NBA Trade Scenarios: One Deal Each Deal Must Consider This Summer

Now that the NBA Finals are over, and the Evil Emperor has defeated the Evil Empire, NBA teams are already jockeying for position to make inventive trades to make a run at the 2012 NBA title. What follows are some moves I think are both intriguing basketball-wise and viable salary cap-wise. And the most obvious first trade is…

LeBron for Kobe

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MIAMI, FL - MARCH 10: LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat posts up Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game at American Airlines Arena on March 10, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downl

…had you going didn’t I?

Dwight Howard

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 28: Gilbert Arenas #1 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Josh Smith #5 and Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 2

Do you really think he wants to stay in Orlando? The Magic’s window for an NBA title seems to be slamming shut. A package deal of Howard and Gilbert Arenas to Portland for Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews would help both teams, especially if Roy is completely healthy.

Monta Ellis

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OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 25: Monta Ellis #8 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors at Oracle Arena on March 25, 2011 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or

Ellis improved greatly last year, but the Warriors’ small backcourt, coupled with a gaping hole at the center position, lends itself to many possibilities. How about Ellis for Nene? The Warriors would get an agile big man, and Denver would land a bona fide 25-point per game scorer. 

Andre Igoudala

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LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 26: Andre Igoudala #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by do

Igoudala is a dynamic player on offense and a surprisingly good defender, but Philly needs some size. An Igoudala for Chris Kaman trade would fill a need in Philly, and can you imagine an Igoudala-Blake Griffin-Eric Gordon showtime in Los Angeles? Talk about living life in the fast lane.

Nene

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 27: Nene Hilario #31 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket against Kendrick Perkins #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2011 at the Ford

Nene is in the last year of his contract and is looking for a big money long-term deal. Boston regretted trading Kendrick Perkins and lost some needed toughness inside. How about Nene and Arron Afflalo to Boston for Paul PierceBoston would get younger and bigger, and Denver would get a proven veteran scorer and leader.

Pau Gasol

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DALLAS, TX - MAY 08: Forward Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2011 at American Airlines Ce

Gasol underperformed during the playoffs for some unknown reason…not quite as career-threatening as Charlie Sheen, but relationships can be so volatile. Perhaps a change of scenery would do him good, and a team that could Really use a gifted center is Miami. It's time to break up the Heat as we now know them, so Chris Bosh, welcome to the Lakers!

Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom to Utah for Devin Harris. It might not make much basketball sense, but think of their reality show hijinks from Salt Lake City…