NBA Trade Speculation: 12 Players That Need a Change of Scenery

With the NBA lockout underway, no trades will be made until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.

However, there are some guys that need to be moved to save the fate of their respective franchises, as well as their careers.

Some are too old to benefit a young core, and some are just old enough to bring experience to youthful squads. Other guys are blocked by starters and need a fresh start to increase their minutes.

No matter the reason, these guys need a fresh start, whether they know it or not.

12. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers

He’s constantly surfacing in trade rumors, as the 76ers are seeking more offensive prowess.

Iguodala could really help a contender and would make a lot of sense for the Golden State Warriors who have been without a strong defensive presence.

Don’t be surprised if he’s sent to the West Coast as the 76ers acquire…

11. Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors

Ellis put himself amongst the elite scorers in 2010-2011, averaging 24.1 points per game.

Any team he joins will immediately gain offensive fire power, though they’ll also have trouble defensively.

Ellis is emerging as one of the most exciting two-guards in the league, alongside…

10. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Westbrook is a raw talent who can go off on any night. The only problem is that there is already a dominant scorer on the Thunder in Kevin Durant.

The two players clashed at times during the playoffs and Oklahoma City looked like they would benefit more from a veteran guard, like….

9. Chauncey Billups, New York Knicks

Chauncey Billups, considered just a minor part of the trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to New York, has one year left on his contract with the Knicks.

New York is trying to build a championship contender, and while Billups is talented, he just doesn’t seem to fit into their fast pace offensive-minded style of play. 

There were rumors swirling that he didn’t want to go to New York in the first place, there are also rumors that involve the Knicks landing…

8. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

New York has expressed interest in forming their own “big three” and Chris Paul would be that final piece (who has expressed interest in joining the Knicks).

The move would pin New York against Miami as conference favorites for years to come. Even though Miami is in desperate need of a veteran guard like…

7. Andre Miller, Denver Nuggets

Miller is constantly dealt and constantly in trade rumors, but Denver just doesn’t seem like a proper fit.

Miller would bring a veteran presence to a Miami team that showed they really needed it in the 2011 playoffs.

Miller wouldn’t cost the Heat too much, leaving Miami a big man away from a near perfect starting five. Too bad they won’t have the cap room for a guy like…

6. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard’s contract has just a year left and he’s refused to re-sign with the Magic to this point.

He wants a long-term deal and he wants to be part of a major market. If the Orlando front office doesn’t put the right players around him, he could easily walk away. 

There aren’t many other true big men left in the NBA. One who might actually make sense in a trade would be….

5. Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets

He is supposed to be the future of the Nets, but they’re getting desperate. They need to keep Deron Williams happy and adding a guy like Dwight Howard would do just that.

Howard might be difficult to convince, but the Magic will be hard-pressed to find better value in a trade if the Nets are willing to ship Brook Lopez along with some valuable draft picks.

If the Nets can’t land Howard, they should keep Brook and look into a guy like…

4. Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies

Even though Zach Randolph just signed a four-year extension to remain in Memphis, he has been getting himself into trouble off the court.

The Grizzlies have talent, but he might jump at the opportunity to return to New York when the Nets move to Brooklyn.

In spite of the fresh contract, Randolph would also make sense in a deal for…

3. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics

Paul Pierce has been a Celtic his entire career, but all that seems to be ending.

Boston wants to build a new core around Rajon Rondo and Pierce won’t be in the league for much longer.

Ray Allen and Garnett will likely be gone after 2012, which means now would be a could time to trade Pierce and bring in a younger piece like Randolph or…

2. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder

Serge Ibaka proved his worth in the 2011 playoffs. The 22-year-old is a blocking machine and is a dominant defender in the post.

It is extremely unlikely that the Thunder will part ways with him, but by adding Kendrick Perkins last season, Ibaka is blocked from the starting roster.

He’d replace Perkins in Boston and could grow with Rondo for years to come. If the Celtics can’t pull in Ibaka, they should look towards…

1. Emeka Okafor, New Orleans Hornets

Emeka Okafor would be a great help to any team looking for a strong presence in the post. If Chris Paul and David West leave the Hornets, he’s going to want out.

Okafor is in the prime of his career and will want to be in a situation where he can win like he did in UConn.

Where better than for New England’s team, the Boston Celtics?

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