NBA Trade Rumors: 10 Player Rumors Bound to Pick Up Steam

December 9th is going to kick off a trade season that could go down as monumental or much ado about nothing. If Chris Paul and other big names don't change teams during that time, the speculation and rumors won't have amounted to much.

The terms of the new CBA seem to pave the way for CP3 to join the Knicks, but that and other specifics are still as yet to be determined.

One definite is that the closer we get to December 9th, the more the rumor mill will turn. Here are 10 trade rumors sure to pick up steam as we approach the free agent signing period and beginning of the season.

Andre Iguodala Finally Moved

The 76ers' athletic small forward has been the subject of so many trade rumors over the years. It seems like this offseason or before the trade deadline, it may actually happen.

The 76ers have held on to Iggy amidst plenty of rumors in the past, but ownership has changed, and the Iggy support may no longer be in Philly's front office.

I expect Iguodala to be moved as the 76ers move into a new era, led by Evan Turner, Jrue Holiday and Thaddeus Young.

Needs:

Center and Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Suitors:

Golden State 

LA Clippers

Probability: 75 percent

Chicago Bulls Go Fishing for a SG in the Trade Market

Mayo was almost dealt for Josh McRoberts of the Indiana Pacers at last season's deadline, but the paperwork wasn't filed on time, and the deal was rescinded.

The Bulls reportedly turned down an offer that would have landed Mayo for Ronnie Brewer and Omer Asik. Now, with Mayo having played well in the postseason for the Grizzlies and the Bulls need for a top notch 2-guard all the more apparent, it would seem the Grizzlies are in control.

The Bulls seem very reluctant to part with any member of their core, namely Asik in this instance. The big man would almost certainly have to be included in a deal to bring Mayo. Especially if the Grizzlies lose Marc Gasol to free agency.

I think it is unlikely the Bulls go the trade route to fill the spot at the 2-guard. More realistic possibilities are Tracy McGrady as a reserve and Arron Afflalo as the starter.

Probability: 10 percent

Atlanta Hawks Sending Hometown Boy Packing?

Would Atlanta send their 25-year-old super athletic, shot blocking power forward packing? It seems it has been discussed. Before the lockout, there were talks about sending Josh Smith to Orlando and even Houston. 

The Magic could be a destination, but only if it meant Smith would be a part of a package to land Dwight Howard, another native Georgian, the Hawks would love to acquire.

The Houston Rockets have also been mentioned. This scenario is the most likely. The Rockets have draft picks to offer, something the Hawks will covet, in light of the fact they are held hostage by the Joe Johnson contract.

If the Rockets can manage to sign Nene, a front line of Chase Budinger, Josh Smith and Nene is pretty nice, especially if rookie Marcus Morris can contribute.

Needs:

Cap Freedom

Draft Picks

Shooting Guard

Suitors:

Houston

Orlando 

Probability: 30 percent

Speights Moved?

The young Sixers big man could be moving along with Iguodala. Marreese Speights' name has been floated around, and even mentioned in association with the Miami Heat.

Speights is a solid young big, something that is always a valued asset, but I can only see him moving as a part of a huge blockbuster that includes Iggy. Especially the one that involves the Clippers.

Needs:

Cap Space

Upgrade At Center

SG/SF

Suitors:

LA Clippers

Miami Heat

Probability: 50 percent

Sign and Trade Big Baby

Big Baby is ready for a bigger role and he knows he'll never have that as a Celtic. It seems he is willing to sign with a lesser team to get an opportunity to start. He is a free-agent but according to the new collective bargaining agreement, Davis could be signed and traded to the team of his choice.

He seems to like New Jersey, but New Orleans is a possibility, especially considering they are likely to lose David West in free agency.

West and Davis will likely end up in New Jersey and New Orleans. West of course, would be going to the Nets and Davis to the Hornets.

Celtics Needs:

Youth

Suitors:

New Jersey 

New Orleans 

Probability: 40 percent

Paul Millsap

Utah likes Millsap, but they have young Derrick Favors and Milsap makes too much to be a back up. Utah is reportedly shopping the forward, presumably for backcourt help.

The Jazz drafted Alec Burks, but could use depth, experience and scoring from the guard or wing spot. Millsap proved he could score like a starter last year averaging 17.6 points per game and 7.6 rebounds.

The Pacers were interested, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Dallas inquire, especially if they lose Caron Butler.

Jazz Needs:

SG/SF

Suitors: 

Pacers

Mavericks 

Probability: 80 percent

Steve Nash Leaving Phoenix

Nash is probably the greatest Sun of all time, but he is not doing the franchise any good at this point. The Suns will not be competitive any time soon, and Nash is 37 years old.

There are a few teams that could use Nash in his remaining couple years of effectiveness. The Knicks are not the team that could use him the most. Dallas and the Los Angeles Lakers could use Nash as they try for one or two more championship runs.

The Lakers would prefer Chris Paul, but Nash would be a nice addition for the very short term.

Reuniting Nash with good friend Dirk Nowitzki would give Dallas a slightly less old point guard to replace the really old one they have now in Jason Kidd.

The Suns have a history of being loyal to their players, and sticking with them for the long haul. I believe that will continue. Nash will become a free-agent and sign one more deal with the contender of his choice after this season.

Needs:

Youth

Cap Space

Suitors:

Knicks

Mavericks

Lakers

Probability: 25 percent

Monta Ellis

The Warriors' high scoring and athletic 2-guard could be on the block, as it appears Jerry West could and would move Ellis to move the team in a different direction.

Ellis would command a substantial player(s) in return. Would the Sixers part with Iguodala for Ellis, even with that obviously sending Evan Turner to the three-spot and Thaddeus Young to the bench?

Some have whispered about potential moves to Chicago and other teams. Minnesota would be a nice landing spot if he is moved. It would require Kevin Love in return, but ultimately, the Warriors will probably try to see what Stephen Curry and Ellis can do under Mark Jackson first, before they send him elsewhere.

Needs:

Defensive SG

Suitors:

Bulls

Nets

76ers

T'Wolves

Probability: 20 percent

Dwight Howard

D-12's name has been mentioned with more teams than just about everyone. The fact is, Howard would probably only be dealt to the LA Lakers.

Howard in LA makes the most sense for him, Orlando and the Lakers. Howard and the Lakers would get an opportunity to win now, and Howard would succeed Kobe Bryant as the new face of one of the greatest franchises in history.

The Lakers also have the most to offer Orlando, sans the Chicago Bulls, though Bulls are less likely to deal members of their core.

The Lakers could offer Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum and a pick. Both players have a team option after this season, so the Magic would have options.

The Magic must be proactive; they can't let the situation happen to them.

The other rumors won't likely materialize, but this one, has real possibilities.

Needs:

New building blocks

Suitors:

Bulls

Lakers

Hawks

Celtics

Probability: 80 percent

CP-3 to Knicks, Bet on It

Chris Paul is going to be a Knick. So all of the fans out there that hate the superstar team-up approach, prepare to be nauseated once again.

The new CBA makes this deal more and more likely. ESPN's Chris Broussard is saying that he believes the deal will happen as well.

Other teams are very interested, including Oklahoma City for Russell Westbrook, LA Clippers and Lakers, but it depends on where Paul wants to go. No place has the lure like the Knicks have in New York.

While they may need another team to get involved, the Knicks will get their man.