NBA Trade Speculation: 10 Veterans on the Block Who Can Make Most Impact

Once the lockout is over, which will hopefully be soon, it will be time for teams to start focusing on how they can get better.

There will undoubtedly be some blockbuster trades that go down, but there will also be some smaller-scale deals that prove just as effective. While teams are always looking for ways to get better long-term, the short-term plan is arguably just as important, especially for potential contenders.

These are teams that may look to add an experienced veteran to help push them past any obstacles that are standing between them and a title, or are young organizations in desperate need of some veteran leadership.

The targets in question are not necessarily the Monta Ellises or Dwight Howards though. These are targets who, while potentially still high-profile cases, may be approaching the end of their career or are dropping off in their ability.

That being said, just because their career has hit its falling action doesn't mean they are incapable. In fact, it is quite the contrary, as there are still plenty of aging veterans who may potentially wind up on the trading block that can make a significant impact.

Lamar Odom of Los Angeles Lakers

Lamar Odom will be a part of one of the high-profile deals previously mentioned, as any deal involving him will most likely land the Lakers an athlete they deem a superstar.

That being said, the 12-year veteran will be far from an afterthought in any trade.

Odom is one of the most versatile players in the game. He can score, run the point, rebound and defend a wide range of players. His production is consistent, and as close to a guarantee as you can get.

Is Odom a superstar? While the reigning Sixth Man of the Year is one of the most likable guys in the NBA, the answer is no, but that doesn't mean he won't make a major impact.

Aside from bringing along the aforementioned attributes with him, Odom provides veteran leadership that you just cannot put a price on. He knows what it takes to win a title and could help mentor younger players as they begin their careers and quest for a title.

Additionally, Odom can be a vital part of any rotation, and assume any role a team needs; he could be the difference between a playoff push and an unfulfilling season.

At 32, with more than a decade's worth of battling under his belt, what more could you ask for?

Kenyon Dooling of Milwaukee Bucks

After being selected 10th overall in the 2000 NBA draft, Kenyon Dooling never quite lived up to expectations. However, the 31-year-old journeyman could still be of great use to a contender looking to add depth to its bench.

Dooling can play both guard positions and is a stellar threat from the outside. Defenses tend to dedicate very little attention to him, so if a teammate kicks it to him on the outside, he is a near lock to put it in.

Dooling is also consistent in his limited production; you know what to expect from him and he is guaranteed to give you 20 to 25 hard-fought minutes every game. And if needed, he is a more-than-competent emergency starter.

Now that players like Stephen Jackson and Ben Udrih are sporting Bucks colors, Dooling is arguably expendable. With only one year and $2.2 million remaining on his contract, he is an affordable target who presents very little risk. 

Depth is extremely important to a team looking toward the postseason, making Dooling a good pickup for any team looking to strengthen its bench as they make a playoff push.

Mickael Pietrus of Phoenix Suns

Defenses beware because Mickael Pietrus can play three positions on the floor and create serious problems on the offensive end.

The 29-year-old Pietrus is a lethal three-point shooter who rarely misses an open look. He has only averaged 10 or more points once in his eight-year career, but this is largely due to his inability to stay healthy. 

His murky bill of health should not prevent teams from taking a look should the Suns opt to move him though, because his $5.3 million salary would come off the books after next season. He may not be a long-term solution to any team's problems, but he would sure help alleviate the short-term burden.

For teams in need of a shooter with range who can play all three perimeter positions, Pietrus would prove to be a quick fix. 

Antawn Jamison of Cleveland Cavaliers

Antawn Jamison is not the player he used to be, but he still has the potential to make a major impact on a new team.

Jamison is appealing because of his instant offense. No matter the circumstances, Jamison is going to put up points. He has great range for a power forward, and is strong enough to pound it down low as well.

The 35-year-old may not be able to play 30-plus minutes for a full 82 games, but at this point in his career, any team interested in him doesn't need him to be star. Jamison's primary role is to score, and is therefore a great investment for a team in need of an extra offensive punch.

And if Jamison brings some rebounding to the table that's a bonus.

Let's also not forget Jamison's $15 million salary comes off the books next summer, meaning that if nothing else, he will at least make a significant impact in terms of cap space.

Andre Miller of Denver Nuggets

At 35, Andre Miller is still capable of being a strong offensive facilitator; that much he proved last season.

While Miller's legs have traveled through 12 NBA seasons, he remains incredibly elusive with a court vision that rivals some of the best in the game. He can score when called upon and is also an efficient defender, especially in terms of pickpockets.

The Nuggets acquired Miller right before the draft, but make no mistake Ty Lawson is their starting point guard. Some athletes would be content with a backup role at this stage in their career, but Miller may not be.

If Denver decides to shop Miller and his expiring $7.8 million salary, there should prove to be plenty of suitors. Whether it's a team who lacks a point guard from the beginning or one that loses their's to injury, Miller is a more-than-adequate candidate to direct offenses full-time.

Not many players can still be an everyday starter at the age of 35. Miller is an exception. 

Richard Hamilton of Detroit Pistons

Richard Hamilton is set to earn more than $25 million over the next two seasons, but for a team in need of some guaranteed offense, he would prove to be worth the investment.

Hamilton has worn out his welcome with the Pistons, and would most likely embrace a fresh start anywhere else. At 33, he is not going to average 20 or more points per game, but he is a threat to put up such a total on any given night.

Furthermore, while his legs are not what they used to be, he still has some range to his game and one of the purer shots in the league. He does remain a potential liability on defense, but what he lacks in prowess on that end, he makes up for on the other.

Hamilton is best suited on a contending team in need of some offensive relief. His smarts on that side of the ball can make a team extremely dangerous heading into the postseason.

And if a team has deep enough pockets, they need only ride out his contract another two years before they get some cap relief of their own.

Marcus Camby of Portland Trail Blazers

Marcus Camby is 37 years old and has 15 seasons of wear and tear on his body, but he has proved as recent as last season he is still a defensive stalwart and a rebounding machine.

Camby has a freakishly long wingspan, and is one of the best shot-blockers currently in the league. He doesn't normally score unless he is directly under the basket, but the fact that he can still average over 10 rebounds per game more than makes up for that.

In a league dominated by offensive gurus, Camby's primary focus is remaining a tough defender. As long as his knees stay healthy, he can play a vital role in turning a "pretender" into a "contender."

Should Camby's health prove to be a burden for any team that acquires him, their disappointment would prove to be short-lived, as his $9.2 million salary comes off the books next summer.

Obtaining Camby is a minimal risk that could prove to pay high dividends moving forward. Those are the kind of odds most teams could get on board with.

Leandro Barbosa of Toronto Raptors

Leandro Barbosa is still relatively young at 28, but with eight seasons to his name and currently playing behind the Raptors' DeMar DeRozan, he could prove to be a viable veteran option for teams in need of a versatile shooting guard.

Barbosa is a phenomenal scorer, and given some major minutes, he is a threat to average 15 or more points per night. He is a great three-point shooter and can create his own offense in addition to moving effectively without the ball.

On the defensive end, it may come as a surprise to hear he is underrated. Barbosa tends to take too many risks on that side of the ball, but he is quick enough to recover from said mistakes and they rarely prove costly. Not to mention that sometimes his tactics pay huge dividends, as he tends to poke the ball away, creating a transition opportunity for one of his teammates.

With one year and $7.6 million left on his contract, Barbosa is another low-risk, high-reward candidate. His offensive prowess and defensive potential can help an array of teams looking to stay relevant, and his expiring deal ensures any potential mistakes would be short-lived.

That sounds like a win-win.

Raja Bell of Utah Jazz

The 35-year-old Raja Bell is the perfect complement to any backcourt, as he can score from anywhere on the floor. 

Bell thrived in a Jazz rotation that consisted of Deron Williams, but now, without a prolific point guard to dish him the ball and without the prospect of contending with Utah, a potential split could prove to be something both parties involved could get on board with.

Bell may not put up a ton of points every night, but he is a threat to do so. As long as he gets the open look, he is going to cash in.

Aside from being able to put points on the board, Bell is an exceptionally aggressive defender. He plays tough, physical defense that allows him to guard players taller and stronger than he, an attribute any team would cherish.

With two seasons and a little over $6.5 million still owed to him, Bell is a cheap and effective backcourt option for teams looking to add both a little offense and defensive edge.

Steve Nash of Phoenix Suns

The way Steve Nash plays, it's hard to accept that he is 37 years old.

Nash is one of the best floor generals to ever step foot on the hardwood and while his career is most likely approaching its end, he continues to defy the laws of age.

The Suns are not contenders, so they may be apt to move him so he can contend for a title in his final seasons and also in order to cash in on his trade value while it is still high. If Phoenix puts him on the block, teams will come running.

Aside from defense, Nash can do it all. His court vision is impeccable, as are his ball-handling skills. He is a competent scorer who can capitalize both from the inside and out, and few point guards are as elusive as this 15-year veteran.

Any team looking to contend for a title could use Nash. He makes everyone around him better and is as consistent and durable as anyone could hope for someone his age.

The fact that Nash's $11.7 million salary comes off the books next summer is just a bonus, as it ensures he can benefit a team both in the short and long runs.

And in terms of veteran acquisitions, it doesn't get any better that.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.