NBA Trade Speculation: Dwight Howard and 10 Players Who Could Be on the Move
We are in the heart of the playoffs, but it's difficult not to look ahead (especially for fans whose teams are sitting at home right now).
Last offseason was perhaps the most historic NBA offseason in the history of the league. While free agency won't feature as many blockbuster names, there are a slew of players who could be part of blockbuster trades.
It seems inevitable that NBA superstars are going to suit up in different uniforms next season. Here are 10 guys who could be dealt.
Monta Ellis, SG
1 of 10
Monta Ellis always seems to be mentioned in trade talks. He's in the All-Star discussion every season, but has yet to break into the lineup.
Ellis is an electrifying shooting guard. There are plenty of teams that will be intrigued by the opportunity to bring in one of the best shooting guards in the game.
The Warriors have Stephen Curry in their backcourt, which makes Ellis somewhat of a luxury. If the Warriors get an offer to bring in a dominant big man, don't be surprised if they part with Ellis.
Dwight Howard, C
2 of 10
Dwight Howard is the best big man in the game, period. He is good for a double-double on most nights, and dominates the paint.
A center of his caliber is a rarity. Teams are going to be breaking down doors at the chance to get their hands on Howard. Shaq going to the Heat ended up taking Miami to the next level. There are a number of teams that have issues down low that would be elated to have Howard.
Think of Howard paired with Chris Paul, Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook. Howard would be half of the best big man-little man tandem in the league.
Andre Iguodala, SG
3 of 10
Andre Iguodala is another player who seems to always be linked to trade discussions. He's one of those players who is too big for a guard to cover, too quick for a three to handle.
There are a lot of teams that could utilize a guy who can go for 15 points, six boards and six assists a game. The Sixers are a player or two away from becoming relevant. Iguodala is a big piece of what they do, but they may be able to bring in some missing pieces by shipping him away.
Al Harrington, F
4 of 10
Al Harrington always seems to be on the move. It doesn't look like he fits in with the Nuggets' immediate plans, but his big contract is going to make him difficult if the Nuggets look to negotiate.
Harrington's numbers are way down across the board this season. The Knicks ditched him at the opportune time. It is unclear as to how much value the Nuggets can get out of Harrington in a trade, but it seems likely they will do everything in their power to ditch his contract.
James Harden, SG
5 of 10
This one is tough. James Harden dominated in college and warranted a top-three selection when he entered the NBA. That being said, the Thunder haven't seen a return on their investment thus far.
The Thunder have an outstanding core of young talent. There are many teams where Harden would see significantly more minutes. He needs to go somewhere where his talents are needed more. Sometimes, it's time for a new environment. The Thunder may be able to salvage some value if they deal him before teams give up on him.
Matt Barnes, F
6 of 10
Matt Barnes may make his way onto every roster in the NBA when it's all said and done. Even if the Lakers choose to resign him, history shows they could very well move him mid-season.
Teams use Barnes as a bargaining chip. It's as though teams in the league say, "What if I throw in Matt Barnes?" when they are trying to push a trade over the edge.
Barnes is great off the bench. His energy is contagious, and he is borderline crazy. He has been around a number of teams and is a fantastic role player.
Steve Nash, PG
7 of 10
The Suns missed the boat by not trading Amar'e Stoudemire when his stock was sky high. Now, they are stuck with an aging Steve Nash-led team with a bleak future.
Nash is still one of the best point guards in the game. For teams who are looking to fill a need to win now, Nash is an attractive prospect. For the Suns, it's time to define what the future of their organization is going to look like.
By dealing Nash now, it may mean bringing in a couple of talented prospects. The Suns aren't winning with Nash. There is no point in keeping him and letting their most talented player expire without salvaging anything for him.
Shawn Marion, F
8 of 10
The Mavs need to define what their organization is going to be about in the post-Dirk era. They are currently making noise in the playoffs and are up two games on the defending-champion Lakers.
While they will want to keep their team intact and make a championship run next season, it's time to prepare for the future. From 2008-present, Marion has been on three teams. He still provides leadership and is a solid contributor, but if the Mavs can land some younger talent, they should do so.
Andrew Bynum, C
9 of 10
Andrew Bynum could be the most movable piece on the Lakers' roster. He is a big part of the length the Lakers have that makes them so hard to handle, but he is injury prone and doesn't dominate down low the way he should.
An interesting scenario may include a package deal where Dwight Howard is sent to LA and Bynum goes to Orlando (with some baggage, of course). Bynum is a big piece to move and could be part of a trade that helps the Lakers retain their dominance.
Having the best big man and best guard in basketball would make them dangerous...like early 2000s dangerous.
O.J. Mayo, G
10 of 10
It seems that O.J. Mayo's reign with the Grizzlies may be over. Mayo has all the potential to be an elite scorer in the NBA, but his recent questionable behavior may be a deterrent for the Grizzlies in terms of keeping him in their long-term plans.
Mayo was suspended for testing positive for a banned substance and he was involved in a plane scuffle over a card game. Mayo came into the league with character concerns, so it shouldn't come as a surprise.
Mayo could attract a fairly large market, considering the issues he brings along and the relatively lackluster career he has put forth thus far in the NBA.
