NBA Trade Rumors and Speculation: Bold Landing Spots for Top-Rumored Players

One of the greatest potential losses in losing all of next season is not seeing where players like Dwight Howard, Monta Ellis and Carlos Boozer start and/or finish the year.

Prior to the NBA lockout, rumors were running rampant regarding the future of numerous players who looked to be on the trading block or had the potential to wind up there. Scenarios were thrown around and theories as to where they would land next were formulated.

While such rumors and speculation are in the not-so-distant past, they are behind us all the same. Earlier rumors are all we basically have to go on until this greed-induced lockout concludes, but there is still the potential for teams that were not necessarily the favorites, nor even on the radar, for the top-rumored players to enter the fold and walk away with a highly coveted athlete.

Will the Orlando Magic move Dwight Howard?

Are the Golden State Warriors still open to shopping Monta Ellis?

Is there a team who willy pry Steve Nash away from the Phoenix Suns?

With these questions, among others, in mind let's take a look at the current situation regarding the top-rumored players, and take a shot at predicting an even bolder landing spot for each.

Andre Iguodala

The ever versatile Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers is a player who has been thought to be on the trade block for quite some time, more recently being linked to the Golden State Warriors in a swap for Monta Ellis.

Golden State clearly has a need for defense, and Iguodala brings just that as well as some scoring potential to the table, yet is this the team Iguodala and his 14.1 points, 6.3 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game are going to ultimately wind up with?

Before the lockout, talks died down between the two parties, which leaves an array of other possible landing spots for the shooting guard. Many teams are in a limbo at the 2-guard position, and even more teams would cherish the versatile nature of Iguodala.

The Los Angeles Lakers are a team that has been linked to Iguodala also, but they were never viewed as favorites, and it's likely it remains that way. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves are a different story.

Minnesota was briefly linked to Iguodala rumors prior to the NBA draft, and their need for a shooting guard could lead to a revival of talks. The Timberwolves no longer have Jonny Flynn to dangle, but Michael Beasley is still there and the 76ers could either decide to favor him over Elton Brand, or even try to play the two together.

Iguodala could prove to be the missing piece Minnesota needs to pair alongside Kevin Love to enter playoff contention. He is a great defender and an efficient passer who is able to run the point if needed.

Talks regarding Iguodala cooled off in general as we headed into the lockout, but look for them to heat up again once business-as-usual resumes. And look for the Timberwolves to become major players in the sweepstakes.

Prediction: Andre Iguodala to the Minnesota Timberwolves

Tony Parker

The San Antonio Spurs were believed to be actively shopping point guard Tony Parker prior to the NBA draft after he admitted that he thought the team was "no longer" title contenders.

Teams that were believed to have entered negotiations at the time were the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings, but in the end, no deal came to fruition. Many believe that the Spurs will hold onto Parker to help them make at least one more title run, in addition to the fact that it is unlikely they could find equal value for him.

This aside though, the Spurs will probably at least continue to gauge league-wide interest in the 29 -year-old, just to see what they could get in return. What team is going to come knocking thunderously on their door?

The Los Angeles Lakers. 

Los Angeles is looking to pair another star with Kobe Bryant and while most will push for them to acquire Dwight Howard, Deron Williams or Chris Paul, Parker may become a more realistic target.

In order to acquire either Howard or Paul, the Lakers would have to almost certainly give up both Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum, but in the case of Parker, it may only have to cost them Odom, plus fillers, like Matt Barnes or Derek Fisher just to make salaries match and draft picks.

San Antonio could use a competent power forward to pair with Duncan for the remainder of his career, and while Bynum would be a promising addition, he and Duncan are unlikely to mesh well, especially if Duncan plays beyond next season.

Additionally, Parker makes arguably more sense for the Lakers than Howard. Bynum is not an incompetent center, and while Howard is an upgrade, such a deal still leaves Los Angeles with a hole at the point guard position.

Why not fill that position instead with a player who will come cheaper? After all, the point guard is the one who's job it is to feed Bryant the ball. Parker would do just that and be good for around 17.5 points and 6.6 assists in the process.

Prediction: Tony Parker to the Los Angeles Lakers

Monta Ellis

Monta Ellis has been linked to an array of trade rumors, the more serious ones involving the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers, but the Golden State Warriors have spoken to other teams about the scoring-savvy guard as well.

The Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls are all other teams that seemed to have entertained, albeit briefly, the idea of acquiring Ellis. So while the Lakers and 76ers emerged as early favorites, there are other potential destinations.

The Grizzlies are an extremely notable one. Memphis had an impressive postseason run, and the thinking is that with the return of Rudy Gay next season, they should be able to reach the next level. Ellis and his 24.1 points and 5.6 assists per game would prove to be even more assurance of that though.

Who would Memphis have to relinquish? The Warriors are in need of some defense, and OJ Mayo would provide just that as well as some extra scoring. He alone would not be enough, but a good starting point. The Warriors may ask the Grizzlies to include Rudy Gay or Mike Conley, but may also prefer a first rounder.

It is unclear how much Golden State wants in return for Ellis, but it is unlikely they let him go for just Mayo. Gay would add defense and scoring as well, but his bloated contract and health issues would be of slight concern, and they may not want to add Conley into an already offensively crowded backcourt.

Perhaps a sign and trade giving Shane Battier slightly more money over a shorter period of time would do the trick. He may be 33, but he is a stellar defender and if Golden State feels that David Lee, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are more than capable of picking up the offensive slack, Mark Jackson may embrace such a deal that gives him two strong defenders on the perimeter.

What it would take to get Ellis is uncertain, but its clear the Grizzlies have options, and the ability to transition Ellis in seamlessly. A backcourt duo of Mike Conley and Ellis would prove to be very dangerous, certainly one of the best in the league.  

If Memphis is able to retain Marc Gasol, Ellis may prove to be the missing piece needed to propel this team to a championship level. Expect them to make a strong push for Ellis after the lockout.

Prediction: Monta Ellis to Memphis Grizzlies

Rudy Gay

We have been told that Rudy Gay is not being shopped by the Memphis Grizzlies, yet he has somehow found his way into trade rumors, being linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers prior to the NBA draft.

Gay averaged 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks in 54 games last season. He has four years remaining on his contract and would provide a team with a young, balanced weapon on both ends of the floor.

Given that Monta Ellis was predicted to go to the Grizzlies in the previous slide, it may make sense that Gay be a part of that deal and wind up with the Golden State Warriors, especially since the foundation for such a package was even reported back in June.

However, with the just as young and capable Dorell Wright, the Warriors asking price for Ellis may not be as high as Gay; OJ Mayo and draft picks, and a small sign and trade with Shane Battier could prove enough to get that deal done.

Where does that leave us with Gay? Talking about the Dallas Mavericks.

With Caron Butler now aging, an injury risk, and a free agent, the Mavs could be in the market for a younger small forward. And after acquiring Ellis and the emergence of Tony Allen as a promising youngster last season, the Grizzlies may be inclined to trade Gay to a team like Dallas for a reasonable price.

Memphis could use a backup point guard, so the inclusion of Rodrigue Beaubois or a sign-and-trade with J.J. Barea would be a good starting point. Maybe the Mavs also include Corey Brewer, some draft picks and possibly even the expiring contracts of Jason Kidd or Jason Terry.

Dallas would prefer to keep their two veteran point guards and would be delighted if the Grizzlies had any interest in the defensive minded Shawn Marion instead. His contract is enormous, but his defense is invaluable.

It's unclear what they would exactly have to give up, but the Mavericks do have the ability to offer an array of packages for Gay and the Grizzlies may be apt to listening considering he is becoming more expendable day.

Trade rumors involving Gay are going to heat up once the lockout concludes and expect the Mavs to become major suitors for the 25-year-old small forward.

Prediction: Rudy Gay to Dallas Mavericks 

Lamar Odom

Building upon the previous slide, let's take a look at Lamar Odom's situation. The reigning sixth man of the year has been linked to the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, in the Los Angeles Lakers attempt to acquire any kind of star to pair with Kobe Bryant.

Odom averaged 14.4 points and 8.7 rebounds last season and he seems to be the Lakers' ticket to acquiring a second superstar. While he is a capable defender, strong rebounder and intelligent offensive player, he is probably one of the most undervalued players in the league.

Or perhaps not, considering teams are after him in any deals where they relinquish a star player.

As noted in the previous slide, Los Angeles may shift their attention to Tony Parker, once other plans fall through. Such a deal would mean Odom would wind up with the San Antonio Spurs, which is not a terrible situation for him to be in.

Odom would compliment Duncan in the low-post quite nicely, and if Gary Neal continues to improve, Manu Ginobili continues to score and Richard Jefferson does anything at all, there would not be to big a drop off in San Antonio's production.

After having such a solid season, it is unfortunate that Odom not only found his way into trade rumors at all, but they he seems to be just a consolation prize in the process.

Regardless, under the circumstances and context that Odom is acquired, he will ultimately wind up going where the newest Lakers' addition is coming from. In this case that would be with the Spurs.

Prediction: Lamar Odom to San Antonio Spurs

Carlos Boozer

After a disappointing postseason display, the Chicago Bulls may be exploring trade options regarding power forward Carlos Boozer.

Prior to the draft, Chicago was apparently extremely concerned with his performance and willing to move one of their first round picks to rid themselves of his contract.

While Boozer's postseason excursion was less than impressive, he still had himself a solid season, averaging 17.5 points and 9.6 rebounds in the 59 games he played. These are numbers that may not exactly warrant a trade, but the Bulls are concerned about his health after last year and they also have the more than capable Taj Gibson to fill in if they ship Boozer out.

Teams like the Magic are thought to be interested in Boozer and while such a landing spot is a viable destination, as long as Chicago is looking for a straight up salary dump, there are other teams that could come into the mix.

How about the Denver Nuggets? There is a better than good chance that Denver lets Kenyon Martin walk in free agency, and Nene Hilario may opt to head for greener pastures. Even if Nene does stay though, Boozer remains a good option for the Nuggets.

Chicago is in need of a competent shooting guard, and a sign and trade involving either J.R. Smith (if he remains stateside). Or, Arron Afflalo will be something the Bulls would be very interested in. They may be so interested that they would be willing to take back Al Harrington in return if Denver was looking to cut a few more dollars from the payroll.

The Nuggets are in need of a strong low-post scorer even if Nene stays. Harrington is instant offense, but he is better served on the perimeter. Boozer's contract may not be appealing, but after relieving themselves of Martin, they may be amenable to taking it on.

Additionally, Boozer arguably gives Denver the star quality talent that they have been lacking since Carmelo Anthony jumped ship. 

Is this scenario currently being explored? Not that we know of, but it eventually could be.

Prediction: Carlos Boozer to the Denver Nuggets

Josh Smith

Josh Smith is a player who seems almost certain to be moved once the lockout concludes, being that the Atlanta Hawks began strongly shopping the forward just before it.

Smith averaged 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season. He is a very strong defender and can be a prolific scorer. His attitude is of some concern, but not much in a league where versatile power forwards are not exactly prevalent.

The Orlando Magic are reportedly very interested in Smith, and given that Atlanta is a team with forwards to spare, they could be looking for strictly a salary dump, making this a possibility. However, Orlando's roster is so complex that even such a simple wish to grant could prove to be nearly impossible to manage.

If not the Magic then who? The New Jersey Nets.

The Nets are a team that seems to be associated with many trade possibilities, just not very seriously. Yet they have the capability to provide cap relief and draft picks to the Hawks, the most important ingredients for Atlanta in any trade concoction.

With Deron Williams, Josh Smith and Brook Lopez, the Nets becomes a team to beat in the Eastern Conference, which is why they will certainly explore this deal. Not to mention that Atlanta is in need of a center and the Nets would be willing to part with the young Johan Petro in any negotiations.

Atlanta seems determined to move Josh Smith and does not seem to be seeking a high value in return. Don't sleep on the Nets in this one.

Prediction: Josh Smith to the New Jersey Nets. 

Steve Nash

The Phoenix Suns explored a trade that would sent Steve Nash to the Minnesota Timberwolves prior to the NBA draft. They also have fielded inquiries from the New York Knicks regarding the point guard's availability.

Any deal with Timberwolves seems to be dead, but the Knicks remain strong candidates since they are able to offer another expiring contract in return with Chauncey Billups, along with rookie Iman Shumpert, an athlete who the Suns coveted prior to the draft.

While Knicks are still very strong candidates, they would not be a very bold prediction at this point. The Los Angeles Clippers would though.

The Clippers are in need of a prolific point guard who can help them contend for the playoffs or better while Eric Bledsoe develops. Nash and his 14.7 points and 11.4 assists per game would do just that.

Eric Gordon and DeAndre Jordan make Chris Kaman's and Randy Foye's expiring contracts expendable, which helps them in any pursuit of Nash, and this deal makes a ton of sense for them. Nash gives them the talent to stay competitive now as well as the experience to help mentor Bledsoe.

Additionally, should they think Bledsoe needs more than next season to develop, they would be willing to offer a Nash a fat one-year contract at the end of next year to come back.

Look for the Clippers to become strong candidates to land the veteran point guard.

Prediction: Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Clippers

Chris Paul

After the Chris Paul debacle last summer, we had to expect that the point guard would generate some trade buzz this year, and he has. While a potential Paul for Russell Westbrook deal has been shot down, don't count out the New Orleans Hornets from trading their star.

Furthermore, don't count out the Oklahoma City Thunder from acquiring Paul.

But what makes this bold? A Westbrook for Paul swap has been analyzed to death already. This is true, but what about a deal that doesn't cost the Thunder Westbrook?

What? Why would the Thunder want 2-star point guards?

Consider this, Westbrook and Kevin Durant clearly had cohesive issues during the postseason. Maybe it is due to the fact that Westbrook is not cut out to decide who needs the ball and when between the two.

Westbrook is a great point guard, but he would make just as good a shooting guard. He would become a Monta Ellis type player who could run the point when needed, except he would be better at it, having more of the tools to excel at both positions.

Paul is an experienced point guard who could serve as just the solution to the Thunder's problems. He is more than capable of being the one to decide who needs the ball between Westbrook and Durant.

If New Orleans opts to trade Paul, they are not going to get anywhere near his face value. That being said, the Thunder could offer a combination of Serge Ibaka and James Harden, which wouldn't be a bad deal.

Let's face it, when trading a star, it is unlikely a team gets another bonafide one in return. If Oklahoma City includes a draft pick in this offer, the Hornets have to listen. Ibaka and Harden are two very young and capable players. And Ibaka becomes especially valuable to New Orleans if both David West and Carl Landry walk this summer.

On the Thunder's end, Westbrook, at 6'3" would not be the tallest 2-guard, but a backcourt combination of he and Paul could work as long as it's made clear Paul is the floor general.

Some may call such a scenario idiotic. I prefer bold.

Prediction: Chris Paul to Oklahoma City Thunder 

Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard is a player that every team would welcome to their locker room and one that has drawn much trade-related hype, even though the Orlando Magic have not officially put him on the trade block.

No team has generated more buzz than the Los Angeles Lakers though, since they have the ability to offer a competent big man in the form of Andrew Bynum in return. However, just because the Lakers are generating the most hype, we cannot count out other teams from acquiring the superstar center.

Especially the New Jersey Nets.

The Nets are prepared to make a hard push for Dwight Howard and his 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, believing he would be more than enough to convince Deron Williams to stay long-term. It's hard to argue with that logic. 

Much like the Lakers, the Nets can offer a competent big man in return. Brook Lopez is a promising young player who would serve as a good building block for Orlando. If New Jersey throws draft picks and Anthony Morrow the Magic's way, the deal becomes arguably as enticing, if not even more so, as Los Angeles'.

As previously noted, the Nets may also be Josh Smith's next destination. His acquisition does not hinder Howard negotiations, as New Jersey would not have to give up Brook Lopez in such a deal. 

A "big three" of Howard, Williams and Smith is sure to make a lot of noise for years to come.

Many may feel that Howard's move to Los Angeles is inevitable. Some may feel that Howard may exhibit Kevin Garnett like loyalty and remain in Orlando. It's equally possible though that the center finds himself in New Jersey readying himself for a move to Brooklyn.

Prediction: Dwight Howard to New Jersey Nets

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @DannyFavs2033.