NBA Trade Scenarios: Positions Each Team Hopes to Shore Up in the Offseason
In a few months, NBA free agency will begin. Besides all of the talented players that will be changing teams themselves, others will find a new home by means of a trade.
More often than not, teams decide to save money and fill a void by a trade rather than spend too much money on a free agent. Case in point, the New York Knicks trading for Carmelo Anthony (pictured at left) to have a top player who could complement Amar'e Stoudemire.
This offseason, each team will have to shore up a position in some way, shape or form. Here is a look at each NBA team and what they need next season, plus how they can look to get it.
Atlanta Hawks: A Top Point Guard Who Can Shoot
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At the start of this season, the Atlanta Hawks' point guard was veteran Mike Bibby. In three years with the team, Bibby was not the top offensive point guard he had been with the Sacramento Kings, and ultimately was an underachiever. He was traded to the Washington Wizards at this year's trading deadline in exchange for Kirk Hinrich.
While Hinrich is a good point guard with solid offensive abilities, the Hawks' biggest concern should be the potential loss of sixth man Jamal Crawford.
Crawford can do it all coming off the bench, at least on the offensive end. Given how guards like Rodney Stuckey and Aaron Brooks are restricted free agents this offseason, the Hawks should definitely look to acquire one of them through a sign-and-trade deal and move Hinrich to the sixth-man slot.
With one of those two running the point, the Hawks could finally become legitimate contenders and not just a team that "almost" makes it.
Boston Celtics: A Tough Big Man
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This season, the Boston Celtics made quite possibly the stupidest trade out of all the ones that occurred at the trading deadline.
The team shocked its fans by trading dominant big man Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the less-defensive Nenad Krstic. The loss of Perkins, instrumental in the team's last two runs to the NBA Finals, left the Celtics with three centers: Krstic, the oft-injured Jermaine O'Neal and Shaquille O'Neal.
Needless to say, the Celtics need to fill this hole as well as re-sign power forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis. Honestly, the best target to fill this hole is current Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman.
Kaman could provide a tough force in the middle as he has the potential to score in double figures night after night, and his shot-blocking ability doesn't hurt either. His contract expires at the end of next season, so there is no reason that Celtics GM Danny Ainge should not consider this possibility.
Charlotte Bobcats: A Tough Center Not Named Kwame Brown
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Back in 2001, Kwame Brown was the first overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft. People expected him to be a top big man who would score points, get a lot of rebounds and block a lot of shots. In 10 NBA seasons, Brown has never averaged more than 10.9 points and 7.4 rebounds in a season. His career averages of 6.8 points and 5.5 rebounds label him as possibly one of the biggest busts in league history.
Currently, he is the starting center for the Bobcats and while he has had a handful of good games, he is not consistent enough to hold that position. The team needs someone who will sacrifice his body to get the ball off the defensive and offensive glass. Given the lack of talented big men who will be on the market this offseason, Charlotte's best bet would be to find a good center in the draft or trade for one.
Heck, maybe work out a sign-and-trade for Greg Oden. He'll certainly come cheap.
Chicago Bulls: No Moves Necessary
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Derrick Rose is probably the MVP of the league, and the Bulls are the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Need I say more? No moves necessary for this squad!
Cleveland Cavaliers: A Top Shooter or Swingman
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The 2010-2011 season has proved to be a long one for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The loss of LeBron James proved to be harder than anticipated, and the team currently shares the NBA's worst record with the Minnesota Timberwolves at 17-63. Needless to say, there is only one way the Cavs can get back on top: use their draft pick on the best player available and build around him.
After the draft, the Cavaliers will also need a top shooting guard. Anthony Parker currently fills that position and at age 35, it's time for him to step aside. Daniel Gibson is a decent 2-guard, but isn't electrifying.
Enter Jamal Crawford. He is a free agent and with the money they have available, there is no reason to believe that the Cavaliers would not make a play for him. He would inject a spark onto a very young team and combined with Baron Davis, there could be playoff basketball in Cleveland again sooner rather than later.
Dallas Mavericks: Insurance at Center
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This offseason, it's a near-certainty that the Dallas Mavericks will lose center Tyson Chandler to free agency. His 10 points and 9 rebounds a game will be a tough loss, and that is why Dallas must look to acquire a mid-level big man just in case Chandler does leave. This way, if he does decide to stay with the team, they will have a viable backup who can produce if the starter gets hurt.
Throw in Brendan Haywood, and that's a dangerous group of centers. Instead of a trade, the team should look to test the free-agent market in this case. Realistically, Kenyon Martin would be a good option.
Denver Nuggets: Depth at Power Forward
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It's no secret that after this season, Kenyon Martin will be out of Denver. Given the multitude of talent the Nuggets acquired from the Knicks in the Carmelo Anthony trade, this problem can be taken care of in-house and through the draft. Martin's backup is veteran Al Harrington, who has proven to be more than capable of playing great offense and solid defense.
Combine his presence with that of Danilo Gallinari, and you have two men who can play the No. 4 slot quite well. Yet, the Nuggets must also worry about retaining small forward Wilson Chandler. If this plan is to work, his presence is essential.
Detroit Pistons: A New Coach
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This team has the talented young players needed to contend. The only reason the Pistons are doing so badly is because John Kuester has lost his players' respect and clashed with them all year due to unspecified "disciplinary reasons."
Detroit doesn't need to make any trades to fill voids. They just need to get a coach who knows how to run a team. That doesn't mean one with seven years of college coaching experience in the 1980s, including a season where his George Washington University team went 1-27.
Golden State Warriors: A Top Center
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All in all, the Golden State Warriors' signing of Andris Biedrins to a six-year, $54 million contract has proven to be a mistake. As insurance, they used the sixth-overall pick in last year's draft to take Ekpe Udoh (pictured at left), and he has had a disappointing first season. Thus, it may be time to make a change at this position.
The team will surely have a lottery pick and could take a top big man, but what is really needed is a top center who can be a mentor to Udoh. Thus, trading for Chris Kaman wouldn't be a bad idea. The Warriors certainly have the players necessary to make such a deal, and the only reason it wouldn't happen would be if the front office didn't want to trade in-conference.
Houston Rockets: A Durable Center
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I'm starting to sound like a broken record about this. The only thing keeping the Houston Rockets out of the playoffs is the lack of center Yao Ming. He is constantly injured, his contract is up at the end of the season and he just isn't worth the money anymore.
That being said, the Rockets need to execute some sort of move. Chuck Hayes is a fine athlete, but at 6'6" cannot keep up with the top big men in an extremely competitive Western Conference. Brad Miller is tough on defense, but does not put up the same offensive numbers as Yao.
The only other option left is Hasheem Thabeet, who the Rockets acquired in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this season. In two seasons, the former second-overall pick has averaged 2.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. In all honesty, I don't understand why he doesn't get more playing time.
Thabeet was a star at Connecticut and at 7'3", 265 pounds, he has great potential to be a top big man in the NBA. He is only 24, so of course he has time to learn the game, but he must receive minutes in order to do so.
Thus, the Rockets shouldn't make a trade. They should re-sign Yao Ming to a one-year contract, and have him split time with Thabeet. The latter was the second-overall pick for a reason. It's time for him to show that he was worth it.
Indiana Pacers: A Top Shooting Guard
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The Indiana Pacers surprised everyone this year by clinching the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Yet, while they are a young team with lots of potential, their lack of a top guard will prevent them from going far.
Enter O.J. Mayo. If the Pacers want to improve next season, they should seriously consider making a play for the former USC star. He has a deadly outside shot, and he can drive to the basket fairly well too.
The only question mark surrounding Mayo is his attitude, as he has fallen out with Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins multiple times this season. Yet, if he can forge a good relationship with the men on the Pacers as well as head coach Frank Vogel (if Vogel is retained), the Pacers can surely become an Eastern Conference powerhouse once again.
Los Angeles Clippers: A Top Young Point Guard
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Let's face it. The Baron Davis experiment failed in Los Angeles and now the Clippers need a top point guard who can score points and work well with star forward Blake Griffin.
The Clips need to use one or more of the many valuable trade trips they have and potentially use them to trade up in the draft. This is all dependent on what pick they receive, but at this point it looks like it will be the seventh (based on record alone).
If that is indeed the case, they MUST trade either Chris Kaman or Mo Williams to a team with a higher pick, preferably one that has a chance of landing Duke's Kyrie Irving. Were the Clippers to draft Irving, he would be a perfect fit in the team's offense. He passes the ball well, has great shots from all around the court, and has a great upside.
Irving has the potential to be another Derrick Rose and if the Clippers can manage to draft him, their performance will improve almost instantly.
Los Angeles Lakers: No Moves Necessary
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Say what you want about their bad losses this year. The Los Angeles Lakers are a team that knows how to overcome the odds and win when they have to.
They didn't make any big moves at the deadline this year, and powered their way from a slump to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Look for Kobe and his boys to go for a three-peat this year and contend again next season.
Memphis Grizzlies: A Veteran Shooting Guard Who Can Mentor the Youngsters
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At last year's draft, the Grizzlies had the 12th overall pick. They used it to draft guard Xavier Henry (pictured at left) out of Kansas. Overall, his rookie campaign has been a disappointment as he has only averaged 4.3 points and has missed a lot of time with a sprained knee.
In this case, it would be beneficial for the Grizzlies to bring on a veteran shooting guard who can be a long-term mentor and leader to the young core players the team has. Again, it is an ideal spot for Jamal Crawford. He has the experience to teach players like Henry and Sam Young about how to be effective in a pro offense and thus reach their full potential.
Combine that with Crawford's talents on the floor, and the Grizzlies will go from the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference to a mid-level seed that will give the top squads a lot of trouble in the playoffs.
Miami Heat: No Moves Necessary
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Does this really need to be discussed? We're talking about a team with three of the best players in the NBA. The Heat won't win it all this year, but will surely win at least one title with the Big Three.
This team stays as is.
Milwaukee Bucks: Depth at Power Forward
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Last offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks signed power forward Drew Gooden to a five-year deal. His defense was expected to help the team contend for a playoff spot. Yet, he was injured for much of the season and has only played in 33 games.
Given that, along with the mediocre expectations one can have for Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, the Bucks need to find a way to increase the depth at the No. 4 spot. Gooden is good when healthy, but it would be good to have a younger, more-durable option who can put up equal or greater numbers.
If the front office could pull off a trade for Minnesota's Anthony Randolph, that would be ideal.
Minnesota Timberwolves: A Coach with Playoff Experience
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How can a team that has Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Wesley Johnson, three of the top young players in the NBA, be so bad? Hate to say it, but the answer is head coach Kurt Rambis.
Rambis was an assistant with the Lakers under Phil Jackson for years, so you know he had a great mentor. Yet, given the players he has available, you'd think that he could manage more than just 17 wins in 2010 (up from 15 in 2009). I have to blame him for the team's underachievement.
Bring in a coach with lots of playoff experience, and the Timberwolves should be a contender once again, and soon. Last I checked, Larry Brown was still looking for a job. Give him a shot!
New Jersey Nets: A Top Rebounder
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When Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov traded for All-Star point guard Deron Williams, he said it was to ultimately lure soon-to-be big-name free agents like Dwight Howard and Chris Paul to the team. If he wants to make good on that plan, he must trade for or draft a top defensive player to fill the void that could be left empty by power forward Kris Humphries (pictured at left).
In a recent game between the Nets and the New York Knicks, Knicks broadcaster Walt "Clyde" Frazier noted that Humphries goes after EVERY rebound. Players like that are hard to find. In the event that he finds a new team this offseason, the Nets will be hard-pressed to find a forward who plays just as hard.
New Orleans Hornets: No Moves Due to Uncertain Future
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As much as I hate to say it, I don't think the Hornets will be making any moves this offseason. The future of the team itself is so uncertain to the point where it may fold completely. That being said, don't be shocked if the Hornets stay exactly as they are.
New York Knicks: A Physical Center
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All season long, the New York Knicks have struggled to keep up with other teams on defense in the paint. Amar'e Stoudemire has spent a lot of time at center, but he is clearly more comfortable at power forward. If the Knicks are truly serious about winning a championship, they need to find a top center who can both score points and get rebounds consistently.
Experts seem to think that the upcoming draft would be the best option for the team, but trading for Chris Kaman could also be a good idea. He is the type of player who would fit well into Mike D'Antoni's system and bring leadership qualities that could help the team. Also, he would come cheap as his contract is up after this season.
Be it Chris Kaman or Markieff Morris, the Knicks need to add a big body to their lineup, the sooner the better.
Oklahoma City Thunder: No Moves Necessary
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You have the league's top scorer in Kevin Durant, a great young point guard in Russell Westbrook and a great variety of role players to help them out. On top of that, they went from being the No. 8 seed in the playoffs last season to the No. 4 seed this postseason. Clearly, these players work well together.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Orlando Magic: A Shooting Guard to Replace Jason Richardson
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Earlier this season, the Orlando Magic traded Vince Carter to the Phoenix Suns for Jason Richardson. Overall, he has done a good job with the team and has shared the ball well with Dwight Howard while averaging 13.9 points.
However, this is Richardson's contract year and at age 30, he can still play a great shooting game. Given his deadliness from beyond the three-point line, he will seek work elsewhere as the Magic look to save money for next offseason, when Howard will be a free agent.
Given that, the team needs to acquire another shooting guard. J.J. Redick is good, but his durability is a constant question mark. Thus, moving the contracts of Gilbert Arenas or Quentin Richardson should be satisfying enough for another team to consider.
Philadelphia 76ers: Move Andre Iguodala and Give Evan Turner More Minutes
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In last year's draft, the Philadelphia 76ers drafted forward Evan Turner out of Ohio State. Since Andre Iguodala was already small forward, the 6'7" 205-pound Turner was moved to shooting guard. Basically, this decision has been a bad one.
Turner's full abilities have been hampered, as he only has averaged seven points a game and 3.9 rebounds. In his final season as a Buckeye, he averaged 20.4 points and 9.2 rebounds.
Now let's have a look at Iguodala's stats on the year. He has been slowed by a bad knee and his play is inconsistent, as he only has averaged 14.1 points and 5.8 rebounds. Given the size of his contract and the potential of Turner, the Sixers should look to trade Iguodala or at least move him to shooting guard.
Turner was a great college player and the second overall pick for a reason. It's time for him to earn his stripes.
Phoenix Suns: Use the Draft to Acquire a Shooting Guard
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Not too long ago, the Phoenix Suns were one of the best offensive teams in the NBA. Today, they're a shell of that squad. The only remaining member of that core group is Steve Nash and despite still putting up great numbers at age 37, even he is showing signs of slowing down.
Phoenix did not make the postseason this year, primarily due to inconsistency on offense. Much of this can be attributed to Vince Carter, who was acquired from the Orlando Magic earlier in the season. Carter, once an electrifying point guard, has only averaged 13.8 points per game during his time in Phoenix.
His contract is up after next season, but he isn't getting any younger at age 34. If the Suns want to be a hot team in the Western Conference again, they should seriously consider trading Carter and getting a draft pick that can be used on a top shooter. Perhaps Duke's Nolan Smith would be a good fit.
Portland Trail Blazers: No Moves Necessary...yet
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This season, the Portland Trail Blazers were without two of their better players. Former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby missed a lot of time with a knee injury, and guard Brandon Roy was plagued by knee trouble of his own all season.
Enter LaMarcus Aldridge, the power forward drafted out of Texas with the second-overall pick in the 2006 draft. With Roy and Camby out, Aldridge put the team on his back and had a career year. He averaged 21.8 points and 8.8 rebounds as Portland clinched the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Given his performance this season and how well the Blazers played, just imagine how they'll look next season when Roy and Camby are healthy, not to mention the newly acquired Gerald Wallace. That being said, this team stays just the way it is...for now.
Sacramento Kings: A Point Guard Who Can Be a Leader
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There's no other way to say this. The Sacramento Kings are a very young and inexperienced team, and that is why they are not contenders. Yet, they do have the right coach in Paul Westphal.
The team has shown flashes of potential all season. Rookie center DeMarcus Cousins has been great despite some attitude problems, and guard Marcus Thornton has been great coming off the bench (and sometimes in the starting lineup) since being acquired from New Orleans at the trading deadline.
Still, former Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans' play has been inconsistent all season. Basically, this team needs a veteran leader who can help these young players reach their full potential.
Not to sound like a broken record again, but Jamal Crawford would be a good fit for this team. His experience and style of play could provide a spark that Evans and company could feed off of and become better. If that were to indeed happen, the Kings would be relevant once again and perhaps re-ignite the old rivalry with the Lakers.
San Antonio Spurs: No Moves Necessary
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Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan have a lot to be smiling about. The San Antonio Spurs are sitting pretty atop the Western Conference with a 61-19 record. Why mess with a team that's already so deep?
Toronto Raptors: Complete Roster Overhaul Because the Team Is Bad
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Sure, we knew that 2010-2011 would be a rebuilding year for the Toronto Raptors. Yet, did we anticipate a 22-58 record that placed them at second-to-last in the East? I sure didn't!
Coach Jay Triano has a lot to keep his arms crossed about. At this point, all he can hope for is a high draft pick and to take someone who can fill the void left by Chris Bosh. If that doesn't happen, the team might as well have a fire sale. They're that bad!
Utah Jazz: A Top Small Forward
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This season, the two small forwards on the Utah Jazz will hit the market. Those two are C.J. Miles and Andrei Kirilenko. Miles is a restricted free agent and could return, but his and Kirilenko's inconsistency will ultimately write them a ticket elsewhere.
Given the young and talented players the Jazz have now that Deron Williams is gone, it's time for the team to acquire a true small forward; one that can both score points and play great defense. Given the status of Miles, it would be a realistic option to execute a sign-and-trade with another team.
One name that comes to mind is Nicolas Batum of the Portland Trail Blazers. His hard, physical style of play would be a welcome fit to Salt Lake City, and him for Miles is definitely a fair trade.
Washington Wizards: Trade Rashard Lewis and Bring in a Leader
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After securing the first-overall pick in last year's draft, the Washington Wizards selected John Wall out of Kentucky. Overall, Wall had a solid rookie season. He averaged 16.4 points, 8.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and just under two steals per game.
Still, Wall also proved that he still had a lot to learn as he only shot about 29 percent from three-point range. The team traded for Rashard Lewis around midseason in hopes to bring a positive veteran presence to the locker room, but that turned out to be a failure. Lewis has been hit-or-miss all season long, and hasn't played in a month because of a bad knee.
Needless to say, combined with his inconsistent play and injury issues, it's time for the Wizards to trade him away and bring in a top veteran who can both produce and be a leader. The Wizards have a good core trio in Wall, guard Nick Young and center JaVale McGee. All that they need is a mentor to help them mature and adjust to the game.
