NBA Trade Rumors: Which 10 Superstars Will Be Traded After Carmelo Anthony?
As we near the 2011 NBA trade deadline on Feb. 24, superstar Carmelo Anthony has already been traded to the New York Knicks from the Denver Nuggets.
So, who else is left and which stars are most likely to change cities by the deadline or within the next year or two?
Of course, there are plenty of rumors as the deadline nears.
Speculation gives way to unofficial reports, which give way to official reports, which give way to jubilation or angry screaming by NBA fans.
It's just the way this whole NBA carousel goes 'round and 'round every year.
Here are the 10 stars/superstars most likely to be packing their bags and taking their talents elsewhere sooner or later.
10. Nene Hilario
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Nene Hilario has understandably been puzzled as to why the Denver Nuggets haven't offered him a contract extension yet, as he's set to head into free agency this summer.
He would draw considerable interest throughout the league if he hit free agency, since he's averaging 15.1 points and 7.1 rebounds this season.
On top of that, Hilario's almost a veteran at this point, with eight years of experience. But, he's only 28 years old.
I think he will ultimately get resigned by the Nuggets, as it's been reported the team has started talking with Hilario, but I also wouldn't be surprised if he opted for free agency, too.
9. Danny Granger
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The Indiana Pacers obviously want to keep their young star forward Danny Granger, but it remains to be seen if Granger wants to continue with the team.
The Pacers have played better as of late under interim head coach Frank Vogel, which reportedly has them reconsidering trading Granger as previously rumored, but I still don't think the Pacers have much to compete with and may not for a couple of years.
Sure, they may inch into the playoffs, but stars like Granger tend to look for the big fish with their talent.
8. Dwight Howard
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If you haven't heard, Orlando magic center Dwight Howard, one of the game's great big men, has been telling people lately that there was nothing he could do about his contract situation with the Magic.
That has since been discovered to be untrue.
So, why is Howard not telling the truth and why won't he sign a two-year, $42 million extension?
These are the questions Magic fans should be asking.
Some people are speculating he may even be headed to the Los Angeles Lakers.
7. Deron Williams
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It was reported by CBS Sports' Ken Berger recently that Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams had been telling friends that he was going to follow Amar'e Stoudemire to New York when he became a free agent in 2012.
Given he probably doesn't feel too comfortable in Utah after there were murmurs that he caused coach Jerry Sloan's departure, I could see this happening.
Williams was also noticeably defensive when asked about the rumor and his last line caught me off-guard.
Here was the exchange with Berger regarding the rumor, clearly one of the best reporter-player exchanges this year.
Via the Deseret News:
"I've never heard of Ken Berger in my life," Williams said forcefully when asked about the rumor. "I've had a hamburger."
"I've been called that," Berger replied upon entering the conversation.
"So you're Ken Berger," Williams said. "Who did you hear it from?"
"I can't say," Berger replied.
"Exactly, so it's not credible," Williams said. "When it comes from my mouth, when you hear me say, 'I want to go to New York,' then you believe it."
That last line seems a bit suspicious to me: "When" you hear me say?
Call me paranoid, but I see that as a clue.
6. Raymond Felton
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I know what you're thinking: "Wasn't Raymond Felton just traded from the New York Knicks to the Denver Nuggets?"
Yes, yes he was, but he's also a free agent in 2012, when Chauncey Billups will be older and the Knicks might be looking to bring Felton back.
Hey, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
5. Steve Nash
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We've heard the rumors for months now,and for good reason, Steve Nash is getting older, the Phoenix Suns are just 27-27, and it's about time he tried to win a championship somewhere before he starts declining.
Nash is now 37 years old; he can still play at a high level, but for how much longer?
I'd be surprised if Nash languished on the Suns until the end of his career.
He's starting to vent his frustrations on the referees...
4. OJ Mayo
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O.J. Mayo has long been rumored to be headed out of Memphis after finding himself replaced in the starting lineup with the Grizzlies and getting in a fight with teammate Tony Allen over a game of cards on a team flight.
The Grizzlies are reportedly looking for a more traditional two-guard right now for Mayo, with the Houston Rockets as a possible suitor.
The Grizzlies have made it clear they're not going to give up Mayo just to give him up, but it would be hard for me to see him with the Grizzlies much longer. He might be gone by the trade deadline.
Note: Sorry, I wasn't able to find a picture of Mayo and Allen playing a game of cards.
3. Chauncey Billups
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Chauncey Billups will be a solid point guard for the New York Knicks for now. In fact, he may actually give them a better chance to get farther in the playoffs, given his vast experience in the postseason.
But he won't be a top point guard for much longer; all point guards eventually slow down and Billups is no different.
I could see the Knicks replacing him in 2012 when Felton, Deron Williams, and Chris Paul are set to enter free agency.
Speaking of Chris Paul...
2. Chris Paul
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I would be shocked if Chris Paul stays with the New Orleans Hornets beyond 2012, when he hits free agency.
In fact, he may even leave town before that in a trade.
There have just been too many reports stemming from when he wavered in the offseason for him simply to stay put in New Orleans.
Superstars that aren't happy where they are generally leave town, it's that simple.
That's even more apparent these days after LeBron James left for Miami and Carmelo Anthony left for New York.
Beyond that, Paul is good friends with Anthony (even attending his wedding) and he shares the same agent as James and Anthony.
Paul would likely take less money to land in New York in 2012 or sooner.
C'mon CP3! Everyone's doing it!
1. Devin Harris
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With the New Jersey Nets not landing anyone of significance (i.e. Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, anyone they pursue), it's looking more and more likely they'll have to trade their stars for multiple pieces/draft picks to improve a flawed team on multiple levels.
On top of this, point guard Devin Harris has reportedly said he wants out of New Jersey and the Nets reportedly aren't happy with his play anyway.
Is there even a question about this?
It's not a matter of if, but when and where.
Probably by the trade deadline, and probably to the Portland Trailblazers, Atlanta Hawks, or Dallas Mavericks.
