NBA Trade Speculation: Jamal Crawford To Houston, Tim Duncan To Utah

If your team is not in the playoffs, they are probably hot on the phone looking for key trades, draft picks and free-agent signings. Here are some good trades, draft pickups and FA signings that could really boost a team (they may not happen).

Free Agency: Jamal Crawford to Houston

The Rockets do have Kevin Martin playing shooting guard, but he could easily be switched to small forward. Right now, Crawford is a sixth man in a stacked Atlanta roster. Although he earns just under $11 million a year, he barely gets over 30 minutes playing time on a regular basis.

If Crawford goes to Houston, he, Kyle Lowry (who is on the rise) and Kevin Martin could team up and make the Rockets hard to beat. Luis Scola will throw in a lot of points and rebounds. If Yao comes back, you have a team that is hard to beat. The Rockets already finished 43-39. Yao and Crawford could easily add to that and make Houston a contender in the West.

Draft Pickup: Kemba Walker to Cleveland

The Cavaliers will get a high draft pick. Their main point guard, Baron Davis, is getting older. Kemba Walker is a shooting guard, but his ability to drive to the hoop and get past practically anyone—along with his shooting ability—will allow him to convert to a point guard (if the Cavs are smart). Baron Davis could get switched to SG or traded, because Cleveland's star now is Antawn Jamison.

Walker's shooting skills will help Cleveland pick up more points and his driving skills will help the Cavs get more free throws. Plus, Davis will get the ball a lot as shooting guard and Walker can get some assists to Davis. The position switch won't immediately turn the Cavs around, but it will help them get better.

Trade: Darrell Arthur to Phoenix, Aaron Brooks to Memphis

The Grizzlies' Zach Randolph has overcome a few shaky years and found a nice home here in Memphis, helping turn the team around. Darrell Arthur—who averages 9.1 PPG in 20 MPG—could fit in well in Phoenix, whose only viable power forward is Hakim Warrick.

As for Aaron Brooks, he is currently a backup to Steve Nash or a shooting guard. But he could easily play the point in Memphis, which he mastered in 2009-2010. He would have to split some time with Mike Conley, but Brooks does have more skill, so he might be thrust into the point. It would work out well for both sides.

Draft Pickup: Derrick Williams to Toronto

Toronto does have a lot of power forwards. Their primary one, Ed Davis, averages under eight PPG in over 24 MPG. Derrick Williams can shoot the jumper, shoot the free throw, draw a foul, rebound, block shots and step up when you need him most. He had the game-ending block against Memphis and the game-winning three-point play against Texas in the NCAA Tournament.

Williams is also a 75.2 percent free-throw shooter. If he improves his game a little and grabs boards, rejects shots and scores points like he did in college, the Raptors might forget Chris Bosh and finally start to pick it up. However, this pick will require a nice lottery spot for Toronto.

Free Agent Pickup: Caron Butler to Sacramento

Butler is a small forward who will become a free agent, and the Kings are in need of a small forward. Sacramento has Tyreke Evans—who is getting better—and DeMarcus Cousins, who has had a good rookie campaign. Butler is a 45 percent shooter and a 43.1 percent three-point shooter. He could bring his shooting skills to Sacramento to develop a better team.

Omri Casspi is Sacramento's current small forward, but they could trade him or play him as a backup to Butler or Cousins. Butler, Evans and Cousins could combine and make the Kings' first year in Anaheim (if the events go through) a success. However, the Kings wil need to give up more money than they might have to pick up Butler.

Trade: Tim Duncan to Utah-Al Jefferson to San Antonio

This may sound ridiculous, but Duncan is definitely past his prime and Al Jefferson only averaged 18.6 PPG this year. Duncan's experience could help Utah make a run at it for a year, and Jefferson's rebounding and free throw skills could help the Spurs. Tim Duncan has had his fun with San Antonio, and Al Jefferson doesn't seem to be helping the Jazz.

Sure, Duncan's Spurs went 61-21, but many other players were responsible for that. If Duncan clicks with Utah, the Jazz could feed him the ball, he could score 25 every game and if he could grab enough boards, it would definitely boost the Jazz. If Jefferson shoots like he did in Utah (49.6 percent) and if he grabs key boards, San Antonio may have that fresh center they need, and the guy who can help them win key games. Duncan gives Utah experience. Jefferson gives San Antonio athleticism. It's a win-win!