The rumors are flying fast and furious. But, unlike in previous years, most NBA general managers are not burning up the phone lines.
It has been strangely quiet leading up to this year's trade deadline, and part of that has to do with the endless Carmelo Anthony saga. The on-again, off-again nature of the talks not only has kept fans and observers waiting but also has held up GMs all over the league. And with a potential Anthony trade now delayed even further, many teams are caught in limbo.
NBA Trade Machine
But it's not the only thing slowing down trade talks. With so much uncertainty surrounding a new collective bargaining agreement that could force a lockout this summer, many owners are reluctant to take on more salary or significant commitments, at least until they have a better handle on the new rules. So although there are plenty of teams selling big contracts, there are few takers right now.
Still, even with those two significant hurdles, we know there will be some trades in the next few weeks.
Who will be dealt before the deadline? After talking with teams throughout the league, here's a look at 10 players -- in addition to the one causing so much melodrama in Denver -- who could be changing uniforms by Feb. 24.
We'll keep updating this list until then as new rumors emerge and trades happen.
Impact players most likely to be moved
(Ranked from most likely to least likely to be traded)
Jamison
1. Antawn Jamison, F, Cavaliers
Jamison sat atop this list last year, as well, and was traded in February, from the Wizards to the Cavs. At the time, many believed Jamison was the missing piece of the puzzle in Cleveland's quest for a title. We all know how that worked out.
One year later, the Cavs are the worst team in the league. They are in the midst of a brutal 18-game losing streak, and owner Dan Gilbert is promising big changes. With one year left on his deal after this one, Jamison's contract isn't the easiest to move. But the veteran wants out, and he could still help a number of teams contending for a title. The odds are high that he'll be wearing a new uniform soon.
Miller
2. Andre Miller, PG, Blazers
Miller was also high on this list last year but, unlike Jamison, wasn't traded. The thinking last winter was that Miller had struggled to adapt to Portland's culture and, more specifically, to coach Nate McMillan. Miller's addition has always been viewed as less of a slam dunk and more of a desperation ploy by the Blazers, who felt compelled to use their cap space on Miller in the summer of 2009 after being spurned by Hedo Turkoglu.
Now, there's an entirely different problem. The team has been decimated by injuries, and dreams of competing for a title this season have flown out the window. Miller's contract is also not guaranteed next season, making the 34-year-old an attractive target for a veteran team trying to shore up its backcourt. The Blazers have been hunting for help just about everywhere, and if they can get a young player or an asset for him, they'll pull the trigger.
Prince
3. Tayshaun Prince, F, Pistons
We should just go ahead and rename this list the "Tayshaun Prince Trade Watch." Prince has been on the block for years, but the Pistons have yet to find a deal that works for them.
Why should this season be different? Several reasons.
One, Prince, along with teammate Rip Hamilton, has mentally checked out. Two, Prince's contract expires this summer, making him attractive to GMs who don't want to make long-term commitments right now. Three, he can still play (he averages 15 points and five rebounds per game) and would really help a number of teams competing for a title. Finally, the Pistons need to do something.
Although they've tried hard to trade Hamilton, there isn't a huge market for him -- if they can get some cap relief for him, they'll be happy. Prince is a better asset, and the rebuilding Pistons need to use him to improve their talent base. Although it's possible he won't get traded (again), it's never been more likely that he will be.
Randolph
4. Anthony Randolph, F, Knicks
OK, I'm cheating a bit here. Randolph isn't an impact player, by anyone's definition, but he's a player with big-time upside. Many GMs still believe that, with playing time and the right coach, Randolph could be a star. Unfortunately for Knicks fans, Mike D'Antoni and GM Donnie Walsh aren't in that group.
New York has been hunting for a first-round pick for Randolph to use in a Carmelo Anthony trade, but if Melo goes to New Jersey, the Knicks might settle for swapping Randolph for a veteran or two on short contracts who can help in the playoffs.
Randolph
5. Zach Randolph, PF, Grizzlies
Randolph is having another big, big season in Memphis, averaging 20 points and 13 rebounds. But he's an unrestricted free agent this summer, and it's unlikely the Grizzlies will re-sign him.
Not only has Randolph privately expressed a desire to play on a bigger stage but the Grizzlies probably can't afford him. They gave Rudy Gay a near-max deal this summer, greatly overpaid Mike Conley and have prioritized re-signing restricted free agent Marc Gasol this summer. Unless owner Michael Heisley wants his payroll to hit $65-67 million next season, Memphis likely will pass on re-signing Randolph.
But the Grizzlies don't want to lose Randolph for nothing, which is why we're hearing his name more and more the past few weeks. O.J. Mayo could be on the move, as well.
Williams
6. Mo Williams, PG, Cavaliers
Sources say that the Cavs have been quietly calling around looking for a home for Williams. Two years ago, Williams was an All-Star. Now, the team is struggling to get anyone to take on the two years and $17 million left on his contract after this season. A hip injury that Williams is nursing isn't helping matters, nor is the fact that Williams' shooting numbers are down across the board.
But he just turned 28 years old and can still help a team. Chances are the Cavs will find a taker.
Harris
7. Devin Harris, PG, Nets
The Nets are not sold on Harris as their point guard of the future, and things didn't get better when Harris' former coach, Avery Johnson, took the reins in New Jersey.
Harris would likely be part of any Anthony deal the Nets might do. But even if the Nets are really out of the Carmelo sweepstakes, Harris, along with their expiring contracts and draft picks, should help them get another key player.
Lewis
8. Rashard Lewis, F, Wizards
Lewis has already been traded once this season. Could it happen again?
That's the word we're getting from several GMs. The Wizards are in rebuilding mode, and Lewis' presence hasn't exactly turned the team around. The Wizards are 6-12 since the trade, and Lewis continues to struggle shooting the ball.
Lewis still has a full $21 million due to him next season and has a partially guaranteed contract for 2012-13 that will pay him a minimum of $10 million, so he's not cheap. But for a team a little closer to competing in the playoffs, he might be worth the risk -- at least, that's what the Wizards are hoping.
Granger
9. Danny Granger, F, Pacers
The Pacers have long maintained that Granger is the core of their team and off limits. However, as our own Marc Stein has reported, a number of GMs in the league now believe Granger could be had for two major assets. Granger isn't having a career season, but he is only 27, has a reasonable contract and is the type of player every coach wants in the locker room.
What is Indiana looking for? Ideally, it'd get a power forward and a 2-guard who can create his own shot off the dribble. It would take a pretty big package for Indiana to let go of Granger, but it sounds as if, for the first time, he's no longer untouchable.
Nash
10. Steve Nash, PG, Suns
Suns president Lon Babby has been adamant that he's not trading Nash. That's why Nash is at the bottom of the list and not at the top. But there are GMs who believe Babby's stance might soften as we get closer to the deadline.
The Suns are no longer a contender and are on the verge of a major rebuilding project. Although Nash has said publicly that he's standing by the Suns, it doesn't make much sense for either party to keep going this direction.
Nash is still playing like an All-Star and could have a chance at winning a title elsewhere. More importantly for the Suns, he's their only major asset right now. The other players on their roster don't have a lot of trade value, but several teams would give up a lot to land Nash. If the Suns are serious about rebuilding, it might be time to say goodbye.
1/27/2011 6:05 PM
