NBA Trade Scenarios: One Player Each Team Hopes to Move This Summer
The NBA season is nearly over, and free agency will soon begin. Yet, often before free agency, and sometimes during it, teams trade key players. Some of these trades send fans into a frenzy.
Ideally, these trades that are made are ones that dump salary. More often than not, the reason for salary dumping is so a team can make an effort to sign a key free agent.
In looking through all of the NBA rosters, each team has a few bad contracts they would love to get rid of. Here is one player from each team who, ideally, their GM would love to move this summer.
Atlanta Hawks: Kirk Hinrich
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Overall, Kirk Hinrich has had a good run with the Hawks. He was instrumental in the team's playoff success before getting hurt and was a key contributor from three-point range. He is also due to make $9 million next season, and given the emergence of Jeff Teague in the playoffs, Hinrich has become expendable.
Call me crazy, but a $9 millon salary for someone who averaged just over 10 points per game during the regular season and is just known for his three-point shooting is kind of ridiculous.
Boston Celtics: Jermaine O'Neal
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Now, people are probably wondering why it isn't Shaquille O'Neal the Celtics would love to move this offseason. Well, apart from having a player option for next season, Shaq is only due $1.3 million next season. Jermaine O'Neal, on the other hand, is due $5.7 million.
The oft-injured center only appeared in 24 games during the regular season and averaged 5.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. In the playoffs, he averaged 5.8 points and 4.5 rebounds. That's unacceptable for a man who's 6'11" and weighs 255 pounds.
That being said, Jermaine O'Neal and his inflated salary should get the boot from Boston.
Charlotte Bobcats: Tyrus Thomas
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This past season, Tyrus Thomas made $6.6 million in the first year of a five-year deal worth a total of $40 million. That's a bit hefty for a guy who missed two months with a torn meniscus, only averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and has a career average of 8.3 points and 5.2 rebounds.
Given how Thomas is 6'10" and 225 pounds, I have just one question. What are the Bobcats paying him to do, exactly?
Controversial shooter Stephen Jackson is due $8.4 million next season, so unless the team decides to trade him and build the offense around Thomas, then the former LSU Tiger could be on a new team next season.
Chicago Bulls: Keith Bogans
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Keith Bogans is only due $1.6 million next season, but the facts are simple. He's a disappointment as a shooting guard. Besides showing flashes of clutch three-point shooting, he really isn't much of a contributor.
I mean, come on. Would you really call someone who averaged a meager 4.4 points per game last season a SHOOTING guard? Either way, Bogans is probably on his way out of the Windy City.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Antawn Jamison
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Antawn Jamison is not a bad player by any means. He has averaged 19.7 points and eight rebounds per game for his career and is probably one of the best players in NBA history without a championship to his name. Yet, he turns 35 this offseason and is due $13.3 million next season.
On top of that, the Antawn Jamison experiment failed in Cleveland last season. He averaged 18 points and 6.7 rebounds, but the Cavaliers finished 19-63 and just looked plain awful. Time to wipe the slate clean and start with a fresh squad in 2011.
Dallas Mavericks: Jason Kidd
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Jason Kidd is easily one of the best point guards in NBA history. He has averaged 13.2 points, 9.1 assists and even 6.4 rebounds over a 16 year career that has featured stops in Dallas, Phoenix, New Jersey and Dallas again. Yet, age caught up with the 38-year-old this past season, as he averaged a career low 7.9 points per game. His 8.2 assists were the lowest since his rookie year, when he averaged 7.7.
Given the emergence of JJ Barea and the fact that Jason Terry may be better suited to run the point in coach Rick Carlisle's system, Kidd could either be on his way out. If not that, he could be staring retirement dead in the face.
Denver Nuggets: Al Harrington
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Let's be honest, folks. Al Harrington is a glorified shooter who has always been on the right team at the right time. This past season, he received a wake-up call in signing with the Denver Nuggets. The usually lights-out shooter only averaged 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game coming off the bench for George Karl's squad.
Given his $5.7 million salary and the recent overhaul of the Nuggets' roster, don't be surprised if GM Masai Ujiri decides to dump some salary and try to rebuild through free agency.
Detroit Pistons: Ben Gordon
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In his two seasons with the Detroit Pistons, Ben Gordon has been a total disappointment. After averaging 18.5 points per game in five seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Gordon has only averaged 12.5 points over two years in Detroit. This could be attributed to playing in the always inconsistent system run by John Kuester, but the fans are still getting fed up.
That being said, Pistons GM Joe Dumars could potentially try to trade the once-electrifying shooter and his $11 million salary to another team. Given how Gordon has three years left on his contract, that could prove to be difficult.
Golden State Warriors: Andris Biedrins
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At one point, Andris Biedrins was a viable center for the Golden State Warriors. Over a three-year span, he averaged 10.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Then, injury problems caught up with him.
Over the past two seasons, Biedrins has averaged only five points and 7.5 rebounds per game as injuries have ravaged him, along with inconsistent play. Given how he signed a six-year, $54 million contract in 2008, he will definitely be hard to move.
Houston Rockets: Hasheem Thabeet
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At 7'3" and 263 pounds, Hasheem Thabeet has the build of a dominant center and shot-blocker. Yet, the former No. 2 pick has been a major bust in the NBA. In his brief two-season career, Thabeet has only averaged 2.3 points and 2.7 rebounds, plus a horrendous 0.9 blocks. That's unacceptable for someone his size.
Throw in his $4.7 million contract, and team management needs no other reasons to consider how to unload him this offseason.
Indiana Pacers: James Posey
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Last season, for the Indiana Pacers, James Posey only appeared in 49 games, starting none. He averaged 17.1 minutes per game, with averages of 4.9 points and three rebounds. Even more puzzling, the 6'8", 217 pound forward earned $7.1 million.
Given how Posey is a glorified role player, that is enough reason to attempt to trade him this offseason.
Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Kaman
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Chris Kaman is not a bad center by any means. He averaged 12.4 points and seven rebounds last season, but only played in 32 games due to injury. Keep in mind, Kaman has only played more than 70 games in four of his eight career seasons.
Combine that with his $11.8 million salary and the emergence of DeAndre Jordan, and Kaman's contract becomes one that needs to be taken off the books.
Los Angeles Lakers: Ron Artest
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Ron Artest used to be one of the best in the game. He could shoot the ball effectively from any spot on the floor and was one of the better defenders in the NBA. Then, he signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Since joining the Lakers, Artest has averaged just 9.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Keep in mind, his career averages are 14.8 points and 4.8 rebounds. Given how the Lakers mostly underachieved this past season and that Artest is slated to earn $6.6 million each of the next three years, Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak will probably be on the phone all summer asking teams if they'd like the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Memphis Grizzlies: O.J. Mayo
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Compared to his first two seasons when he averaged 18.5 and 17.5 points, 2010 was a forgettable year for O.J. Mayo. He only averaged 11.3 points per game and clashed with head coach Lionel Hollins all season about playing off the bench. He was a valuable contributor off the pine in the playoffs, but his relationship with the organization may be beyond repair.
With the team looking to bring back center Marc Gasol, the front office would perhaps be smart to attempt to move Mayo's $4.4 million deal to another team.
Miami Heat: Mike Miller
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After the Miami Heat put together the Big Three, they signed Mike Miller to a five-year, $25 million deal to provide bench scoring. Unfortunately, Miller injured his thumb in the preseason and was sidelined until late December. Overall, his first season in South Beach was disappointing, as he averaged just 5.6 points and 4.5 rebounds.
Given the free agent class of next offseason, I wouldn't be surprised if Miami attempted to free up money by trading Miller and thus having a shot at creating a Big Four.
Milwaukee Bucks: Corey Maggette
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Overall, Corey Maggette's first season in Milwaukee was disappointing. After averaging 19.2 points per game for the Golden State Warriors the previous two seasons, he averaged only 12 last season. He was not a force in driving to the basket as he was in recent years and just looked lost on the court.
Long story short, the Bucks need a makeover, and the first step in said makeover is trading Maggette and his $9.6 million salary.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonny Flynn
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Jonny Flynn had a decent first season in Minnesota, averaging 13.5 points and 4.4 assists. He tailed off in 2010, only averaging 5.3 points in just 53 games, only eight of which he started.
Like the Bucks, the Timberwolves are in need of a complete and utter makeover. It should start with team GM David Kahn trading Flynn and his $3.1 million salary to another team.
New Jersey Nets: Johan Petro
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In his first year with the New Jersey Nets, Johan Petro played 11.6 minutes per game. He averaged 3.5 points and 2.7 rebounds, fairly low for someone 7'0" and 247 pounds. Oh, did I mention he earned $3.2 million and will continue to earn that over the next two seasons?
Needless to say, time for Billy King and Mikhail Prokhorov to do something smart for once and dump this guy's contract to free up money.
New Orleans Hornets: Trevor Ariza
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Trevor Ariza is probably the best swingman in the NBA. He can score on the inside, has a decent three-point shot and plays average defense. Yet, he also makes $6.3 million a year, and given the state of the Hornets, that's just too much.
Unless the team's financial issues can be solved within the next month or so, look for a fire sale to happen and for Ariza to be one of the first out the door. He averaged 11 points and 5.4 rebounds last season, so there is sure to be at least one team in the market for him.
New York Knicks: Chauncey Billups
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Shortly after the team was eliminated from the playoffs by the Boston Celtics, the New York Knicks exercised the one-year, $14.2 million option of point guard Chauncey Billups. I know it's only for one year, but I think the Knicks would be better suited trading Billups for a higher position in the draft. He's a great player, but his shoot-first attitude is not right for Mike D'Antoni's system and thus hurts the team.
On top of that, he turns 35 this offseason. With the Knicks still sort of in "rebuilding" mode, a younger man is needed to run the point.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Nate Robinson
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Since being traded from the Boston Celtics at the trading deadline, Nate Robinson has essentially been a non-factor for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Including the playoffs, he has only played in six games for the team and has averaged three points per game. That is not enough to justify his $4.2 million salary.
If the Thunder want to continue as contenders, the front office should look to trade Robinson for a viable shooter or point guard off the bench.
Orlando Magic: Gilbert Arenas
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Let me put it this way. Gilbert Arenas, one of the top guards in the league (at least he was at one point), averaged just 10.8 points per game last year to go with 3.9 assists in time split between the Washington Wizards and Orlando Magic. Oh, and he made $17.7 million.
Unless the Magic are convinced he can rebound and fill in at shooting guard if Jason Richardson leaves the team, Arenas should be traded ASAP.
Philadelphia 76ers: Andre Iguodala
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Andre Iguodala is set to make $12.3 million next season. Given how he missed 15 games with injuries last year and the bevy of young talented guards the Sixers have on their bench, his name could be on the chopping block. This is unlikely since he is basically the face of the franchise, but he needs to prove to team management that last year's 14.1 points per game were just a fluke and that he will be back full force in 2011.
Phoenix Suns: Vince Carter
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Vince Carter used to be one of the most electrifying guards in the NBA. His dunks were magical to watch, and he was a surefire bet to score 20-plus points per game. Yet, for the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns this year, Carter was a bust.
On the season, Carter only averaged 14 points a game, well below his career average of 22.2. Given how he is due $17.5 million next season, the Suns would be wise to trade him for a younger option at shooting guard.
Portland Trail Blazers: Rudy Fernandez
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Rudy Fernandez only makes $1.2 million next season, but Portland should still look to trade him. Basically, he is nothing more than a glorified shooter with a history of attitude problems. Earlier this season, he asked to be traded.
Given how the Blazers' offense truly came together this season and Fernandez was essentially a non-factor both during the regular season and the playoffs, he is expendable.
Sacramento Kings: Francisco Garcia
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The Sacramento Kings are, for lack of better word, a mess. They have no leader, are marred by inconsistent play in a tough Western Conference, and are probably about to lose a valuable player in center Samuel Dalembert. If the front office wants any hope of bringing him back, Francisco Garcia has to be traded.
Garcia is set to make $5.5 million next season, but he only averaged 9.7 points per game in 2010. Given his history of injury problems (he only played in 58 games last season), the Maloof Brothers would be smart to try and trade Garcia for a more valuable bench player.
San Antonio Spurs: Antonio McDyess
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Antonio McDyess simply has not been the same since he injured his knee back in 2001. He used to average 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, and now he averages in the single digits in both categories. He is also going to be 37 next season, and age has caught up with him.
McDyess averaged 5.3 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Spurs last year, but that just isn't good enough to justify a $4.8 million salary. Still, he is a decent shot blocker, so a team in need of that could look to acquire him.
Toronto Raptors: Linas Kleiza
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Linas Kleiza is currently under contract with the Raptors for four years and $20 million. Given how he only played in 39 games last season (starting 23) and averaged just 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds, the Raptors didn't get much of a return on their investment. If the team is to truly rebuild, they must find a team who will take on Kleiza's contract and try and receive a more durable forward in return.
Utah Jazz: Mehmet Okur
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Mehmet Okur used to be able to do it all. He could be a dominating presence in the middle, score on the inside and even be deadly from beyond the arc. Yet, towards the end of the 2009-2010 season, he tore his Achilles tendon and hasn't been the same since.
He only played in 13 games last season before going down with a back injury. He only averaged 4.9 points 2.3 rebounds. Given how he is set to make $9.9 million next season and Utah already has Al Jefferson and Derrick Favors manning the 4 and 5 spots in the lineup, Okur should expect his name to come up in trade discussions.
Washington Wizards: Rashard Lewis
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The Washington Wizards acquired Rashard Lewis last season in hopes that he would be a mentor and leader to the younger players on the squad, such as John Wall and Javale McGee. Instead, Lewis was an absolute disaster. In 32 games, he averaged just 11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds before going down with a knee injury in March.
To add insult to injury (ha, ha, ha), Lewis is also set to make $19.5 million next season. Unless he can guarantee coming back full force and stepping up in the locker room, team management should look to find a buyer for his ridiculous contract.
