NBA Trade Talk: 15 Veterans Who May Be Traded During NBA Draft 2011
The trade winds are blowing leading up to the 2011 NBA Draft...
Many teams are looking to make their moves before the summer of uncertainty begins. The 60 players drafted on Thursday night may not be the only ones suiting up for a new team.
Whether because of financial concerns, positional redundancy, or other reasons, there are more names floating around out there then there have been at draft time in several years.
While the Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash (though he could be traded) rumors will probably have to wait until the deadline, there are still plenty of solid and even All-Star-caliber players out there.
Here are 15 of them that may be traded before the end of the month.
Jose Calderon, Raptors
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The Raptors may be looking to pick up a point guard in the draft. They already acquired Jerryd Bayless last year. It is unlikely that they want to use the No. 5 pick on a third-stringer.
It may be Calderon's time to move on. He is a good shooter and passer that could help a team, but his big contract and poor defense don't seem to fit into the Raptors' future.
He may be included in a deal for Minnesota's No. 2 pick. He would serve as a mentor for Ricky Rubio there. Sacramento, Detroit, Charlotte, Portland, and the Lakers will be other teams that come up in rumors.
Johnny Flynn, Timberwolves/Ramon Sessions, Cavs
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These two players are similar in that their teams' point guard situations will probably force these two to be dealt.
Ricky Rubio is finally joining Minnesota, where Luke Ridnour already plays. Flynn doesn't want to be a third-string guard.
The Cavs are likely drafting point guard Kyrie Irving. They probably won't be able to trade Baron Davis, so Sessions will be the odd man out. Daniel Gibson could also be headed elsewhere.
Sessions had a bounce-back season this year and played well. Flynn has struggled since being picked No. 6 in 2009, but still generates interest with his potential.
Omri Casspi, Kings
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Casspi has long been rumored to be unhappy in Sacramento.
With all the drama constantly surrounding their players, the Kings probably don't need an unhappy camper. They are reportedly looking at small forwards with their pick, and already have Donte Greene and Francisco Garcia at that position.
Those factors may spell the end of Casspi's tenure in Sacramento.
The trade market will be large for him. Every team can use shooting, which Casspi brings. And he has a large following among the Israeli and Jewish populations, which would be a boost for big market teams looking to drive attendance.
Because of his low rookie-scale salary, it would be easy to include him in a deal involving draft picks.
Both of the New York and LA teams will probably be among those making a play for Casspi.
Rip Hamilton and Ben Gordon, Pistons
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The Pistons' roster is a mess and could use some serious adjustment.
Hamilton has been one of the hottest names on the market for a long time. Detroit would like to get rid of him and his contract, but would likely have to sweeten the deal to find a taker. Cleveland is one potential landing spot with their trade exception.
Every team needs scoring, but Gordon may be redundant on the Pistons, and had a down year last year. Despite his big contract, anyone who is a threat to score 20, whether starting or coming off the bench, should have some demand.
One rumored move had Detroit using Gordon to move up from No. 8 to No. 2 in the draft. Minnesota needs veterans and a 2-guard.
Andre Miller, Trail Blazers
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Portland loves Andre Miller, who helped them make the playoffs the past two years.
Miller is generating interest around the league, though, and Portland is open to offers. Miller has a combination of veteran play and a valuable expiring contract that could be used by many teams.
One rumor had Portland moving up to get Kemba Walker using Miller. He could also be used in a larger deal for someone like Devin Harris or Raymond Felton.
He would be a good fit for teams looking to add experience, including Sacramento, Minnesota, Indiana, and Charlotte.
Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap, Jazz
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With Derrick Favors their long-term power forward, and Mehmet Okur at center, plus the likelihood they will draft a center or power forward at some point in the draft, there may not be room for both Millsap and Jefferson.
Millsap has been mentioned in trades for a while. Jefferson's name has been tossed around recently as well.
Despite his lack of size, there are a lot of teams that would probably like to have Millsap for his scoring and rebounding. Jefferson's efficient scoring and size would be attractive to a lot of teams, though his lack of defensive prowess and reported laziness may detract.
I would not expect both of these guys to last the month in Utah.
Devin Harris, Jazz
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Between Millsap and Jefferson, talk of moving draft picks, and Harris, this could be a busy time for the Jazz front office.
They supposedly were looking for trades for Harris after acquiring him last year, but simply ran out of time. Now they are looking at drafting a point guard with one of their picks, and Harris never really seemed to be part of their long-term plans.
Portland has long had interest in Harris. Charlotte, Orlando, and Houston could be among the interested parties.
Monta Eliis, Warriors
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The Warriors are looking to move in a new direction and are aiming for a playoff berth. While the small backcourt is fun to watch, Golden State will probably need to change that to win.
After a strong year last year, Ellis is looking to be the most likely trade chip. An Ellis-for-Andre Iguodala swap has been discussed.
If that doesn't happen, Golden State would like to get a big man out of the deal. There have been a lot of teams that have made contact about an Ellis trade. His scoring could give a team a real boost.
Bonus: Ellis, along with Andris Biedrins and Ekpe Udoh were offered for Dwight Howard. Guess you can't blame them for trying.
Chris Kaman, Clippers
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The Clippers are one piece, and some good health, away from a playoff run.
Kaman is a former All-Star (though perhaps that wasn't deserved) and gives them valuable front court depth. With the emergence of DeAndre Jordan, he may not be absolutely necessary anymore, and is a valuable trade chip.
With Blake Griffin, a top-five NBA player someday if he doesn't have injury issues, leading a strong core, all the Clippers really need is a strong veteran small forward.
Besides his size, Kaman's expiring contract makes him an attractive trade piece. A deal involving Iguodala has been discussed. Rudy Gay and Josh Smith are two other players they may look to acquire.
Andre Iguodala, Sixers
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Of all the top players, Iggy is probably the most likely to be traded soon. Though he is probably their top player, young guys Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young could step in and fill a lot of his role. AI2 may also be ready to move on.
Philly can use some size and some financial savings, and don't want the situation hanging over them during the summer. There have been a number of deals discussed.
Ellis has gotten a lot of mention, but I don't see that helping the Sixers much. A deal involving Kaman and another player or two has the most credibility in my estimation.
Iguodala is an elite defender and one of the best play-making forwards in the game.
Josh Smith
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The Hawks may have reached their ceiling in the Eastern Conference. With long-term commitments to Joe Johnson and Al Horford and the impending free agency of Jamal Crawford, Smith may be their most tradable asset.
The Hawks really would like to add a legitimate center to allow Horford to move to power forward. That is the first of several needs for them. If they lose Crawford and trade Smith, they are going to have to get some depth back as well.
A Smith-Kaman trade, probably including another Clipper, is one good option. He will probably be thrown in to the Nash rumors as well. New Jersey is among the other teams that would like to have him.
Andrew Bogut, Bucks
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I am a little surprised to put one of the top centers and most underrated players on here. It is hard to find big men of Bogut's caliber.
The Bucks have supposedly initiated trade talks to move up to the No. 2 using Bogut. If I was Minnesota, I would have agreed to that before the call was over.
I am sure if other teams think that the Aussie big man is available, Bucks GM John Hammond is going to need an unlimited phone package. Maybe his injury is a major concern.
While I don't know what specific deals would be talked about, I would imagine about 25 teams would be interested.
Others
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Steve Nash—Could Phoenix actually pull the trigger?
Raymond Felton—Will probably be traded by the end of next season.
Rudy Gay—Memphis flooded with offers after his injury and their subsequent playoff run.
Jameer Nelson—One of the few tradable pieces on an Orlando team that must improve.
J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varejao—Supposedly Cleveland would be willing to part with them.
Toney Douglas—New York is looking to be active and they don't have much else to offer.
And many more...
Should be an interesting week in the NBA. Any other names you have heard?
