NBA Draft Speculation: 5 Exciting Rumors That Could Completely Change the Draft

With the NBA Draft rapidly approaching, the most exciting acquisitions might not be which new players are picked up in the draft, but rather, which current players get moved around.

Names like the Memphis Grizzlies' Rudy Gay, the Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash and the Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard are being thrown into the mix.

Any one of these moves could shake up the draft, resulting in roster changes that could even put newcomers like Derrick Williams, Kyrie Irving or Jimmer Fredette on a team in contention or in the rebuilding stage.

Here are some rumored moves that could shake up draft night.

Rudy Gay to the Cavs

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 08: Rudy Gay #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 8, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or usin

Among all the names being thrown around when it comes to trade speculation, Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay's has been more common.

One such situation sends Gay to the rebuilding Cleveland cavaliers in exchange for either the Cavs' fourth pick in the draft, Baron Davis and possibly J.J. Hickson, or even a combination of both.

As a result, the Cavs get an All-Star caliber player in Gay to ease possible first overall pick Kyrie Irving's transition into the NBA. He also becomes the scoring threat and big name the Cavs were in desperate need of in the wake of LeBron James' departure.

Also, the Grizzlies might not mind parting with Gay, considering their success in the playoffs without him.

Dwight Howard to the Warriors for Monta Ellis

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 05: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic defends Monta Ellis #8 of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA game at Oracle Arena on December 5, 2009 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that

Its become pretty evident that Dwight Howard isn't sitting pretty in Orlando. 

So it seems that the Orlando Magic are entertaining offers to ship Superman out of their metropolis.

One such offer would send Howard out to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Ekpe Udoh. 

The deal seems pretty beneficial to both sides, with the Warriors picking up arguably the league's best big man to combine with hot shot guard Stephen Curry and All-Star acquisition David Lee.

The Magic pick up some defense with Udoh and Biedrins as well as another scoring guard in Ellis.

So with the Warriors holding the 11th pick in the draft, they can choose to grab either a forward or a guard, either way, whoever they choose is walking into a nice situation in the bay area.

Steve Nash Traded

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 13: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs at US Airways Center on April 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or usi

Steve Nash, the former two-time MVP has a lot of mileage on him, but much like Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki, he's still going strong.

However, in this guard heavy draft, Nash's own number might be unlucky for him as the Phoenix Suns have the 13th overall pick in the draft.

Also coincidentally, BYU's Jimmer Fredette, who has been likened to Nash, is projected to go 13th in the draft. 

If the Suns decide to trade Nash, they could potentially fetch some big-time talent to rebuild with in lieu of Amare Stoudemire's move to the New York Knicks. 

Steve Nash is still one of the best point guards in the league, so if he's going to be traded, he won't be going for just anybody.

Michael Beasley and Jonny Flynn for a Center

Elsa/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 03: Michael Beasley #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a foul called against him in the second half against the Boston Celtics on January 3, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Timberwolve

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been shopping Jonny Flynn, especially with Ricky Rubio finally making his much anticipated arrival in the United States.

So its natural that the T-Wolves would be trying to build a contender around All-Star power forward Kevin Love, Rubio and apparent No. 2 pick Derrick Williams.

Willams is more than capable of moving to the small forward position, so naturally, a big man in the middle is what the T-Wolves should be looking for.

So why not trade for a real center to go with Williams, Love and Rubio and ship out Michael Beasley and Flynn, a combo a lot of teams around the league could appreciate?

Baron Davis and J.J. Hickson and the No.4 Pick for the No. 2 Pick

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - MARCH 29: Baron Davis #85 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after his team scored against the Miami Heat during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 29, 2011 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expres

The other possible scenario for the Cavaliers is to send Baron Davis and J.J. Hickson along with their fourth pick for the Timberwolves' second pick.

Its a tough trade to pitch, but consensus No. 1 and 2 picks Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams could end up together if Cleveland can unload Davis' big contract.

Irving, Williams, Antawn Jamison and Anderson Varejao wouldn't be a bad starting four.