NBA Trade Rumors and Speculation: Trades That Make Too Much Sense Not to Happen
There are a ton of salivating NBA trade rumors in circulation right now, and the hot stove should only heat up even further as we approach the offseason.
Because the 2011 free agent class is so thin, most teams will be scouring the trade market in an effort to strike a deal to improve the club for next season and beyond.
With a distinct possibility that there could be several stars on the move, we take a look at some trades that make sense for both parties involved.
Note: All potential trades were crafted using ESPN's NBA Trade Machine.
Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers
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Los Angeles Acquires: SF A. Iguodala, C M. Speights
Philadelphia Acquires: C C. Kaman, SF A. Aminu
The Kaman for Iguodala swap isn't a new rumor, but it's been gaining steam over the last few days as the Sixers try to fill their giant-sized hole in the middle with a legitimate starting center.
For the Clippers, Iguodala represents a perfect fit in an insanely athletic front line that would feature him alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.
Aminu provides youth for the Sixers, and a necessary insurance policy in case Thaddeus Young bolts in free agency, and Speights would fill the backup center role perfectly in L.A.
San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Bobcats
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Charlotte Acquires: PG G. Hill, SF R. Jefferson
San Antonio Acquires: SG S. Jackson, future first round pick
It's not a secret that the Spurs are looking to give the team a mild shakeup after the disappointing end to their season, and it's become increasingly clearer that they need more offensive help.
While the team would have to part ways with the promising George Hill, they acquire a future first-rounder in the deal from Charlotte and receive a veteran leader in Stephen Jackson, who is a serious upgrade ahead of the overpaid Richard Jefferson.
These two teams would be wise to explore a potential deal together, because it's looking like the two could really stand to benefit from one another's assets.
Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets
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Los Angeles Acquires: PG R. Felton, PF A. Harrington
Denver Acquires: SF R. Artest, PG S. Blake, future first round pick
The Lakers biggest asset in a crowded Western Conference is their commanding size advantage, so trading Andrew Bynum or even Pau Gasol makes little sense for the long-term.
However, the team desperately needs an upgrade at point guard, where the combination of Derek Fisher and Steve Blake proved to be one that really burned the team all season long.
The Nuggets are committed to Ty Lawson as their point guard of the future, and they've been looking to unload Harrington's ridiculous contract for a long while now.
Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Hornets
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Portland Acquires: PG J. Jack, C D. Andersen, future second round pick
New Orleans Acquires: PG A. Miller, SG R. Fernandez
The Blazers have been rumored to be contemplating exercising Andre Miller's option for next season, and that would make his expiring contract a very valuable negotiating chip at the trade table.
There's no doubt that Portland could use some financial relief, and if they're serious about making a play for a point guard in the upcoming draft, they'll certainly need a veteran waiting in the wings as insurance.
Fernandez has been rather ephemeral on whether or not he wants to be with the club, so they would be smart to move him while he still has some value instead of receiving pennies on the dollar in a potential return.
Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets
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Chicago Acquires: PF L. Scola, C H. Thabeet, SF T. Williams, SG C. Lee
Houston Acquires: PF C. Boozer, future first round pick
With reports surfacing that the Bulls may be inclined to field some trade offers for their free agent prize Carlos Boozer, there should be no shortage of teams looking to acquire the former All-Star.
This scenario really represents a win-win for both sides, as the Bulls can get the perimeter players that they desperately need in Lee and Williams, while acquiring Scola would take the pressure off of Taj Gibson to do it by himself.
For the Rockets, Boozer gives the team a legitimate star to build around, and they already have a solid nucleus of young talent in place as they move forward and enter the post-Yao era.
Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs
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Golden State Acquires: PG T. Parker, PF D. Blair
San Antonio Acquires: SG M. Ellis, 918K Trade Exception
There are bound to be a ton of Monta Ellis trade scenarios until if and when he actually gets moved, and although this is one that we've yet to here of, it could certainly benefit both sides.
Despite the fact that the Spurs signed Parker to a four-year extension during the season, I'd have to believe that they'd readily hand the keys over to a very capable George Hill if Ellis were brought on board.
Manu Ginobili could remain in his sixth man role and Ellis would provide a necessary injection of youth and offensive production into a Spurs lineup that's looking increasingly old.
For the Warriors, they receive a very sound point guard in Parker who can serve as a mentor to Steph Curry, while Blair serves as depth along the front line.
Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons
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Toronto Acquires: SG R. Hamilton, PG W. Bynum
Detroit Acquires: PG J. Calderon, SF L. Kleiza
Both Toronto and Detroit are actively exploring any potential trade avenues for Calderon and Hamilton, so why not swap one for the other?
With Rodney Stuckey scheduled to become a free agent, it's not a lock that he'll be back for the Pistons. Acquiring Calderon would give them a legitimate starter to anchor the backcourt and a fresh face that they desperately need.
For the Raptors, Hamilton would serve as a veteran leader on a rather young team and slide into the starting lineup at small forward, while Bynum could split time with Jerryd Bayless if the team decides not to pursue a veteran.
Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers
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Los Angeles Acquires: PG R. Sessions, SG A. Gee
Cleveland Acquires: PG S. Blake, SF D. Ebanks, future first round pick
It's looking very likely that the Cavs will select Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with the team's first overall pick in the June 23 draft, and that would leave little room for Sessions on the Cleveland bench.
The Lakers, who could really use a capable facilitator, won't have to overpay for Sessions and receive a sizable upgrade over the current construction of the roster.
The Cavaliers can continue re-building in an effort to contend, as not only do they get a prospect in Ebanks who is packed with potential, but they also receive a future first-rounder by trading a player that is likely to be third on the depth chart at his position.
