NBA Trade Rumors: Chances the Top Rumored Player from Every Team Gets Dealt
The end of the NBA lockout brought a flurry of trade rumors with it, breaching a whole new level of insanity.
Rumors that surfaced prior to the lockout surfaced once again, and new, sometimes unlikely faces, made their way onto the trade block.
As we gear up for a shortened season, we do not have a clear idea of how teams will respond to the condensed schedule and extended break. There is a wealth of uncertainty surrounding the league this season, perhaps more than ever before.
That being said, if there is one thing we know for sure, it's that trade rumors will not cease; names like Chris Paul and Dwight Howard aren't disappearing from the rumor-mill anytime soon.
Whether these top-rumored players will get dealt or not, well, that's a different story.
Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith
1 of 30Josh Smith's name appeared in the trade rumor mill prior to the lockout, and has resurfaced once again as he reportedly believes that he has run his course with the Atlanta Hawks.
The feeling seems to be mutual, as it was the organization that opted to shop the explosive forward leading up to the draft. At that point it was believed that the Celtics, Nets, Rockets and Magic were his preferred destinations, and either one of those teams could have a strong interest in his services.
Moving forward, it seems impossible for these two parties to reconcile and start anew.
Chances Josh Smith Gets Dealt: Incredibly Likely
Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo
2 of 30In a shocking development, Rajon Rondo, the lone youthful star on the Boston Celtics' roster, entered the rumor mill.
Boston apparently offered him to the Thunder after last season, and then reportedly had plans to use him to land star point guard Chris Paul. Both the Thunder and Hornets were not interested in such a deal, and now Danny Ainge is claiming there were no legs to the Rondo rumors.
Is Ainge merely posturing and partaking in a game of damage control? Perhaps, but regardless of whether the Celtics shopped him or not, it is a near lock that Rondo isn't going anywhere; the market for the point guard does seem as strong as Boston would have liked.
Chances of Rajon Rondo Getting Dealt: Unlikely
Charlotte Bobcats: D.J. Augustin
3 of 30The Charlotte Bobcats have not been incredibly active in the trade department, but there is going to be a strong battle in the backcourt between D.J. Augustin and Kemba Walker, which is notable to say the least.
Charlotte selected Walker for a reason, and with Augustin set to be a restricted free agent next summer, the Bobcats may not see much of a future with him. The rumor mill isn't currently buzzing, but there is a strong possibility that it does sometime in the near future.
Chances of D.J. Augustin Getting Dealt: Likely
Chicago Bulls: Omar Asik
4 of 30The Chicago Bulls were interested in the Rockets' Courtney Lee at last season's trade deadline, a potential deal that was thought to have included center Omar Asik.
With the Bulls still in desperate need of a shooting guard to strengthen the perimeter, deals such as the former could be revisited, and in a center-starved league, the seven-foot Asik holds substantial trade value.
That being said, a seven-footer may be too steep a price to pay for a Lee or O.J. Mayo, so Chicago may just opt to ink a veteran shooting guard via free-agency.
Chances of Omar Asik Getting Dealt: Unlikely
Cleveland Cavaliers: Ramon Sessions
5 of 30Not so surprisingly, Ramon Sessions of the Cleveland Cavaliers was up for grabs just before the draft.
Sessions, no matter where he has played, has always been viewed as a means to the next player, and it seems to be no different in Cleveland.
There is bound to be a strong market for the young and talented point guard, but with Baron Davis set to be an amnesty casualty, the Cavaliers may be more apt to retain the point guard for the time being. Expect Sessions to finally experience a sense of stability.
For now.
Chances of Ramon Sessions Getting Dealt: Unlikely
Dallas Mavericks: Tyson Chandler
6 of 30With Tyson Chandler expecting to be on a new team come the start of next season, the door has never been more wide open for the Dallas Mavericks to engage in sign-and-trade talks.
Luxury tax-paying teams have until the third year of the new collective bargaining agreement to participate in sign-and-trades, which gives the Mavericks options as there are teams of that nature certain to be in the market for a big man.
While the annual raises under a sign-and-trade have decreased, it still provides Chandler with the opportunity to get more money. Could he make more with the Mavericks? Yes, but he doesn't seem poised to return, and Dallas will not want to overpay him as they attempt to get under the salary cap for next summer's free-agency binge.
That being said, this doesn't seem like a situation that will be resolved via sign-and-trade.
Chances of Tyson Chandler Getting Dealt: Unlikely
Denver Nuggets: Arron Afflalo
7 of 30Nene Hilario is the highest profile free agent on the long list of Denver Nuggets set to hit the open market, but Arron Afflalo remains the most likely candidate to get dealt.
Nene has drawn the most interest from teams like the Houston Rockets and New Jersey Nets, who are substantially under the salary cap. Afflalo, on the other hand, has financially handicapped teams like the Bulls, hot on his heels.
If Afflalo opts to leave, it may have to be through sign-and-trade. His raises will not be as significant as if he were to remain in Denver, but it does maximize his earning potential, as well as give the Nuggets an opportunity receive assets in exchange for his departure.
Don't hold your breath waiting for a deal to go down though.
Chances of Arron Afflalo Getting Dealt: Unlikely
Detroit Pistons: Richard Hamilton
8 of 30When the news hit that the Detroit Pistons had no intention of using the amnesty clause, it became clear that they were more likely to attempt to trade Richard Hamilton.
A split between the Pistons and the shooting guard seems to be in the best interest for both parties, but Detroit is in no rush to pay an athlete who is playing for them, especially since the market for Hamilton would be undoubtedly strong once he was waived.
While Hamilton is owed about $21 million over the next two seasons, contending teams in need of an offensive punch on the perimeter will be amenable to negotiating. Hamilton's contract is an unfavorable one, but it is nowhere near immovable.
Chances of Richard Hamilton Getting Dealt: Very Likely
Golden State Warriors: Monta Ellis
9 of 30Since the end of last season, Monta Ellis has been linked to numerous teams, most notably the Lakers and 76ers.
Mark Jackson may maintain that he wants Ellis on the Golden State Warriors' roster, but the interest in the prolific scoring guard is going to be sky-high, and a deal could come along that is too hard to pass on.
Additionally, we can also not neglect to mention that Ellis and Stephen Curry did not mesh as well as most hoped in the backcourt last season, and a change may be necessary to restore order. And when you factor in the team's need for defense, moving Ellis has the potential to solve a variety of problems.
Chances of Monta Ellis Getting Dealt: Likely
Houston Rockets: Courtney Lee
10 of 30With Kevin Martin only getting better, Courtney Lee may be most valuable to the Houston Rockets as a trade piece, given that there are bound to be a variety of teams interested in the shooting guard.
Lee is extremely talented, but his development has been hindered by a lack of opportunity. Under different circumstances, Lee's production stands to dramatically improve.
As the Rockets look to enter the realm of title contention, Lee remains their most valuable trade chip. It is more than likely he is used to help fill a void at another position.
Chances of Courtney Lee Getting Dealt: Very Likely
Indiana Pacers: A First-Round Pick
11 of 30The Indiana Pacers have not been particularly active in shopping any specific players, but have entered the Paul Millsap sweepstakes.
Indiana does not only have the cap space to assume Millsap's contract, but they are one of the few teams that would be amenable to sending back a first-round pick to the Jazz.
The Pacers are in need of some low-post help, and relinquishing a first-round pick will go a long way in getting them what they need.
Chances of Pacers Using First Round Pick in a Trade: Likely
Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Kaman
12 of 30DeAndre Jordan is set to take over the reigns at the center position, which has rendered Chris Kaman near expendable for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kaman has been mentioned in a potential Andre Iguodala deal, but will also be a big part of any trade package that the team puts together for Dwight Howard.
Kaman is a free agent next summer, and while it is likely he will take his sizable talents elsewhere at that time, it is extremely possible he packs his bags before then.
Chances of Chris Kaman Getting Dealt: Likely
Los Angeles Lakers: Lamar Odom
13 of 30The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to shake up the roster by acquiring another star to pair with the aging Kobe Bryant, and it has become abundantly clear that Lamar Odom is the player they will use to land such an athlete.
Odom has been mentioned in potential deals for Andre Iguodala and Monta Ellis. He will also be a part of the package the Lakers are sure to offer the Magic for Dwight Howard as well.
If the Lakers are indeed dead set on adding another superstar to the roster, then Odom's days in Los Angeles are numbered, to say the least.
Chances of Lamar Odom Getting Dealt: Very likely.
Memphis Grizzlies: O.J. Mayo
14 of 30O.J. Mayo seems to constantly be on the trade block, but has yet to be dealt.
The shooting guard was nearly traded to the Pacers at last season's trade deadline, but that fell apart. While he is a very valuable perimeter player, Rudy Gay's return paves the way for a Mayo deal to finally go down.
Teams like the Bulls and Knicks are in need of some help on the outside, and it is likely they, among other teams will call the Memphis Grizzlies to inquire about his availability.
This could be the year that Mayo is finally shipped out of Memphis.
Chances of O.J. Mayo Getting Dealt: Very likely
Miami Heat: Mike Miller
15 of 30Mike Miller's first season with the Miami Heat was anything but what the team expected, as injuries prevented the shooting guard from putting up the level of production most had hoped for.
Miller's struggles led the Heat to shop him before last season's trade deadline, but with a murky bill of health and a pricey contract, the market for him was virtually non-existent.
As Miami looks to free-up some cap space to go after a point guard and center, trading Miller will be an avenue that they explore once again. That being said, his contract is an unfavorable one, and few teams would be willing to assume the risk he comes with.
The Heat's best bet to rid themselves of Miller is via the amnesty clause.
Chances of Mike Miller Getting Dealt: Unlikely
Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Bogut
16 of 30A three-team Dwight Howard trade was recently introduced that would land Andrew Bogut on the Magic, Andrew Bynum on the Bucks and Dwight Howard on the Lakers, as Milwaukee's big man is viewed as a better fit for Orlando than the Lakers.
Bogut has been solid offensively, but is not as dominant as Bynum can be. That being said, Bogut's production is guaranteed, whereas Bynum's is not.
If it meant putting Howard in a Bucks uniform, the team would deal Bogut in a heartbeat, but that scenario is incredibly unlikely, as are the chances of Milwaukee dealing its big man.
Chances of Andrew Bogut Getting Dealt: Unlikely
Minnesota Timberwolves: Michael Beasley
17 of 30The arrival of Derrick Williams more likely than not means that Michael Beasley's days on the Minnesota Timberwolves are numbered.
Minnesota shopped Beasley hard prior to the draft, and now that their pool of forwards has only deepened, he is now more than ever, expendable.
The Timberwolves are sure to shop Beasley once again, as his attitude is also something that the team could do without. He is a talented athlete, but may prove more difficult to move than the team would hope because his off-court issues make him a liability.
Chances of Michael Beasley Getting Dealt: Likely
New Jersey Nets: Brook Lopez
18 of 30As the New Jersey Nets begin their pursuit of Dwight Howard, Brook Lopez is set to become collateral damage.
New Jersey would love to acquire the Magic's star center, as he would undoubtedly help keep Deron Williams on the team long term. Any offer the Nets put together from hereon out will have to include the young Lopez. His size means he could help Orlando transition into life after Howard.
There are sure to be an array of teams chasing Howard, but the Nets are one of the few who can offer a capable big man in return, giving them an edge over most. That being said, acquiring Howard is far from a lock, as we cannot ignore the incredible amount of interest he is sure to generate.
Chances of Brook Lopez Getting Dealt: Likely
New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul
19 of 30The New Orleans Hornets always knew they would be forced to make a tough decision this season in regard to Chris Paul's future, but it may have already been made for them.
Paul's agent reportedly made a request to the team that Paul be traded to the Knicks, confirming what most already knew to be true. While the Lakers are among the teams interested in bringing Paul in, his desire to play in New York has been clear for some time.
Rather than lose Paul for nothing next summer, the Hornets will deal the star point guard so that they may receive at least something in return for his departure.
Chances of Chris Paul Getting Dealt: Very likely
New York Knicks: Chauncey Billups
20 of 30The only thing that is certain in the New York Knicks' shallow pool of assets is that Chauncey Billups will be a part of any deal that brings an impact player to the team.
New York has most recently been linked to Chris Paul, but they also inquired about Steve Nash's availability as well. Acquiring either player would cost them Billups just to start.
Billups' contract is up at the end of this season, but his time with the Knicks will likely end before his deal does.
Chances of Chauncey Billups Getting Dealt: Very likely
Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook
21 of 30Speculation ran rampant regarding Russell Westbrook's status with the Oklahoma City Thunder after a postseason in which he struggled to mesh with Kevin Durant.
The Celtics reportedly made a play for the prolific guard, hoping that Rajon Rondo would be at least somewhat appealing to the team.
All of this aside, Westbrook's appearance in the rumor mill has been in no way initiated by the Thunder and it is far too premature for the team to give up on a pairing of him and Durant.
Chances of Russell Westbrook Getting Dealt: Very unlikely
Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard
22 of 30The Orlando Magic in no way want to see Dwight Howard play for another team, but rather than risk losing him via free agency next summer for nothing, they may deal him for a large pool of assets.
There isn't a team in the NBA who would pass on the opportunity to obtain Howard's services, which means the market for him is going to be extremely aggressive. Early on, it seems that the Nets and the Lakers are going to be the biggest suitors for the star center, as they can both offer a capable big man in return.
Saying goodbye is going to be easy on the part of Orlando, but doing so is a near-necessity.
Chances of Dwight Howard Getting Dealt: Very likely
Philadelphia 76ers: Andre Iguodala
23 of 30Andre Iguodala is one of those names that always appears on the chopping block, but he has never been so heavily linked to so many teams.
Iguodala has been mentioned in deals for Monta Ellis, as well as Lamar Odom. There were also rumblings of him being sent to the Clippers in exchange for Chris Kaman.
Philadelphia has never been able to work out a deal that would give them adequate value in return for the versatile shooting guard, and while there is a possibility that the team elects to hold onto him, we cannot ignore the incessant rumors.
Chances of Andre Iguodala Getting Dealt: Likely
Phoenix Suns: Steve Nash
24 of 30The Phoenix Suns maintain that they are not shopping Steve Nash, but they apparently offered the point guard to the Timberwolves prior to this year's draft.
While the deal never came to fruition, there are bound to be a number of teams interested in the veteran's services, the Knicks being one.
Nash keeps the Suns competitive, but since the team is rebuilding, they may find it better to capitalize off his trade value now, in order to obtain pieces for the future.
Chances of Steve Nash Getting Dealt: Likely
Portland Trail Blazers: Marcus Camby
25 of 30The Portland Trail Blazers were shopping Marcus Camby just before last season's trade deadline, but opted not to move him.
Camby has stated that he would like to remain in Portland, but his expiring contract, coupled with his defensive abilities, make him a hot commodity for teams in need of some low-post assistance.
While there will be no shortage of interest in the veteran center, the Trail Blazers certainly value his presence on the court, and could opt to hold onto to him once again as they fight their way to the top of the Western Conference.
Chances of Marcus Camby Getting Dealt: Unlikely
Sacramento Kings: Samuel Dalembert
26 of 30The Sacramento Kings have reached out to Samuel Dalembert in regards to his potential return, but in a shallow free-agent market, his size will be a highly-sought commodity.
Dalembert has already expressed an interest in playing for the Heat, and there are bound to be other teams interested in his services.
While Dalembert may not be worth more than mid-level money, his price is driven up by the lack of talent available at the center position. This makes it possible that a team over the salary cap could engage in a sign-and-trade to obtain the defensive machine.
That being said, if the Heat are indeed Dalembert's preference, he'll more than likely sign outright, perhaps at an even larger discount than anticipated.
Chances of Samuel Dalembert Getting Dealt: Unlikely
San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker
27 of 30The San Antonio Spurs shopped Tony Parker prior to the this summer's NBA draft, but no deal was ever agreed upon.
San Antonio is in a tough situation as it has to decide which direction they are headed in. The team has an opportunity to cut Richard Jefferson via the amnesty clause, which may seem like a no-brainer, yet he ensures the Spurs are putting the most competitive team on the floor.
The same goes for Parker. He is one of the best floor generals in the league, and while he may be unhappy, San Antonio owes it to themselves, and Tim Duncan to at least try and compete for another title.
Jefferson may be a player the Spurs decide to part ways with regardless, but Parker is more likely to remain in San Antonio.
For the time being.
Chances of Tony Parker Getting Dealt: Unlikely
Toronto Raptors: Jose Calderon
28 of 30Over a year ago, there were rumblings that Jose Calderon was on the Toronto Raptors' chopping block, yet nothing came to fruition.
With the emergence of Jerryd Bayless, it is possible that Calderon finds himself on the block once again, as he is older and makes a boat load more money.
While Bayless and Calderon will certainly be competing for Toronto's starting point guard position, it is unlikely the Raptors deal Calderon right now. He at least provides an insurance policy should Bayless fail to pan out.
Chances of Jose Calderon Getting Dealt: Unlikely.
Utah Jazz: Paul Millsap
29 of 30Paul Millsap is now being shopped by the Utah Jazz as they officially enter rebuilding mode with a surplus of big men.
Al Jefferson may find himself being dealt out of Utah as well, but Millsap remains the more likely candidate because he has Devin Harris nipping at his heels.
The Pacers are a team that has been heavily linked to Millsap as they are in the market for a strong inside presence. Indiana will not be the only team in the running, however; the market for Millsap will continue to increase as a big man who is efficient on both ends of the floor is hard to find.
Chances of Paul Millsap Getting Dealt: Very likely.
Washington Wizards: Nick Young
30 of 30With the Bulls reportedly reaching out to the Washington Wizards' Nick Young, the idea of a sign-and-trade is brought to light.
The Wizards seem poised to match any offer Young receives, but if he opts to take his talents to greener pastures, especially for a team without a lot of salary cap space, Washington would be wise to attempt and get something back in return.
Washington doesn't seem like it is going to cut ties with Rashard Lewis, but as the free-agency saga thickens, Young may be a different story.
You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.





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