NBA Trade Scenarios: Players to Bolster Each Team's Starting Lineup
The 2010-11 NBA regular season is in the mirror, and teams that missed the postseason are scratching their heads in an attempt to figure out better personnel decisions for next season.
But the squads that made it to the playoffs aren't perfect, either. In fact, it's been a while since the road to the NBA Championship has been so wide open.
There are a lot of players who could be better off with a new home, and we're going to take a look at which players would fit best in each location.
Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Green, SF
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A capable jump-shooter who can stretch the floor, Green would be a serious upgrade over Marvin Williams.
In fact, he's exactly the type of small forward that the team desperately needs to stretch the floor and open up the lane for Josh Smith and Al Horford.
He's a perfect fit for the Hawks, and a sign-and-trade that lands him in Atlanta makes all the sense in the world.
Boston Celtics: Anderson Varejao, C
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The Celtics desperately need help in the middle, and Varejao would be a very solid fit.
Although he missed the majority of the season, the defensive-minded Varejao would serve in the same role as Kendrick Perkins before he was shipped out of town.
He's not exactly the most likable player when facing the opposition, but the Celtics would be a better team with him in the starting five.
Charlotte Bobcats: Chris Kaman, C
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Chris Kaman and the Clippers need a divorce from one another.
The team is going to have to roll out a nice offer to DeAndre Jordan to keep him in town, and Kaman's bloated salary is going to make him an obvious trade candidate.
He's battled health issues, but has proven to be a very capable starting five in the league when on the court. There's a scarcity of talent at the position, so the Bobcats would be doing themselves a favor and could acquire the center for cents on the dollar.
Chicago Bulls: J.J. Redick, SG
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Redick almost wound up in Chicago before re-signing with Orlando in the offseason.
Instead, the Bulls settled on a combination of Ronnie Brewer and Keith Bogans.
Derrick Rose has really improved from beyond the arc this season, but having Redick space the floor would further open up the lane for the superstar point guard and his frontcourt mates down low.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Corey Maggette, SF
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Maggette is overpaid, but the Cavs don't seem to have a problem with that.
He'd come for almost nothing in return considering that he is clearly not a part of Scott Skiles' plan in Milwaukee, and would instantly improve the Cleveland offense.
Once referred to as Paul Pierce light in his best days, the Cavs are going to have to gamble with their personnel moves to have any chance of being competitive in the short-term.
Dallas Mavericks: Leandro Barbosa, SG
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The Mavs seem to be constantly searching for a stable starting two-guard, and Barbosa looks like a good answer to me.
The Brazilian Blur would see plenty of open shots playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki, and would get a chance to reclaim the past success he had with Phoenix.
He's a wasted asset in Toronto.
Denver Nuggets: Samuel Dalembert, C
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How about some length along the Nuggets' front line?
Dalembert has proven to be excellent when given the opportunity, and I think he'd do a lot more than Timofey Mozgov at the end of the bench.
Chris Andersen's declining play is also an area of concern for Denver, and Dalembert's similar (but better) skill set would be an adequate way to address it.
Detroit Pistons: Jose Calderon, PG
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When will Toronto give the keys to Jerryd Bayless?
Fans of the team have grown tired of Calderon's constant injury problems, and frankly it's time to give control to the younger (and better all-around) point guard.
He'd be a perfect fit in Detroit, where the starting point guard spot was occupied for a considerable length this season by an aging Tracy McGrady.
Golden State Warriors: Anthony Tolliver, C
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Why did the Warriors ever get rid of Tolliver?
They're very ready to turn the page from Andris Biedrins, and Tolliver is the type of center that fits their style of offense perfectly.
He's a legitimate double-double threat when given the minutes and can capably stroke it from the outside.
Houston Rockets: Marreese Speights, C
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Chuck Hayes is a free agent and Hasheem Thabeet isn't worth his weight in pennies on a basketball court.
Speights hasn't gotten much of an opportunity in Philly to show off his talent, which is a shame considering he's got plenty of it.
He'd earn a lot of fans in Houston, and can bang down low with some of the lengthier lineups in the Western Conference.
Indiana Pacers: Nick Young, SG
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Jordan Crawford established himself as an integral piece of Washington's future, prompting many to ponder where Nick Young might fit in.
Well, he might not fit in at all. Rather than overpaying Young as the team attempts to re-build, they could ship him to Indiana and continue to stockpile for the future.
He'd be great on the Pacers, and a young pairing of he and Collison would be very exciting for the team's promising future.
Los Angeles Clippers: Omri Casspi, SF
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Casspi wants out from the Kings, and the team could easily ship him south to the Clippers.
Al-Farouq Aminu may not be ready to be a full-time contributor quite yet, and we're talking about a team that rolled out Jamario Moon as their starter down the stretch.
Casspi would bridge the gap to Aminu brilliantly, and has proven to be successful in either a starting or reserve role throughout his NBA tenure.
Los Angeles Lakers: Steve Nash, PG
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It's about time this happened.
I know Nash has adamantly stated he wants to be a part of Phoenix's turnaround, but it's clear that the two-time MVP and the Lakers desperately need one another.
Adding Nash would push the team to the forefront of 2012 title talk, and as good as Kobe remains, he's not getting any younger.
Memphis Grizzlies: Daequan Cook, SF
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Cook is a sharpshooter who could really bolster the Memphis second unit.
Although the Grizzlies have been beyond impressive this season, the team could definitely stand to improve their shooting from the arc, especially if they decide to move Mayo.
It's not a big splash, but this is a team that already has its major pieces (Conley, Z-Bo and Gay) in place.
Miami Heat: Andris Biedrins, C
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One man's trash could be another man's treasure.
Biedrins may have run out of time with the Warriors, but perhaps the Heat would be interested in taking on this project of a player.
He's still extraordinarily young, and it's not like Golden State will be looking for much in return besides some financial relief in shedding themselves of Biedrins' burdensome contract.
Milwaukee Bucks: Andray Blatche, C
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How about a front court of Blatche and Bogut, Bucks fans?
Bogut is a near lock to miss parts of every season, and is still recovering from a gruesome elbow injury that he sustained last season.
Blatche would provide an adequate insurance policy so the team doesn't have to play someone like Larry Sanders in the middle.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Fernandez, SG
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If the Wolves ever expect Rubio to show up, adding Fernandez could be a critical first step.
Yes, the team already has a plethora of wing players, but Rudy needs a fresh start and could actually really help a young Minnesota team.
He spaces the floor nicely and can also drive the ball with considerable ease, and the team doesn't exactly have any players that fit that mold.
New Jersey Nets: Monta Ellis, SG
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Acquiring Monta could go a long way toward convincing Deron Williams to stay in town.
Just imagine how explosive a backcourt pairing of the two guards could be. More importantly, it would allow Ellis to play the shooting guard spot where he belongs.
Ellis, Williams and Lopez look like a very solid core to me.
New Orleans Hornets: Mike Miller, SG
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Mike Miller hasn't gained many fans in Miami in his first season with the team.
Maybe he'd do better in New Orleans, a team that could instantly insert him into the starting five.
Miller thrives as an alternate option in a starting unit, not as the number one scorer on the floor with a bunch of scrubs.
New York Knicks: O.J. Mayo, SG
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Isn't this a match made in heaven?
Landry Fields is a nice story, but if they can package the overachieving rookie with some other pieces and acquire Mayo, it would be an absolute heist.
Just imagine a New York team that featured Amar'e, Carmelo and O.J.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Kirk Hinrich, PG
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Hinrich was already traded from Washington to Atlanta this season, but he'd be even better in OKC.
If Russell Westbrook ever sustained a serious injury, the Thunder wouldn't be so hot with Eric Maynor at the controls.
Hinrich is a veteran leader and could be instrumental on a young, rapidly rising Thunder team.
Orlando Magic: Marcus Camby, C
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Camby would be a phenomenal backup to Dwight Howard.
The two could even play alongside one another at times, wrecking defensive havoc that the opposition would have a tough time getting past.
It's not like the Magic have the Polish Hammer as an insurance policy to the Defensive Player of the Year anymore.
Philadelphia 76ers: Ronnie Brewer, SG
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Jodie Meeks has been good this season, but Brewer is an incredible defender and plays the type of basketball that coach Doug Collins craves.
He could definitely help a Sixers team that could use an infusion of defense, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them try and upgrade the two-guard position before the beginning of next season.
Phoenix Suns: Rodney Stuckey, PG
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Despite his stellar play, Rodney Stuckey still hasn't received an endorsement as the long-term point guard.
As the Suns continue to re-tool for the future, Stuck would be an excellent facilitator of the offense.
He's shown immense talent when given major minutes, and Alvin Gentry would have no problem playing him a ton should he land in the desert.
Portland Trail Blazers: Rodrigue Beaubois, PG/SG
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Beaubois would be an excellent candidate for the Blazers and could even take over for Andre Miller.
He's had a lot of trouble with his foot this season, and therefore would likely come cheaper than usual in any potential deal.
He's an explosive talent and could be a long-term solution alongside Aldridge and Batum for a very long time.
Sacramento Kings: Brandon Bass, PF
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Bass has been great in Orlando, but he would be even better with the Kings.
Assuming a full-time starter's role for the Kings, Bass could provide some serious toughness down low alongside the feared DeMarcus Cousins.
He's never going to be an explosive offensive weapon, but he fits a niche very well for Sacramento.
San Antonio Spurs: Robin Lopez, C
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It's time for Robin Lopez to move on from Phoenix.
If the Spurs were to gamble on Brook's twin brother, he'd be asked to serve as a deep reserve capable of bodying up with bigger guys down low.
He'd play 10-15 minutes per game, which is his rightful role in this league.
Toronto Raptors: Ryan Gomes, SF
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Gomes will most likely be remembered for being a key cog in the Kevin Garnett to Boston trade, but he's a lot more talented than most might think.
The former Celtic could slide in nicely with the Raptors, assuming that they're not going to roll out Sonny Weems as the starting three for the foreseeable future.
He'd come at a discount, and that's exactly the type of player Toronto needs with so many holes to fill.
Utah Jazz: Xavier Henry, SF
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Executives were drooling over this young man's potential before last season's draft.
Now? He's an afterthought on a Memphis team who just won their first postseason game in 13 attempts.
Utah isn't going to compete in the short-term, and adding Henry to compliment the young core currently established makes a ton of sense.
This kid has a sky-high ceiling.
Washington Wizards: Terrence Williams, SF
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Terrence Williams is rotting on Houston's bench, and Washington would be lucky to have him.
T-Will is an excellent player with an extraordinary ceiling, and perhaps Washington would be a great place for him to revive his career.
The Wizards could send Yi Jianlian to Houston, who really need help along the front line.
