Quite a sight around this time of year for NBA fans. First off, you have the excitement of NBA All-Star Weekend, which includes the highest flyers, best shooters, and the hottest celebrities.
Another reason to be jumpy is, of course, Feb. 18th. What is that, you ask? Well, it is the NBA trade deadline folks!
I’m sure you’ve heard plenty of names, such as Antawn Jamison, Chris Bosh, Andrew Bynum, etc. But for you folks out there who want a real juicy one, have you heard about the talks surrounding Amar’e Stoudemire?
And what can Cleveland do to keep the King?
Plenty more below.
First off…
let me thank Chad Ford, and ESPN.com for hooking us up with some nice info during his chat sessions.
Juicy Rumor #1:
Andrew Bynum for Chris Bosh?
Okay, this sounds like one of those trades that happens on Playstation, or something like that, right? I mean come on, when does the exchange of two all-star bigs happen? Rarely ever, but the truth of the matter is, there might be some juice in this one.
Lakers sources have indicated that they have their interests very high (like always) on acquiring Chris Bosh. Haven’t heard it before? Don’t be surprised, as many haven’t, but the Lakers have been attempting to get the versatile big man for a while, but they got stuck with Pau (OUCH!).
On the Raptors’ side, they really have nothing left in them to make Bosh happy. They attempted keeping Bosh happy by signing Hedo Turkoglu in the offseason, which wasn’t a bad move, but the Raptors aren’t really contending for anything. So why not trade the guy?
Well things seem to have gotten past the “talking” period, and word has it that there is a good chance Bynum is offered.
This trade would not only make the Raptor happy, but keep the Lakers (even more) indestructible.
How do the Raptors benefit? Well in return, they get a great young center, whom I believe will be in the top 3 centers in the NBA in a couple years.
Sources indicate that the Lakers will offer Bynum for Bosh (if they haven’t already) well before the 18th arrives.
Bynum’s “base year” essentially allows L.A. to take back but half of his salary this year ($12.5M). Of course, that restriction is lifted when next year’s salary ($13.7M) activates come July 1, at which time a sign-and-trade transaction would be feasible.
Juicy enough for you?
Juicy Rumor #2:
Zydrunas Ilgauskas for David West/Antawn Jamison/Troy Murphy???
If any team is going to be busy before the deadline, you can bet it’s the Cavs. Why? Well put it this way. You have one of the world’s top two players (we know who the other guy is), whom is on the final year of his contract, whom has been in Cleveland for 6 years, and hasn’t won a ring yet….I think that is enough reason to make a move.
DAVID WEST: Very interesting trade rumor reported yesterday at MorningJournal.com. The Cavs have apparently offered Zydrunas Ilgauskas to the Hornets for forward David West.
Am I missing something, or does this not look like an absolute slam dunk for the Cavaliers?
While David West’s numbers are down this year for the Hornets, he is still a versatile 6′9 forward averaging 17 points and 7 boards a game. He’s been a very productive and consistent wingman for Chris Paul in New Orleans and could play a similar role for LeBron James in Cleveland.
The article goes on to say that something would not feel right about Big Z plying his trade in another uniform, and that is absolutely correct. But if they could bring him in back in 30 days (and why wouldn’t they?), and add a legit NBA All Star in West, how is this deal not a win-win?
ANTAWN JAMISON: Talks have also been centered around the other D.C. star, Jamison. The funny thing is, is that these talks have been going on for the past 2 years, as the Cavs have always expressed strong interest in the all-star capable forward.
Not only would an expiring Ilgauskas contract help the Wiz out greatly, but it would also do Jamison a huge favor. Why? Well if you’ve been alive for the past few weeks, you should know about the whole Arenas/Crittenton gun incident. No doubt in my mind that Jamison is getting tired of this whole problem.
TROY MURPHY: Another good fit for the Cavs. Okay, he might not be as great of a scorer as Jamison, or as strong of a forward as West, but Troy Murphy brings a skillset to the table that the Cavs haven’t had since Boozer (’03), a versatile, shooting forward. The guy can simply “wet” it from three, and will no doubt have a load off of his shoulders with that number 23 guy on the court.
The Pacers would love to recieve an expiring Z contract, as they intend on continuing their Granger rebuilding process, and if you didn’t notice, they are having a bit of trouble in Indiana.
This would be a nice fit for both teams, but I feel if a Murphy deal was made, it would allow the Pacers to be much more flexible in a trade.
Juicy Rumor #3:
Andre Iguodala for Tracy McGrady?
This one sounds nice huh? Just the words McGrady, Iguodala and trade in the same sentence put a chill down your spine.
Well as of recent, their have been a few talks of splitting up the Sixers core, simply due to the fact that this core shows no chance of making a serious push in coming years, so why not start off from scratch?
The situation may be more financial than anything (in both cases). Iguodala is a bit overpaid for what he brings to the table. Don’t get me wrong, this kid knows what to do with the rock, but the issue is that his contract runs for another four years and the Rockets may not want to meddle with the un-flexibility they would recieve by gaining Iguodala. However there is a good chance a deal is possible if the Sixers can throw in a young Marresse Speights, or maybe Louis Williams. Iguodala and co. would certainly push the Rockets up in the West.
On the other hand, what would the Sixers gain in return?
How about 21.1 million dollars next summer. Sound good? No. Sounds excellent.
Juicy Rumor #4:
Anyone except Dwight, for who knows???
Okay, this one is kind of up there, I mean if it’s anybody on the Magic (except Dwight), then heck, they could be letting Coach Van Gundy go as well.
If you have been paying attention as of late, you have noticed that the Orlando Magic are struggling harshly (maybe an understatement).
From what I hear inside the organization, the Magic are deeply regretting that they let Hedo Turkoglu go. Who wouldn’t? There aren’t many players in the A like him. The only few I can name who have a game similar, are probably guys like Dirk, Mike Miller, Bargnani.etc.
If a trade were to happen with Orlando, you can almost expect it to be with Vince Carter, who has probably struggled the most. Have you seen the guy play lately? It’s almost like he is trying to go for the record for most bricks in a season. Geeze.
Or maybe they might let go of Nelson (small chance) who can get some valuable return, due to his athleticism and age.
Could they be letting go key bench players like Pietrus or Andersen? Here are a couple scenarios a trade could be made:
- G Vince Carter for Utah Jazz F Andrei Kirilenko, not only would such a trade be near equal in salary, but it would help both teams in a variety of ways. The Magic need to get back to playing solid D, and in my opinion need one more long-defender, who can shoot the ball pretty well. So why not Kirilenko? On the other hand, the Jazz aren’t doing anything at the moment, so why not pull a trigger on VC in Utah. They do need scoring, don’t they?
- G Jameer Nelson for Charlotte Bobcats F Gerald Wallace, this trade would hurt the Magic in the PG spot, but I believe that J.Williams can fill in the spot, but I can see JJ handling the ball for Orlando in a year or two. The Magic would benefit strongly. Why? They simply don’t have any attacking, perimeter players (VC doesn’t count, he just likes to jack up 3′s). On the other hand, I can see the Bobcats benefiting in a couple years with Nelson possibly being a franchise player, and by making a move or two.
- G/F M.Pietrus, and G JJ Redick for Wizards F Caron Butler, this is not a bead idea when you really think about it. Why? Well the Magic are probably in the top 3 when it comes to the deepest teams in the NBA, so losing a player off the bench won’t kill them. With the Magic acquiring Caron, they would almost immediatley send VC, or Butler to the bench. Imagine of those guys as your 6th man. For the Wizards, I believe they’ll pretty much do just about anything at the moment. The fallout is sure to begin, as the deadline approaches.
Now, I’m not saying these are the greatest ideas, but just give it a thought. Orlando needs help. Now.
Juicy Rumor #5:
Amar’e Stoudemire leaving Suns?
The Suns were quickly turning heads as the season progressed. Who expected them to actually do anything? I mean, once Shaq left, the doubters began to fill in. But with the Suns’ recent struggles, you have to wonder if things are beginning to come into focus, and we are now seeing the real Suns team.
ESPN.com’s NBA Insider Chad Ford was recently asked about the Suns’ situation, and if they are considering making any moves:
“Matt (Seattle) Any chatter regarding the Suns? Will Amare be shipped out now that the Suns are falling back down to Earth? Chad Ford(1:17 PM)Yes. I was skeptical last week when I did my trade story. But since then I’ve had several signals come out of Phoenix that Amare is available for the right price. I think the Suns are really concerned that he wants to leave for a bigger market. I would’ve said last week there was a 10 percent chance he gets traded. I’d up it to 40 to 50% now based on what I’m beginning to hear.”
Now, I have no idea what course the Suns are going to follow, or who or when someone will be traded, but things are beginning to slip in Phoenix. Expect to begin hearing chatter from the Suns’ organization.
So everyone, are these trades guaranteed? No.
Are they being talked about? Yes.
A lot? Yes.
Chances they happen? Hell yes! (at least some of them…)
Thanks for reading everyone.
Sources used in this post:
- http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm
- http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/24848/24848
- http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2010/01/17/sports/doc4b529c10e9854236111606.txt
- http://bleacherreport.com/articles/125657-cavs-trade-rumors-antwan-jamison-on-his-way-out-of-washington
- http://www.redsarmy.com/home/2010/01/trade-rumor-andrew-bynum-for-chris-bosh.html
* – Amare Stoudemire photo credit: Phoenix New Times
Contact the author:
- Email me: Devonnba4193@aol.com
- Twitter.com: twitter.com/devonmsf
