NBA Trade Rumors: The Top 5 Small Forwards on the Trading Block
The NBA trade deadline is approaching quickly and names from all over the league are popping up in discussions of potential deadline deals.
The small forward position is being talked about more than others, as a high level of talent is seemingly available to the highest bidder.
Even though new proposals and potential deals are being cooked up everyday, there are a certain number of players that should be available until the last minute on deadline day.
Here are the top five small forwards available at the deadline and where they could possibly end up after all the deals are finally complete.
No. 5: Grant Hill, Phoenix Suns
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Grant Hill is an aging superstar who has shown he still has something left in the tank.
So far this season with Phoenix, Hill has averaged over 14 points and nearly five rebounds per game, all while having limited offensive opportunities.
Hill has the potential to be a great sixth man for an organization looking to make a significant playoff push, and the Phoenix Suns seem to be open to shopping him around.
Where Could Hill Be Traded?
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The Boston Celtics seem like they would be a perfect fit for Hill for a number of different reasons.
The Celtics are not afraid to take a chance on older players and have a history of bringing in veterans when it gets closer to the postseason.
Hill has big game experience and he could provide depth to a Boston roster that has struggled to overcome injury all season long.
No. 4: Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
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Danny Granger is on pace to have a slightly below average year and does not seem to be fitting into Indiana's future plans.
Granger's name has appeared in several different rumors, including a possible deal with Detroit as well as other teams who are looking to pursue younger players.
Granger is on pace to play in more games this season than he did in his first two years, but is averaging fewer points, assists and rebounds per game.
This decline in numbers could be attributed to many different factors, but many believe that Granger simply isn't developing as quickly as the Pacers hoped or expected.
Where Could Granger Be Traded?
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This deal may be a bit out of left field, but the Cleveland Cavaliers seem like a great place for Granger to attempt to get his game back on track.
The Cavaliers organization is in a complete rebuilding state and is reportedly looking to make a deadline deal to keep the fans satisfied and show the players that they will take the necessary steps towards improvement.
The Cavs could likely send players like Ramon Sessions or Antwan Jamison to Indiana for Granger and other role players.
No. 3: Andrei Kirilenko, Utah Jazz
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Andrei Kirilenko is a player who could make a positive difference on whichever team he lands on before the deadline.
Kirilenko has consistently averaged 11 points per game throughout his first three seasons and causes some significant size mismatches with his 6'9' frame.
Kirilenko is a solid role player who can give a team a solid option around the paint and should be relatively inexpensive to retain.
Where Could Kirilenko Be Traded?
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The Detroit Pistons would be a good fit for Kirilenko, as Detroit has openly been shopping around many of their players to any team interested.
Tayshuan Prince and Rip Hamilton could be two of the players included in a deal for Kirilenko. The move would give Utah two more weapons and would clear up some much-needed assets for the Pistons.
Small forward is not the biggest need for Detroit at this point in the season, but the team seems very willing to make at least one deadline deal and may settle for an offer that is worth less than what they would normally consider.
No. 2: Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats
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Gerald Wallace may be the best player in the Charlotte Bobcats franchise, but he would serve as some quality trade bait for a team that needs to add pieces in order to remain competitive.
Wallace has been in rumors for weeks, as he originally appeared in the Ron Artest speculation and in the Los Angeles Lakers' conversations.
Wallace has stayed quiet about all of the trade allegations, but was also quoted as saying, "I don't want to leave this team, but I want to do what is best for the Bobcats organization and myself."
Wallace may not have anything to worry about, as the Bobcats have remained relatively quiet since the Lakers' trade negotiations and have not commented on his situation.
Where Could Wallace Be Traded?
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If Wallace would get traded from the Bobcats, it would more than likely be to one of two destinations.
The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers both have shown interest in Wallace (Houston more recently), and they may be willing to make a deal if it didn't require giving up anything that would significantly hurt their chances at a playoff run.
The Rockets were a bit of an afterthought during the Carmelo Anthony trade negotiations, but quickly seemed irrelevant after the Knicks and Nets began to gain all the media attention.
Wallace is averaging 15 points per game this season and is shooting 43 percent from the floor.
No. 1: Ron Artest, Los Angeles Lakers
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Ron Artest is probably the biggest name left on the market now that Carmelo Anthony has officially been shipped to the New York Knicks.
Artest has had his share of issues in the past but has been a quality player for the Lakers and could provide some great value if the team is willing to move him before the deadline.
The key to any sort of Laker/Artest deal will be the Lakers' confidence in being able to win without Artest in the lineup and the belief that he will continue to be a strong asset.
Where Could Artest Be Traded?
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The Atlanta Hawks are continually trying to build the franchise and Ron Artest could be exactly what the team needs to get them over the hump.
Artest would provide a strong defensive talent and can also help down low in rebounding and second-chance points.
Artest could possibly be shipped off to many different locations, but the Hawks are one of the few that makes sense.
Atlanta has a core of young talent and could possibly give the Lakers one or two key pieces to complete their postseason puzzle.
