NBA Trade Speculation: 5 Contenders and the Players They Should Target

This sucks, I am disappointed that we still don't have any NBA basketball, and even more troubled that we may lose the entire season. I am hopeful for some resolution and possibly a 50 game season.

That scenario creates some options for trades considering a 50 game season is different type of campaign than the customary 82 game haul. Here are five contenders and the trades they could make to take the next step.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Kirk Hinrich

The Thunder are right on the cusp of being one of the NBA's elite teams. Right now, all they need to add are glue pieces. Kirk Hinrich is that type of player. He can play either guard position, and that would be invaluable for the Thunder. 

He can take over the lead guard duties at times, while allowing Russell Westbrook to slide over to the SG. The Thunder could go small with Hinrich, Westbrook, James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kendrick Perkins or Serge Ibaka.

Hinrich is a hard nosed defender and a good teammate. To top it all off, he has an expiring contract as well. The Thunder could offer Nate Robinson's expiring contract and promising young big man Byron Mullens, who only has two years left on his deal.

The Hawks figure to lose Hinrich anyway, this way they get a shot to develop a talented, young big without a long commitment.

Los Angeles Lakers: Dwight Howard

LA should move ASAP to make D12, the next great Laker. The Lakers have stayed relevant through most eras of the NBA because they have always found the next star to carry the torch.

It seems like a great match, Howard would be following in Shaq's footsteps and the Lakers would be string favorites out west.

The Lakers have some bargaining chips with Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and a throw in player, however, they would almost assuredly have to take back the horrible Hedo Turkoglu contract that has three years left on it.

The Lakers lineup would be Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, Paul Gasol and Dwight Howard. That is a tough out in the West, and Howard gives them a building block for the future.

Chicago Bulls: O.J. Mayo

Mayo can score, off the dribble, or as a spot up shooter. Those two qualities are exactly what the Chicago Bulls need. The Bulls defense is among the best in the NBA, if not the best.

The Bulls lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to Miami because Derrick Rose had to carry the entire offensive load, especially at crunch time.

Mayo would give the Bulls another scorer and ball-handler. They could move Omer Asik, as was the rumor this past season, along with Kyle Korver.

Portland Trail Blazers: Andre Iguodala

One of these days Iggy is going to be dealt. He seems to be the subject of rumors every year. The Blazers could replace the withering Brandon Roy with Iguodala at the SG.

He can also play the SF, which would be great since Gerald Wallace is a free agent at the end of the 2012-2013 season.

The Blazers could trade the expiring contract of Marcus Camby. He gives the 76ers a defensive presence in the middle. It also moves Iguodala out of Evan Turner's way. 

Dallas Mavericks: Jose Calderon

The defending champs need to find their next point guard, Jason Kidd can't play forever. J.J. Barea is a free agent who may or may not return and Rodrigue Beaubois has either been injured or ineffective.

Adding Calderon gives them a savvy, pure point guard. They could package Rudy Fernandez's expiring contract along with Shawn Marion to Toronto for Calderon and James Johnson.

The Mavericks would have another impressive and versatile set of guards and a point guard to take over for Kidd after this season.