NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors, 76ers and Other Teams That Would Benefit from Trades

NBA Trade Rumors Speculate Teams That Should Make Trades

The looming NBA lockout will prevent teams from signing players or making trades. That doesn't mean all the discussion just ends, because there are several teams that need to get better.

Unfortunately, the weaker NBA teams will have to wait quite awhile to try to improve their team. Nobody knows how long the NBA lockout will last, but they're hoping it doesn't ruin the upcoming season.

Trade rumors will still take place despite the lockout. There are a few teams that really need to make a move this offseason if they expect to make a run next season. 

So which teams desperately need to make a trade? Which NBA franchises will benefit most from a trade?

Golden State Warriors: Monta Ellis is one of the biggest names in the trade rumors. Recent reports indicate that the team is not trying to trade Ellis.

However, they need to think twice about that.

Once the lockout is lifted, NBA teams will be very quick to make a deal. Because Ellis is one of the hottest names on the market, the Warriors will get great value for him.

Golden State isn't going to get anywhere in the Western Conference if they don't change the team around.

New head coach Mark Jackson wants to bring a new approach to the Warriors. Jackson wants Golden State to be a tough, aggressive and defensive team. In order for that to happen, they will need to acquire some solid defenders.

The Warriors just drafted Klay Thompson, which means they can afford to use Ellis as trade bait to get better as an overall team.

Ellis may be the best player on the team, but sometimes sacrifices need to be made for the team can get better as a whole. Besides, other players can step it up in his absence. 

Philadelphia 76ers: Andre Iguodala is the 76ers' trade bait, and the team has been trying to trade him for quite sometime now.

The 76ers are an improving team, but if they want to make a serious run in the Eastern Conference, they need to acquire a player that can score with ease.

The 76ers would benefit greatly from dealing Iguodala for a player that will take over this team. No player on the 76ers roster averaged higher than 15 points per game.

If Philadelphia wants to become a threat in the Eastern Conference they will do what it takes to obtain a scoring machine.

Atlanta Hawks: That Hawks are never going to get past the second round unless they change their team up. They have a power forward playing center in Al Horford, which is hurting the longevity of his career. They need to find a true center to compete in the Eastern Conference. 

Josh Smith is their best trade bait, and even though he said he doesn't want to be traded, the Hawks have gotten all they can from him.

Atlanta does face a dilemma because if they lose Jamal Crawford in free agency, then they will be very hesitant to trade Smith. At that point I would go ahead and deal Smith and dismantle the team.

The best way for Atlanta to improve is to get rid of the players that are holding them back. Smith has always had the potential to be amazing, but he has never fully lived up to his potential.

Atlanta needs to trade him while his value is still high.

Orlando Magic: If the Magic want to make sure Dwight Howard signs a contract extension then they have to bring him help. They thought they made the right move last season, but it backfired when the Magic failed to make it out of the first round of the playoffs. 

Howard is the only player on Orlando's roster that is worth anything. It's not going to be easy for the Magic, but if they want to keep the best center in the NBA on their team, then they must acquire better talent to surround Howard with.

The Magic will also look to free agency, but they are better off dumping Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu and others. If they could somehow acquire Ellis, then that would certainly make Howard happy.

In the end, I think the Magic will surprise us all again after a month or two into the season with a big trade. It will mess with the team chemistry, but if it's a very talented player that will make Howard sign a new contract, then it's worth it.

These are a few teams that would greatly benefit from a trade, but after midnight tonight they will have to wait for quite sometime.

However, if these teams are smart they will continue to discuss their options during the lockout, and once it is over they will rush to make a killer deal.