trade? One playoff series is better than none.
5. Will The Suns Stay Pat?
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It looks like Steve Nash is going to stay in Phoenix for at least the rest of the season. The possibility of him is far from ruled out for the summer, though.
Phoenix is playing decent basketball and isn't far out of the playoff picture. Vince Carter has stated that he's focused on resurrecting his game. The Suns sure hope so.
4. Is Ron Artest on The Trading Block?
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The rumors surrounding Ron Artest being traded have died down in the past week. He supposedly wanted out of Los Angeles but cooled on his stance days later.
Whether or not Los Angeles is as satisfied is debatable. The Lakers are struggling. They are aging, slow and lack good defense, Artest's supposed calling card.
It might be in the Lakers' best interest to get younger talent for Artest.
3. Will The Magic Look For a Big Man?
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Dwight Howard has looked great this season. Except, of course, when he plays the Boston Celtics. It's not Howard's fault. What's he supposed to do when Boston can run big after big at him without anyone to take the pressure off of him?
Magic general manager Otis Smith has stated that Orlando doesn't need to get another big man. Otis Smith apparently doesn't watch the Magic play.
Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson are both expendable.
2. Can The Lakers Win Without Making a Move?
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Whether or not the Los Angeles Lakers are considering making a trade is unclear. The team that got smoked by Charlotte and Cleveland, however, isn't championship caliber.
The Lakers might want to add youth if they want to remain championship contenders. Something tells me this team isn't just waiting to turn it on in the playoffs.
There are serious flaws here.
1. What Will Be The End of The ;Melo-Drama?
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Many teams have had their name in the mix, but only a few remain. Denver could still get Carmelo Anthony to sign an extension. Houston remains as a long shot. New York turned down what is likely the deal that would have done it.
New Jersey is reportedly on the verge of getting the deal done. The reported deal would send current Nets Derrick Favors, Devan Harris, Troy Murphy and Ben Uzoh, along with four first round picks to Denver. The Nuggets would send Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Melvin Ely and Renaldo Balkman to New Jersey.
Welcome to the 2012 playoffs, New Jersey.
