NBA Trade Speculation: Most Enticing Target from Every Team

If there's one thing I love about NBA trades, it's their unpredictability. More often than not, players thought to be untouchable are dealt to different teams and the fans are thus shocked. Honestly, am I the only one who was caught completely off guard last season when Deron Williams was traded from the Utah Jazz to the New Jersey Nets?

Currently, the NBA is in a lockout that has no end in sight. Translation: there is no free agency, teams cannot talk to the players under any circumstances and most importantly, no trades can occur until a new collective bargaining agreement is in place.

Given how the lockout is the result of way too many bad contracts given out under the last CBA, it's a pretty safe bet that trades will be happening left and right once a new labor deal is agreed upon. Each team is full of valuable assets, so let's jump right in.

Here is each NBA team's most enticing player that other teams could target in a trade.

Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith

Since the team drafted him out of high school back in 2004, Josh Smith has become one of the most iconic forwards in the NBA. Simply put, the man can do it all. He can shoot, play defense and is a devastating shot blocker. He has been a key contributor to the Hawks' recent successes.

Yet, Smith is an expensive talent to keep around. He has two years remaining on a five-year deal worth about $58 million and considering how 22 of 30 teams have lost money, he could prove difficult to move.

Still, Smith is the kind of player who is capable of turning a franchise from a pretender into a contender.  It's realistic to think that some team could put together a package and ultimately trade for him.

Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo is the point guard that coaches dream about. He drives hard to the basket, is an effective passer and plays incredible defense. In fact, I'll go so far as to say that Rondo is the best rebounding point guard in the NBA.

Like Smith, the one snag in trading Rondo is his contract. He is in the middle of a five-year deal worth $55 million and despite his talents, teams will be hesitant to take it on. However, given the rough-and-tumble relationship between Rondo and Celtics GM Danny Ainge, the idea of the two-time All-Star being traded holds a little water.

Yet, Rondo is too important to the Celtics on both sides of the hardwood to simply be traded at the drop of a hat. Ainge will field offers, but will ultimately keep the former Kentucky Wildcat.

Charlotte Bobcats: Boris Diaw

Boris Diaw is a type of forward I like to call a chameleon. On one particular night, he could be used as a big man. On another, he could be a scoring threat. Last season, he averaged 11.3 points and five rebounds per game while shooting 34 percent from three-point range.

What makes Diaw an attractive trade candidate, besides his skills on the court, is his contract. He is in the final year of a $45 million deal and with the physical Tyrus Thomas coming back, Diaw could become expendable.

With his versatility, he could definitely find himself on a new team next season.

Chicago Bulls: Carlos Boozer

Now that you're all probably done with the "Carlos Boozer????  What?!?!?!?!??!" exclamations, let me explain myself.  Boozer was expected to be the big man who would complement point guard Derrick Rose when he signed a maximum level contract with the Chicago Bulls last offseason. Despite missing 23 games with injuries, Boozer still averaged 17.5 points and 9.6 rebounds.

Yet, in the playoffs, Boozer just disappeared. The rebounds were there with 9.7 a game, but his scoring was off as he averaged just 12.6 points. Simply put, Boozer looked lost.

He is the type of player that other teams would kill to have, but his contract just doesn't make him a viable option at this point. Yet, the Nets broke the bank to land Deron Williams, so perhaps another team will do the same for Boozer.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Ramon Sessions

Given the crowded situation at point guard in Cleveland, one man has to be the odd man out. Kyrie Irving is the No. 1 overall pick and has lots of potential and Baron Davis is a valuable leader who could mentor Irving. That leaves Ramon Sessions, who has two years remaining on a $16 million contract.

Sessions is not a bad point guard by any means, but he definitely does not have what it takes to get the Cavaliers back to their winning ways. He is an average point guard with average skills. Given some teams' needs at the point, he will surely be the subject of conversations between GMs.

Dallas Mavericks: Shawn Marion

When he was with the Phoenix Suns, Shawn Marion was someone who could do it all. He had a great (albeit unconventional) shot, could crash the boards very effectively for someone just 6'7" and was overall just an electrifying player.

Yet, as the Mike D'Antoni era came to a close, Marion found himself traded to the Miami Heat and then the Toronto Raptors before signing a five-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Last season, Marion was a key component off the bench for the Mavs as they went on to defeat the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

That being said, despite having slowed down at age 33, Marion has proven that he can still be a valuable asset. Teams in need of a swingman could surely use his services, but may balk at the three years remaining on his $39 million contract.

Denver Nuggets: Danilo Gallinari

Last season, before the ghost of Isiah Thomas reared its ugly head in New York, it appeared that Danilo Gallinari had finally reached his full potential. He had improved his defense, was an electrifying three-point shooter and was making a case to stay in New York for a long time.

Then, he went to the Denver Nuggets in the Carmelo Anthony trade. He continued to shine in Denver, averaging 14.7 points and shooting 37 percent from downtown. It appeared that for the remaining two seasons left on his contract, he would be in Denver.

Yet, Gallinari has proven that he is the type of player who can be the focus of a team. Upon getting to Denver, he often put the team on his back in close games. He faltered a bit in the playoffs, but it was his first trip so we can't fault him too much.

Look for Denver GM Masai Ujiri to get many calls about the man called "The Rooster."

Detroit Pistons: Richard Hamilton

Last season was one to forget for Richard Hamilton. He was benched for the first couple months of the season after repeatedly clashing with coach John Kuester, played in just 55 games and more than once asked to be traded.

Well, Kuester has been fired and replaced with Lawrence Frank, someone who actually respects his players. That being said, Hamilton could be persuaded to stay.

Even if he still wishes to leave Detroit, there are many teams who could use Hamilton's talents. He is a fine shooter both on the inside and from long range. He has about $24 million remaining on his contract over the course of two years, so it's realistic that Detroit could work out a deal with another team.

Golden State Warriors: Monta Ellis

Over the past four seasons, Monta Ellis has established himself as one of the top shooters in the NBA.  Last season, he averaged 24.1 points in about 40 minutes per game. Sadly, shooting is just about all that Ellis could do.

Any trade that the Warriors make involving Ellis would be a salary move. The 25-year-old is due $33 million over the next three seasons and with the Warriors far from contention at this point, the idea of trading Ellis and handing the reins over to point guard Stephen Curry or newcomer Klay Thompson becomes more attractive each day.

The Warriors' biggest need is at center and with the many good ones out there, it's a surefire bet that they could use Ellis to make a big move.

Houston Rockets: Kevin Martin

Kevin Martin is a lot like Monta Ellis. He can shoot, and that's about it. Last year, in his first full season with Houston, he averaged 23.5 points per game.

Yet, the Rockets failed to make the postseason and underachieved again. This team is without a leader and while Martin could be the man to step up, his game is just too one-sided. With many teams in need of a shooter, he could find himself on the trading block.

He has just under $25 million remaining over the final two years of his contract and if the Rockets can find a buyer for Martin and in return receive a player who can do more than just shoot, they could find themselves back as contenders in the always competitive Western Conference.

Indiana Pacers: Roy Hibbert

7'2" center Roy Hibbert finally became a full-time starter last season and posted career highs in all major categories (12.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks). He was a key component of the Pacers squad that made it to the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, where they lost to the Chicago Bulls.

However, as talented as Hibbert is, he's going to demand a big contract as he continues to improve. If the stats keep on going up, he's going to be asking for money that the Pacers just don't have. He has one year left on his deal before he becomes a restricted free agent, at which point the Pacers could find themselves between a rock and a hard place.

It would be better for the team to start listening to deals for Hibbert now, as many teams out there need a tough big man who can be a dominating presence in the middle.  With Hibbert's long arms, there is definitely a buyer out there.

Los Angeles Clippers: Randy Foye

Randy Foye, despite being the No. 7 pick in the 2006 draft, has flown under the radar his entire career.  He has never had the opportunity to start and has played limited minutes for the most part.

However, when Foye does get minutes, he is a monster on the floor. Back in January, his lowly Clippers played against the New York Knicks and won 116-108. A big part of why the Clippers won was because the Knicks just could not contain Foye. The former Villanova Wildcat finished the game with 24 points while shooting 4-of-7 from three-point range.

Given his expiring and relatively cheap contract, Foye is an extremely attractive target. If given the minutes, he has proven that he has what it takes to be a top guard in the league. With his incredible athleticism, teams would be insane to pass on him.

Los Angeles Lakers: Lamar Odom

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is another guy on this list who can simply do it all. He can shoot on the inside, be deadly from long range and be a dominating presence on defense. Simply put, Lamar Odom is the man.

He has two years remaining on his contract, one of which is a team option, and given the Lakers need to get younger and bring in fresh faces, Odom could find himself leaving the City of Angels.

The main reason the Lakers would trade Odom at this point would be primarily because he was a non-factor in the playoffs last season. He averaged 12 points a game, but the outside shooting just wasn't there. He's only 31 and can still play, but the Lakers just looked old last season and need to bring in some fresh talent.

Sadly, Odom is the one man who can help bring that in, by being traded.

Memphis Grizzlies: Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol is an interesting man to have on this list because he is technically a restricted free agent.  The Grizzlies will be able to extend him a qualifying offer of $4.4 million once the lockout ends, but it's a near certainty that Gasol will depart for greener pastures.

He had a career season last year and was even better in the playoffs, so the demand for him will be high.  With offers flowing in and Memphis unable to give him big money,  a sign-and-trade could be imminent.

In that case, whichever team wins the Gasol sweepstakes will be gaining a dominant center who could prove to be the missing piece to the puzzle.

Miami Heat: Chris Bosh

Last year, in terms of Miami's Big Three, Chris Bosh was the odd man out in comparison to Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. He averaged 18.7 points and 8.3 rebounds, but his offensive stats made a big jump only because he openly complained about his role in the offense.

In the postseason, Bosh posted similar numbers, but his defensive effort was disappointing. He isn't a bad player by any means but in Miami, he will always be the second banana to LeBron and D-Wade.

However, Bosh is near impossible to trade because of his maximum-level contract. Unless Miami can find a team wiling to take on all of that money, Bosh will remain in South Beach.

Milwaukee: Brandon Jennings

Despite an impressive rookie season, Brandon Jennings slightly regressed in his sophomore campaign.  He upped his scoring average to 16.2 points per game, but also took way too many bad shots.

The Milwaukee Bucks brought in Stephen Jackson before the lockout, and my guess is that they did so to encourage Jennings to pass the ball more often than he shoots. Still, I'm convinced that Jennings could be on his way out if the Bucks don't contend next season.

When I watch the man play, I see a rawer Chauncey Billups. Despite starting at point guard, Jennings is a natural shooter. He'll become great eventually, but it will take time.

Many teams in the league need shooters they can develop and with two years remaining on his contract, Jennings could prove to be a very attractive target.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Michael Beasley

Michael Beasley had a career season his first year in Minnesota, averaging 19.5 points per game. Yet, now that Kevin Love is awaiting an extension and Derrick Williams is set to bring the Timberwolves back to the playoffs, Beasley could be the odd man out.

Given how Beasley is, believe it or not, the highest paid player on the team with a $6.2 million salary along with the fact that his contract is up at the end of this season, he will almost certainly be traded. He could prove hard to move because of his reputation for having an attitude.

Still, as evidenced by last season, even players with bad attitudes can prove to be talented and at age 22, Beasley has a bright future ahead of him. Teams in need of a forward who can shoot would be crazy not to take a look at him.

New Jersey Nets: Brook Lopez

I'm going to be honest, folks. The New Jersey Nets don't really have any attractive targets save for Deron Williams, and you know that team management won't give him up unless the season gets off to a horrible start like it did last year. The next best player behind him is center Brook Lopez, and even he isn't that great of a player.

Keep in mind, Lopez is 7'0" and averaged 20.4 points per game last season. However, he averaged just six rebounds. That's unacceptable given his size.

What Lopez needs is a coach who stresses defense and physicality because at 7'0" and 265 pounds, Lopez is a beast center in the making.  At this point, he looks like just another Amare Stoudemire in that he has a pretty shot, but his defense is at best average.

On top of that, as evidenced by the Williams trade, owner Mikhail Prokhorov has no problem trading young talent for seasoned veterans.  If Dwight Howard should become available, don't be surprised if Lopez is mentioned in a potential deal.

New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul

There is no doubt about this one. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the NBA. He can shoot the ball effectively, is one of the best passers in the game and his defense is off the hook.

Yet, Paul has the misfortune of playing for the New Orleans Hornets who despite making the playoffs last season, are an absolute mess. The team is pretty much broke and owned by the NBA and if things don't improve, could potentially fold. Thus, Paul has every reason to bolt for another team.

The upcoming season will be Paul's contract season and if the Hornets do badly down the stretch, he could find himself traded. Given the multitude of his talent, the offers will be in great numbers.

New York Knicks: Landry Fields

A second-round pick in the 2010 draft, Landry Fields went from being a star at Stanford to a fan-favorite in New York. Immediately inserted into the starting lineup, he reminded me a lot of former San Antonio Spurs forward Bruce Bowen. He played unbelievable defense and crashed the boards more than any other guard I've seen and when you least expected it, he would drain a three-pointer that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Yet, after the Carmelo Anthony trade, Fields' production declined. He was essentially a non-factor down the stretch and averaged just 1.8 points per game in the playoffs. Ironically, the Nuggets pushed hard for him when negotiating with the Knicks about Anthony.

Still, Fields has a team-friendly contract in the fact that he is making less than $1 million this season and will then become a free agent. Also, a 39 percent three-point percentage is hard to ignore. If the Knicks are looking to acquire a big name, don't be surprised if Fields ends up in the discussion.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook

Last season, Russell Westbrook established himself as one of the top point guards in the league. The Thunder made it to the playoffs as a No. 4 seed and were eliminated by the soon-to-be champion Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Many blamed the team's poor performance in the series on Westbrook, who took more bad shots than normal and didn't dish the ball off to Kevin Durant as he had during the regular season.

He has one year left on his contract before becoming a restricted free agent and if things don't change, he could find himself on a new team. Given his ankle-breaking crossovers and dunking ability, it would be surprising if teams chose not to inquire about him.

Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard

Late last season, Dwight Howard stated his desire to remain with the Orlando Magic. However, he also said he intended to test the free-agent market once his contract expired at the close of the 2011-2012 campaign. 

Given how the Magic haven't been able to win a title despite having the best center in the NBA and have brought in talented pieces to help him, Howard could be motivated to find a new home if the upcoming season ends in disappointment.

This could be the cue for rival GMs to call and make offers for the man known as "Superman," as he has the ability to average 20 points and 20 boards a game and whichever team he ends up on will become an immediate contender.

If Orlando falters this upcoming season, look for Howard to be dealt.

Philadelphia 76ers: Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala has been with the Sixers for seven seasons and while showing flashes of potential on occasion, has proven to be nothing more than a shooter. Last season, he was plagued by injuries and the fans seemed to be fed up with him as the team made the playoffs, but lost to the Miami Heat in the first round. In that series, Iguodala averaged just 11.4 points.

Look at it this way. Iguodala has over $30 million remaining on his contract, which has two years left plus a player option. At this rate, while the Sixers have a boatload of young talent, the former Arizona Wildcat isn't going to be the one to lead them to glory.

He's a fine shooting forward, but not a leader. Still, teams in need of offense could find him useful.

Phoenix Suns: Steve Nash

At this point, Steve Nash is the one redeeming quality about the Phoenix Suns. Besides him, the team is just plain bad as it features an over-the-hill Vince Carter and a group of ragtag players who are inconsistent at best. Still, despite being 37 years old, Nash has proven that he can still play the game as though he were 27.

Nash is a great point guard in the fact that he is not afraid to share the ball. Last season, he averaged 11.4 assists per game. That's well above his career average of 8.5.

If Phoenix falls out of contention early next season, don't be surprised to see teams like the Knicks or Heat inquire about Nash's services.

Portland Trail Blazers: Brandon Roy

Due $30 million over the next two years, the odds of Brandon Roy being traded are slim to one. Still, it stands to reason that the Blazers front office could become fed up with his injury problems and look to deal him. Let me put it this way. In five seasons, Roy has only played in more than 70 games twice.

On top of that, with the drafting of Nolan Smith and the emergence of Wesley Matthews, Roy could become expendable in the Rose City. He has what it takes to be an elite guard, but his health is always an issue.

Still, when Roy is on, he is ON. Teams in need of a shooter who can both drive to the rim and attack from the outside could definitely work out a deal for him.

Sacramento Kings: Marcus Thornton

At the start of last season, Marcus Thornton was a non-factor for the New Orleans Hornets. He played just 16 minutes a game and averaged 7.8 points. Then, he was traded to the Kings for Carl Landry, and everything changed.

Thornton got the opportunity to play regularly in Sacramento, averaging 38 minutes per contest. His stats skyrocketed and in 27 games for the Kings, he averaged 21.3 points.

He is a restricted free agent this offseason, which brings up the possibility of a sign-and-trade. I don't know about you, but I'd be all over Thornton if I was a GM whose team needed a shooter. He proved in his time with Sacramento that he can be effective so long as he is given the opportunity to play and if a team has a hole at shooting guard, Thornton could be the one who answers the bell.

San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker

Tony Parker is an interesting trade candidate because just before last season, he inked a four-year extension with the Spurs worth about $50 million. The 29-year-old had an effective year, averaging 17.5 points and 6.6 assists as the Spurs went on to playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

Yet, the playoffs proved to be disappointing. The Spurs looked old and were eliminated by the No. 8 Memphis Grizzlies. If the team is indeed old, it's time to look younger and bring in a more conservative point guard.

As good as Parker is, he tends to be the shoot-first type. With teams like the Knicks and Heat in the hunt for a point guard who can pass well and also shoot effectively, he could find his way out of the Lonestar State and into a new uniform if the right offer was made for him.

Toronto Raptors: Jose Calderon

I'm going to be honest, people. The Toronto Raptors are so unbelievably bad that it was hard to find any players on the team that other GMs would like to have. After perusing the roster, it dawned on me that if I were a rival GM, I would want the most consistent contributor on the team. That man is point guard Jose Calderon.

On paper, Calderon appears average. Last year, he averaged just 9.8 points and 8.9 assists per game.  Still, he also shot 36 percent from long range and even showed flashes of potential on defense.

Like I said before, the Raptors do not have many attractive targets. Yet, if I were looking to deal with them, I'd go after Calderon.

Utah Jazz: Paul Millsap

At 6'8" and 250 pounds, Paul Millsap definitely looks like he would be a dominant presence.  On the court, he lives up to that idea. Last year, he averaged 17.3 points and 7.6 rebounds as the starting power forward for the Utah Jazz.

While Millsap is great, the Jazz have second-year player Derrick Favors waiting in the wings. Given MIllsap's $14 million salary due over the next two seasons, he could become a valuable trade chip if Favors starts playing like he did in college.

With the Jazz not expected to compete this coming season, what with the impending departure of Andrei Kirilenko and the general inexperience around the roster, the idea of trading Millsap becomes more and more likely each day.

Washington Wizards: Nick Young

Again, we have another RFA to talk about. Nick Young has spent his entire four-year career with the Wizards since being drafted out of USC. Last season, he finally broke out. In 64 games (the rest missed due to injury), Young averaged 17.4 points while shooting an incredible 39 percent from downtown.

With the drafting of Shelvin Mack and emergence of Jordan Crawford, the latter of whom took over most of Young's minutes over the final month of the season, the former Trojan could become expendable. As talented as he is, he is just a shooter and the Wizards need to become less shooters and more well-rounded.

When push comes to shove, a sign-and-trade could be imminent.  As I said before, many teams out there need shooters and if Young is available, they will come-a-knocking.