NBA Trade Speculation: Ron Artest and 10 Other NBA Stars Who Could Force a Trade
The NBA trade deadline is almost here, and we have already seen some big names moving to new cities—Carmelo Anthony is a New York Knick, Deron Williams is a New Jersey Net, and soon, Baron Davis will be a Cleveland Cavalier.
While some of these big names were sure to be traded at some point, others have stayed where they are. The most notable has been Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest (pictured at left), who has been surrounded by trade rumors during a sub-par first half of the season. Given the state of the Lakers, don't be surprised to see Artest demand a trade soon.
In fact, here are ten players, including Artest, who could soon force a trade from their current team.
No. 10: DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
1 of 10
At age 20, Cousins has had a solid rookie season in Sacramento. After being drafted fifth overall in last year's NBA Draft, he has averaged 13.8 points and eight rebounds per game. However, despite his early success and bright future, don't be surprised to see him on another team soon.
All season, Cousins has clashed with his head coach, Paul Westphal. Two weeks ago, he was removed from a team flight and suspended for a game after a fight with a teammate.
Long story short, Cousins hasn't even played a full season and is already wearing out his welcome in Sacramento.
In a game against the Knicks, MSG color commentator Walt Frazier noted that Cousins' biggest flaw was his immaturity. Each time somebody tries to coach him, he takes it as criticism. Given his clashes with Westphal, don't be surprised if Cousins soon demands to be traded out of Sacramento.
No. 9: Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons
2 of 10
Earlier in the season, trade rumors swirled around this young point guard. Although there hasn't been confirmation, word is that Stuckey has not been getting along with head coach John Kuester.
Although Stuckey is technically the starting point guard, he is more of a shooting guard. He averages 15 points, but only four assists per game. That being said, he isn't ever going to be the ball-sharing type that Kuester wants.
With the Detroit Pistons well out of the playoff picture this season, and probably for the next couple of years as well, don't be shocked to see Stuckey demand a trade to a team where his shooting talents can be better utilized.
No. 8: Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors
3 of 10
In a perfect world, the Golden State Warriors would have traded Monta Ellis already. He is a top shooter, but plays little defense and has an extremely heavy contract. Additionally, team management and the fans seem to like star point guard Stephen Curry better.
Given the Curry-mania and emergence of small forward Dorell Wright, not to mention the team wanting to get a return on their investment in power forward David Lee, it wouldn't be surprising to see Ellis demand a trade. He needs to be on a team where he can be the top dog, and the Warriors just have too much talent to let that happen.
In a year, don't be surprised to see Ellis fall out with team management and demand a trade as his wild shooting ways become a distraction.
No. 7: Antawn Jamison, Cleveland Cavaliers
4 of 10
Antawn Jamison is a top player who wants to win. On the LeBron James-less Cleveland Cavaliers, that just isn't going to happen.
Jamison is best known for his years with the Washington Wizards, where he was paired with guard Gilbert Arenas and flourished in a system that accommodated his playing style. After LeBron James left Cleveland for Miami and the former North Carolina Tar Heel was left in Cleveland alone, the team suffered.
Jamison needs a good point guard feeding him the ball in order to be effective. He did well with Gilbert Arenas on both the Wizards and the Golden State Warriors, and hopefully he will do well with Baron Davis coming to Cleveland. Yet, if the Baron Davis experiment fails, look for Jamison to tell team management that he wants out.
No. 6: Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks
5 of 10
Ever since the Atlanta Hawks signed Smith to a five-year contract worth $58 million in the summer of 2008, there have always been rumors surrounding the young forward at the trade deadline. Sure enough, many teams have inquired about Smith, both an offensive threat and one of the top shot blockers in the league.
Despite those inquiries, Smith has stayed in Atlanta. However, while the Hawks have been able to make the playoffs consistently the past few seasons, they have fallen short against top contenders like the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic. With those teams not getting any worse, Smith would be wise to demand a trade from Atlanta onto a team that consistently goes deep into the playoffs.
Don't get me wrong, the Atlanta Hawks are a fine squad—but are they an elite team? Not by a long shot.
Thus, Smith should ask that his talents be sent elsewhere. Preferably to a team that can play with the big boys.
No. 5: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
6 of 10
Steve Nash is the best point guard in the NBA. Additionally, he is possibly the best player in NBA history who has never won a championship. Thus, with his Phoenix Suns in a seemingly constant state of rebuild the past few seasons, don't be surprised if he demands a trade in his contract year of 2011.
In the Suns' heyday under Mike D'Antoni, Nash had two great targets in Amar'e Stoudemire and Shawn Marion. Today, those two are on other teams and have been replaced with aging veteran Vince Carter and underachieving center Robin Lopez. As a result, the once dangerous Suns are now struggling to make the playoffs in the tough Western Conference.
The only factor working against Nash is age—he is 37 years old. Still, he averages 16.8 points and 11.3 assists per game, not to mention shooting 52 percent from the field! At his age, that's just incredible.
That being said, if Nash demands a trade, expect the suitors to come a-calling!
No. 4: Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers
7 of 10
Despite being the star player of the Philadelphia 76ers, Andre Iguodala has been the subject of trade rumors all season. He has clearly been distracted by it, as he is only averaging 14 points a game (down from last year's 17). In a city with very demanding fans and a front office that seems to have lost its confidence in him, Iguodala might ask to leave.
Plus, the 76ers drafted Evan Turner out of Ohio State last year. For those who are unfamiliar, Turner's style of play is very similar to that of Iguodala, except he is better defensively. Yet, Turner has struggled all season, being that Iguodala is in the starting lineup and he is riding the bench.
If the team wants to get what they hoped for out of Turner, they'll trade Iguodala. All he has to do is ask for it.
No. 3: Ron Artest, Los Angeles Lakers
8 of 10
For someone who averaged almost 20 points per game for most of his career, Ron Artest's tenure in Los Angeles has been less than average. He won a championship with the Lakers last season, and has hit some clutch shots in his time with the team, but has not been himself.
This season, Artest is averaging a career-low 8.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. For someone of his talent, that's just unacceptable.
The truth is that the Lakers are, and always will be, the Kobe Bryant Show (until Bryant retires, that is). With an offensive system whose philosophy is "Get the ball to Kobe" or "Get the ball to Pau," there is simply no room for Ron Artest to show what he can do.
Now that the Lakers have been proven vulnerable against top teams, don't be surprised to see him ask to be traded this coming offseason.
No. 2: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
9 of 10
With Carmelo Anthony going to the New York Knicks, experts and analysts began talking about other NBA stars nearing free agency. One name that came up was Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, who can opt out of his contract after the 2011-2012 season.
Howard has stated time and time again that he is committed to the Magic and would never "pull a LeBron" and leave. But that raises the question: If the Magic are so committed to him, why haven't they worked out their budget to offer him an extension? If the one they call "Superman" is so committed to Orlando, wouldn't money not be an issue?
Either way, despite the talent the team has, don't be surprised if Howard does ask to be traded. It probably won't happen, but the All-Star center could use that demand as leverage to get an extension. Still, he is the top center in the NBA, and if he is on the market at any point, he'll be able to go to any team he wants.
No. 1: Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
10 of 10
Now that the MeloDrama is over, the biggest name on the free-agent-to-be list is New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul. Since last season, Paul has implied that he would like to be traded to another team. The Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks reside at the top of his wish list.
Yet, with the future of the Hornets uncertain and the NBA's collective bargaining agreement about to expire, Paul could demand a trade this offseason while the current salary cap is still in place.
If the team is smart, they'll trade him.
Not only are the New Orleans Hornets possibly about to move, but they could fold completely. That would leave Paul and the rest of his teammates out of work. Without a new CBA, they could lose millions when it comes time to sign new contracts. Paul is a top point guard who should be making over $10 million a year.
If team management wants to keep him happy, they'll honor his request and negotiate a sign-and-trade with another team.
