NBA Trade Speculation: 8 Possible Trade Deadline Deals for East Playoff Teams

Carmelo Anthony has finally gotten his wish. After his trade to New York, the Knicks immediately become a contender in the East.

The East is slowly turning into a great conference. A conference that was once a joke in comparison with the West, is now deeper than it has been in a long time.

As the trade deadline approaches, expect all possible playoff contenders to continue to try and swap players to improve their rosters.

For the current playoff teams, here are some players and some trades that each could pull off to enhance their performance come playoff time.

8. Indiana Pacers

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PHOENIX - DECEMBER 03: T.J. Ford #5 of the Indiana Pacers during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 3, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using th

Possible Trade Targets: Troy Murphy

Possible Trade Pieces: T.J. Ford, James Posey

Ford has been lost in Indiana's backcourt with the addition of Darren Collison.

If Ford is not traded, he might be bought-out by the team.

There were talks about New Jersey wanting to unload Troy Murphy's contract—Murphy coming back to Indiana would be a welcomed addition.

7. Philadelphia 76ers

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 06: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a free throw against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 6, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloadi

Possible Trade Targets: Shooter

Possible Trade Pieces: Marreese Speights, Andre Iguodala

Rumors have been traveling around Andre Iguodala for the entire season. He and Elton Brand were supposedly on the trade block earlier in the year.

Now that the Sixers have turned their season around, look for them to stand pat with what they have in place. If anything, they may trade for a three-point shooter.

6. New York Knicks

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets and the Western Conference looks on after the Western Conference 148-143 victory in the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on February 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOT

Possible Trade Targets: Earl Barron

Possible Trade Pieces: Al Harrington

With the Melo deal in the books, the Knicks' roster may be set.

In Billups, Stoudemire and Melo, the Knicks have a trio of their own.

Team chemistry will play a huge role in determining how far they can go in their first half-year together.

5. Atlanta Hawks

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 22: Devin Harris #34 of the New Jersey Nets drives the ball around Jarrett Jack #2 of the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena on December 22, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hornets defeated the Nets 105-91.

Possible Trade Targets: Devin Harris, Ramon Sessions

Possible Trade Pieces: Jamal Crawford, Marvin Williams

For a team that is right in the thick of the race in the East, the Hawks are trying hard to change up their roster.

Sources have said that the Hawks have offered Crawford and Williams in trades.

This is a good move though—with their current roster, there is no way they will move up in the standings.

4. Orlando Magic

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ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 13: Gilbert Arenas #1 of the Orlando Magic covers his mouth during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Arena on February 13, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by down

Possible Trade Targets: Troy Murphy, frontcourt help

Possible Trade Pieces: NONE

The Magic are in limbo right now.

They already made a blockbuster trade earlier in the season to acquire Gilbert Arenas.

I do not see the Magic making any more moves. They have to come up with some chemistry with the current guys that they have.

3. Chicago Bulls

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 31: Anthony Parker #18 of the Cleveland Cavaliers brings the ball up the floor during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 31, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agree

Possible Trade Targets: Courtney Lee, Anthony Parker, Rasul Butler

Possible Trade Pieces: Keith Bogans

If the Bulls were to make a trade before the deadline, all they would be looking for is a deep shooter.

Lee, Parker and Butler have all been involved in trade rumors with the Bulls.

With the current roster they have, the Bulls can contend with the best in the East. Do not forget that they are getting Joakim Noah back soon.

2. Miami Heat

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MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 08: Mike Miller #13 of the Miami Heat shoots a jump shot during a game against the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Arena on February 8, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download

Possible Trade Targets: Shooting threat

Possible Trade Pieces: Mike Miller

Mike Miller is not fitting in as well as Miami thought he would. After sitting for the first couple of months, Miller is averaging less than six points a game in less than 20 minutes per contest.

Miller, who has $5 million left on his contract, could be traded to try to find another shooter for the Heat.

1. Boston Celtics

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HOUSTON - DECEMBER 29: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat shoots over Shane Battier #31 of the Houston Rockets and Jordan Hill, left, in the fourth quarter at Toyota Center on December 29, 2010 in Houston, Texas. Miami won 125-119. NOTE TO USER: User express

Possible Trade Targets: Shane Battier, Anthony Parker, Josh Howard

Possible Trade Pieces: Delonte West

The recent rumors that Shane Battier would be traded to Boston have been shot down. I would not put it past Boston to keep trying though.

They now need someone to back up Pierce, after Daniels will be out for the rest of the season.

A shooter like Anthony Parker would not hurt either.