NBA Trade Rumors: The 5 Players Most Likely To Be Moved

Now that the NBA has reached a tentative agreement to end the lockout, there will be a whirlwind of trades that go down once business officially resumes.

Prior to the lockout there were many names that had found their way onto the trade block, and it is likely many of them return.

While some deals may be held off until just before the trade deadline, others will happen sooner rather than later. Regardless of the time they go down though, there are certain players who are likely to be moved more than others.

Whether it's because too many bridges have been burned for them to return or because their team is just itching to make a move, there are a number of players who would be wise to get a head start on packing. 

Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers

Lamar Odom has perhaps been linked to more teams than any other player on this list, and it is this very frequency at which he appears in rumors that is telling.

Odom has been linked to deals that would have landed Monta Ellis in Los Angeles and him in Golden State, a deal that would have sent him to Philadelphia in an exchange for Andre Iguodala and even made his way into trade rumors regarding the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Additionally, we cannot forget he will prove essential in any package the Lakers attempt to assemble for Dwight Howard.

The Lakers are searching hard for another star to pair alongside Kobe Bryant, and Odom seems to be the tool that is going to get them there, proving he is not only versatile on the court, but in trade value as well.

Don't expect him to be donning purple and gold much longer.

Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks seem past attempting to cope with Josh Smith's attitude, as they began to "gauge trade interest" in the forward prior to the NBA draft.

Smith is an explosive player on both sides of the ball as well as off the court, which is Atlanta's biggest problem. While Smith has not been the one that initiated trade discussions, it is believed that the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets and Orlando Magic are among his list of preferred destinations.

Despite Smith's attitude deficiencies, there is no shortage of production on his end, which will lead to no shortage of league-wide interest. Given the Hawks determination to free up cap space and rid themselves of unwanted drama, there is a better than good chance Smith gets moved by the deadline.

It is no longer a question of "if" but rather "when" and "where."

Michael Beasley of Minnesota Timberwolves

With the Minnesota Timberwolves' selection of Derrick Williams in this year's draft, and the fact that Kevin Love is already on the roster, it has become apparent that Michael Beasley's days in Minnesota are numbered.

The Timberwolves began to search for a new home for Beasley prior to the NBA draft, and given the plethora of forwards their roster already boasts, and the fact that the power forward has been a public relations nightmare, it is unlikely that they cease and desist in that department.

With Minnesota attempting to improve "the culture" of its team, Beasley seems a near lock to wind up elsewhere. 

There are sure to be an array of deals that go down moving forward, and it is likely that Beasley is a part of one of them.

Monta Ellis of Golden State Warriors

Mark Jackson can maintain that he wants to hold onto Monta Ellis all he wants, but as long as defense remains a priority, such talk is merely posturing.

Ellis has been linked to both the Lakers and 76ers, and it is more than possible negotiations are rekindled moving forward.

With Stephen Curry ready to assume the vacant leadership role in Golden State, Ellis becomes the tool the Warriors need to use to land some defensive relief. Ellis' offense will be missed, but for a team in desperate need of some defensive talent, he may prove to be necessary collateral damage.

Will the Warriors give a combination of Ellis and Curry in the backcourt one last look? Perhaps, but ultimately, the team is more likely to take their search for a compliment to Curry outside of the organization. 

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets

The new CBA opens the door for teams like the Knicks to make a legitimate push for Chris Paul. Given the likelihood that the point guard will bolt for greener pastures next summer, New Orleans only option may be to trade their star before they lose him for nothing.

Paul's name has crept up in rumors since last summer, and speculation surrounding his future is only going to gain momentum from hereon out.

While the Nets and Magic may be more apt to taking a risk and holding onto their franchise player, Paul's future seems a little more clear, and serves as reason for the Hornets to deal him sooner, not later.

The door for the Paul to escape New Orleans is officially open, and it isn't going to close anytime soon, especially when their are players on the outside waiting with open arms.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.