NBA Draft 2011: Draft-Day Trade Possibilities for Every Single Team
It's time to start thinking about the NBA draft, as the madness of March has come to an end.
Players continue to either put their names into the field or pull them out in hopes of either winning an NCAA championship or improving their stock for the 2012 draft.
One action that is synonymous with the NBA draft is trading.
Teams look to improve themselves in any way possible on this day, and I don't expect that to change this year.
Continue reading to find logical moves each team can make on Draft Day.
Boston Celtics
1 of 30
The Celtics would be picking 27th in the first round if the season were to end today.
With no glaring weakness on the roster, the pick isn't that important to them.
A move I can see the Celtics making is trading their first-round pick for cash. A lot of teams try to pick up late first-round picks for a couple million dollars.
With the Celtics trying to keep a young core intact, they could use all the help they can get when trying to re-sign their new addition Jeff Green.
New Jersey Nets
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The New Jersey Nets traded away their lottery pick when they acquired Deron Williams from the Utah Jazz. They are now sitting at No. 28 in the draft.
The Nets could use their late first-round pick and early second-round pick (sixth in the second round) to trade up earlier in the draft.
A team that might be willing to make this move with them is the New Orleans Hornets, who are picking 20th as of right now.
The Hornets are a playoff team, so moving down eight places shouldn't be a problem for them. They'd definitely like to pick up that extra pick.
The Nets, on the other hand, would be able to address their needs by getting a better player than they originally would have gotten.
Maybe a player like Kenneth Faried could be their pick to replace Kris Humphries if the Nets can't retain him.
New York Knicks
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The Knicks just got their guy in Carmelo Anthony and now have a core for the future that consists of Amar'e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Landry Fields.
All of these players should be in the blue and orange for many years to come, but it's time to start addressing the point guard and center positions for the future.
One player the Knicks could go after is Ramon Sessions from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sessions has proven that he's a more than capable NBA starter.
If the Cavs draft Kyrie Irving, Sessions can be available relatively cheap.
The Knicks could potentially trade their first-rounder for him, then shop Chauncey Billups' expiring contract to fill their need at center.
Philadelphia 76ers
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The 76ers surprised everybody this season and are showing that they are a playoff-caliber team. They may be a few pieces away from contending for an NBA title.
The Sixers are set in their backcourt and need to improve at the center position.
They also need to decide if they want to move Andre Iguodala.
One move the 76ers could make is trade their first-round pick (projected to be 16th) and Lou Williams to the Charlotte Bobcats for their pick that would be 10th without the lottery.
The Sixers would most likely be able to take foreign center Jonas Valanciunas with this pick, and he could be a phenomenal NBA center.
The Bobcats, on the other hand, will barely move down in the draft.
At the same time, they would pick up a player capable of scoring 20 points on any given night.
Toronto Raptors
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Chris Bosh leaving took a lot out of the team, but they do have some promising young talent that includes Andrea Bargnani and Ed Davis.
Because they have this youth in their frontcourt, it makes Amir Johnson, a young power forward with potential, available.
One team that could be interested in Johnson is the Nets. The Nets may lose Kris Humphries, and if they can turn their 28th pick in the draft into Amir Johnson, they would.
The Raptors would be able to address a different need and rid themselves of the mistake they made in signing Johnson.
Golden State Warriors
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The Warriors are another team that is just about ready to make the playoffs. But they lack a legitimate starting center, and that is where I think this pick could go.
One team that may be interested in adding another lottery pick is the Washington Wizards.
The Wizards could make JaVale McGee available, and this trade could impact both teams positively.
The Warriors adding McGee could get them to the next level. The Wizards, meanwhile, could pick a player with a higher basketball IQ so that they can get rid of their young and inexperienced identity.
Los Angeles Clippers
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The Clippers recently traded their lottery pick along with Baron Davis for Mo Williams, and that move was strictly cap-related.
Williams has a player option for next year, but then he comes off the books.
One trade I can see happening is the Clippers trading Williams for Jonny Flynn, Nikola Pekovic and Martell Webster.
The Minnesota Timberwolves would clear a lot of cap space after next season, while the Clippers pick up a young point guard who could hold down the position for many years to come.
Los Angeles Lakers
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The Lakers have really only one position to address, and that is the point guard position.
Derek Fisher is too old and Steve Blake certainly isn't the answer for them.
One move the Lakers could make is turning Lamar Odom into a player like Jose Calderon. Calderon's a little old, but definitely has three to four years left of playing at a high level.
Calderon doesn't make mistakes on the court, and his three-point shot will make him a good player to be playing next to Kobe Bryant, who will be able to penetrate and kick.
Phoenix Suns
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The Suns made some good moves when they traded Jason Richardson, and that is mainly because they addressed their need at the center position with Marcin Gortat.
Steve Nash is a player that I expect to be traded by the Orlando Magic in an attempt to get younger.
One move I can see is trading Nash to the Knicks for a package of Billups, Fields and their first-round pick.
Nash has another two or three years left in him—maybe not of the game he's displaying now, but even if it's a little worse, he can make New York a contender.
The Suns, on the other hand, would have Billups for a year to teach Aaron Brooks, and then his contract would expire.
Fields is a perfect player for the Suns' system, as he can do anything on the court and they can do with the Knicks pick as they please.
Sacramento Kings
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The Kings have a young player lined up at almost every position and don't have too many weaknesses.
They need to get some veteran players to give them some leadership, but one move I think they're going to make is trading Omri Casspi.
Casspi has expressed no interest in playing for the Kings down the road, and I think they'll try to move him at the draft.
I think a team like the Dallas Mavericks could move its expected 25th pick for Casspi. The Mavericks can use a small forward who can shoot the ball, and Casspi can do that.
Peja Stojakovic has done a nice job for them this season, but he is way too old to be a long-term option.
Chicago Bulls
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The Chicago Bulls have emerged as one of the best teams in the NBA—and that is even with their lack of a starting shooting guard.
That need is one that will definitely be addressed on Draft Day.
One move I think the Bulls could make would involve trading up so they can get a real starting-caliber shooting guard.
The team I see as a trading partner for them is the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers don't have a power forward, and I think a package of the Bulls expected 26th pick and Taj Gibson would be able to get the Pacers 15th pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers
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The Cavaliers are going to have two lottery picks this season, and one of them should be the No. 1 pick.
This leaves the possibility of them trading the pick they acquired from the Clippers. I could see the Cavaliers turning their expected eighth pick into the Phoenix Suns' 13th and 23rd picks.
This would, of course, be more likely if there's a player the Suns like available.
But either way, these teams would both benefit.
Detroit Pistons
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The Pistons are one of the most dysfunctional teams in the league, so I expect them to address multiple problems in the draft.
One thing that wouldn't surprise me at all is the Bulls wanting to get back Ben Gordon. A trade of the Bulls' 26th pick, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer for Ben Gordon would make sense for both teams.
The Bulls get back their exciting shooting guard to play next to Derrick Rose and keep Keith Bogans and his defensive abilities.
The Pistons, on the other hand, get smaller and shorter contracts, as well as another draft pick to stock up on young talent.
Indiana Pacers
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As I mentioned earlier, the Pacers would really like improve at the small forward position.
One team that could be a nice trading partner for them is the Kings.
I could see the Pacers trading their 15th pick and Tyler Hansbrough to the Kings for Jason Thompson. Hansbrough is a decent player, but not a starter.
The Kings have a bunch of big men and are considering resigning Samuel Dalembert. That would make DeMarcus Cousins their power forward instead of center.
They would then be able to address their need at small forward by picking relatively early in the draft.
Milwaukee Bucks
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The Bucks had a very disappointing season after surprising a lot of people last year.
Brandon Jennings is upset with the team management, and they are going to look to keep him happy by making a move in the offseason.
One position the Bucks can improve at is shooting guard. They have John Salmons, who is a good player, but he is getting older and isn't a long-term fix.
I can see the Bucks trading their projected ninth pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for O.J Mayo.
Mayo is a good scorer and plays very good defense. He is upset in Memphis, where he is coming off the bench.
If Mayo were in this draft, he would certainly be a top-five pick, which would make this a good trade for both teams.
Dallas Mavericks
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The Mavericks have had a good season yet again, but I'm not too sure they are championship contenders or pretenders.
I expect the Mavericks to re-sign Tyson Chandler and look to trade Brendan Haywood.
One team that could be interested is the Knicks. A trade of Haywood for Ronny Turiaf and the Knicks' first round-pick makes both teams infinitely better.
The Knicks would get their shot-blocker, and the Mavericks would get a player who is okay with coming off the bench and doing the dirty work.
The Mavericks would have a mid-first-round pick to address their weakness on the wing.
Houston Rockets
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Houston made a late playoff push this season, but ultimately came up short. They have a lot to be excited about for the future, as they have a lot of contributors who are very young.
The Rockets could look to trade Courtney Lee for a big man this offseason, and one team that might be interested is the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Rockets could probably get Milwaukee's second-round pick, along with Larry Sanders, for Lee.
Sanders is a good rebounder and shot blocker. He could be a good guy to have around in Houston.
Memphis Grizzlies
18 of 30
Zach Randolph has led Memphis back to the playoffs, and it looks as though he is going to get his desired contract this offseason.
If ZBo is staying in Memphis, it makes Darrell Arthur expendable.
One move that could be interesting is the Grizzlies trading Darrell Arthur and Shane Battier to the Nuggets for Wilson Chandler (if re-signed).
Chandler could be a versatile sixth man for the Grizzlies, and the Nuggets would get a good power forward for the future, as well as an experienced veteran to help them throughout the year and in the playoffs.
New Orleans Hornets
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New Orleans seems as though it will hold onto Chris Paul for now, and that means it can shift its attention elsewhere.
David West is going to be a free agent after the year, and that makes power forward a position of need.
One trade the Hornets could make is trading their 20th pick and Trevor Ariza to the Utah Jazz for Derrick Favors.
The Jazz already have Millsap, whom they are high on, and Al Jefferson manning the center position. That makes Favors expendable.
Ariza and a first-rounder could be an enticing option.
San Antonio Spurs
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The Spurs are back in the NBA's elite, but they are still old and not getting any younger. Tim Duncan doesn't have a lot left in him, and the Spurs need to address their power forward position.
I think the Spurs are going to trade up in this year's draft to try to get a power forward for the future that Duncan can work with now.
One move the Spurs can make is trade their first-round pick and Gary Neal to the Bobcats for their expected 21st pick.
Kenneth Faried, JaJuan Johnson and Trey Thompkins are some power forwards that could be available at this pick.
Atlanta Hawks
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The Hawks are a team that continues to pretend as championship contenders.
They have failed to make the next step for almost five years in a row now, and something needs to change.
The Hawks need to try to get a better point guard, and they have pieces on their team to do it.
Perhaps a trade of Kirk Hinrich and Marvin Williams could get the Hawks a player like Devin Harris from the Jazz.
The Jazz would get a young talented player to play small forward for them and Hinrich, who can be a filler until they get their next great point guard.
Charlotte Bobcats
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The Bobcats have a lot of holes to fill after trading away their talent for cap relief.
This makes draft picks a major focus for the Bobcats.
One way the Bobcats could get more picks is by trading their expected 21st pick to the Nets for their 28th pick and early second-round pick.
The more picks for the Bobcats, the better.
This trade would benefit both teams, as the Nets could make a play for a better shooting guard or power forward.
Miami Heat
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The Heat don't have many positions to address, but they will definitely look to make some trades on Draft Day to improve.
The Heat only have a second-round pick, but as of right now, it is the second pick of the round. Look for the Heat to package Mario Chalmers and that pick for Jonny Flynn of the Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves aren't high on Flynn, and he's not a player suited for coming off the bench.
Chalmers could be a good game-managing backup. The Heat could use that early second-round pick to draft another contributor.
Orlando Magic
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The Magic need to do something to keep Dwight Howard in Orlando, and that could mean trading for a better power forward.
Gilbert Arenas hasn't been good for the Magic, but I have a feeling he can still be a good NBA starter and that his ego won't let him come off the bench.
The Magic should look to trade Jameer Nelson to give Arenas the starting job.
Nelson may be able to get the Magic a nice power forward in return.
One trade that could work out for both teams would be the Magic trading Nelson and Earl Clark to the Cavaliers for Anderson Varejao.
Varejao and Howard would make for an incredible rebounding and defending tandem. The Cavs could shift their attention from point guard to other positions in the draft, while also attempting to unlock Earl Clark's unlimited potential.
Washington Wizards
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The Wizards have their face of the franchise, but they could find his running mate.
One thing that I wouldn't rule out would be the Wizards trading up.
If the Wizards were to offer their expected fourth pick and their 18th pick to the Timberwolves, I think they can get the Timberwolves' expected No. 2 pick.
This would guarantee the Wizards one of Derrick Williams, Enes Kanter and Harrison Barnes, while the Timberwolves would barely move down and pick up another early pick.
Denver Nuggets
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The Nuggets came away from the Carmelo Anthony trade more than okay. They now have talent on their roster that makes them 10 deep.
One trade that wouldn't surprise me is if the Nuggets traded Raymond Felton and their expected 22nd pick to the Atlanta Hawks for Josh Smith.
Smith and Felton are both borderline All-Stars, but the Hawks would finally have a point guard that can do more than just hold his own.
They could then address the power forward position in the draft by getting a shot-blocker like Kenneth Faried.
Minnesota Timberwolves
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Minnesota doesn't have a lot to be happy about other than Kevin Love.
That is why this draft is going to be important for them.
The Timberwolves have a few picks, but I also expect them to make a trade for more.
The Timberwolves could trade Jonny Flynn to the Phoenix Suns for Robin Lopez and the 23rd pick in the draft.
The T-Wolves would add a shot-blocker and another chance at some young talent, while the Suns would get a pass-first point guard to succeed Steve Nash.
Aaron Brooks is young, but he isn't the answer for the Suns, who need a pass-first point guard.
Oklahoma City Thunder
28 of 30
The Thunder just pulled off a trade that will guarantee them as championship contenders for years to come.
Acquiring Nate Robinson in that trade makes Eric Maynor very expendable, and there are definitely teams out there that might be interested.
One might be the Miami Heat. If the Thunder can get the Heat's early second-round pick for Eric Maynor, I expect them to make that move.
The Thunder can try to find some other backups that are ready to contribute right away.
Portland Trailblazers
29 of 30
With the trade for Gerald Wallace, the Blazers are very close to being a championship contender, if they aren't already.
One move I think they need to make is get a younger point guard.
It wouldn't surprise me if they try to move Wes Matthews in the offseason.
Matthews and Andre Miller for Mike Conley and Shane Battier could be an interesting trade for both teams.
This trade would allow the Grizzlies to move O.J Mayo much easier and would improve both teams.
The Grizzlies would then be able to groom Greivis Vasquez to be their starting point guard, and Andrew Miller could be a good mentor for him.
Utah Jazz
30 of 30
Utah has a lot of talent on its roster, but as of right now, they really lack a clear No. 1 option.
This could be addressed in the draft by trading up.
One possibility is Utah trading Derrick Favors and its projected 12th pick for Ed Davis and Toronto's projected No. 3 pick.
Here, they could get a player like Irving, Williams or Barnes, as one of them would have to drop.
