http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2012/03...-team-by-team/
By Chris Sheridan
March 13, 2012 at 10:31 AM
By Chris Sheridan
March 13, 2012 at 10:31 AM
With Thursday’s NBA trade deadline approaching, we will keep you updated on all the trade chatter being reported. And we’ll do it in one post, which will be constantly updated between now and 3 p.m. EDT on March 15.
You should also check out our story on Eurostash trade assets, and which teams are holding other teams’ future draft picks.
ATLANTA HAWKS — Beat writer Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said Josh Smith has informed the team he wants to be dealt, and Golden State is among the teams that has inquired. Sekou Smith of NBA.com says Smith’s trade request was initially made last February. Smith and Al Horford for Dwight Howard? A deal that would return D-12 to his hometown? Ken Berger of CBSSports.com says it is a possibility.
BOSTON CELTICS — General manager Danny Ainge asked the Indiana Pacers for Tyler Hansbrough and a first-round draft pick for Ray Allen, Pacers GM Larry Bird told Jackie McMullan of ESPNBoston.com. Breaking up the Big Three remains a possibility, but the player who would bring the most in return is Rajon Rondo, who says the team is old enough to know how to tune out the rumors. A.Sherrod Blakley of CSNNE.com quotes Danny Ainge: ”Rondo’s not being traded.”
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS — Tyrus Thomas went from not playing against Utah on Wednesday to starting vs. the Nets on Friday. A showcase of the player that Michael Jordan acquired from the Bulls, surrendering a future No. 1 pick that becomes unprotected in 2016? Boris Diaw’s consecutive games streak ended at 384 games Tuesday, and his agent has already raised the possibility of a buyout, which would need to happen before March 23 in order for Diaw to sign with a playoff team.
CHICAGO BULLS — As first reported on this site, there is interest in trying to obtain Pau Gasol from the Lakers in return for Carlos Boozer and at least one other player. But the most recent rumors list the Rockets as the leading candidate to acquire Gasol, who was headed to Houston as part of the original Chris Paul trade that commissioner David Stern vetoed squashed. As for Dwight Howard, the big fella said “it’s pretty cold here.”
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS — Antawn Jamison has a big, fat expiring contract and would make a nice addition to a contending team. Well, that’s what was said two years ago when the Cavs got him from the Wizards. Nowadays, Byron Scott is using Jamison at center as the Cavs try to stay in the playoff race. And GM Chris Grant wants a No. 1 draft pick in return for Ramon Sessions, an asking price the Lakers reportedly deemed too high.
DALLAS MAVERICKS — If the master plan is to clear enough cap space to make a run at free agents Dwight Howard and Deron Williams, the Mavs need to find a taker for Shawn Marion and the two remaining years on his contract. As repeatedly suggested in our Sunday Power Rankings, a straight-up deal with the 76ers for Andres Nocioni (a favorite of Rick Carlisle) makes sense for both teams. Jason Terry said if he was running the floundering team, he would make a deal.
DENVER NUGGETS — They are in a standoff right now with Wilson Chandler, who is a restricted free agent but can only sign with the Nuggets under a new provision of the collective bargaining agreement. He wants to sign for the rest of the season, then become unrestricted. The Nuggets want him to sign long-term. Aaron Lopez of Nuggets.com quotes owner Josh Kroenke: “We are still in active talks.” On trades, Kroenke said: “We’re in a position this year where we don’t have to do anything.”
DETROIT PISTONS — Not a lot has been out there publicly about what Joe Dumars plans to do with his strange collection of an underperforming mix of young and old. Charlie Villanueva was active Friday night but did not play. Ben Gordon shot 1-for-7. Both players have contracts with huge player options for 2013-14, when the punitive luxury tax kicks in. Mike Payne of DetroitBadBoys believes Rodney Stuckey and Detroit’s No. 1 pick could get them Josh Smith.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS — If their notion of getting Dwight Howard as a rental runs into the logic wall, they have interest in a different big guy with a fractured ankle. Sam Amick of SI.com says Golden State is one of the teams to have expressed interest in acquiring Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut, a former overall No. 1 pick who has averaged only 66 games in his six seasons because of injuries. Local writers threw cold water on ESPN report sending Monta Ellis to Orlando — unless Howard is coming back.
HOUSTON ROCKETS — Still seeking Pau Gasol, and Sam Amick of SI.com says Kevin Martin and forward Luis Scola remain in the mix for possible deals for Howard or Gasol. Beat writer Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle expects them to be active and says they have cooled of late on Chris Kaman but have warmed up to the idea of Gerald Wallace.
INDIANA PACERS — They are the only team in the league that have the cap space to absorb Chris Kaman’s contract without surrendering anything in return, other than a draft pick. Right now, they project to pick in the low-to-mid 20s in what should be a deep draft — but not that deep. Internally, the big debate is whether to promote George Hill over Darren Collison.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS– The Clippers, who seem to add a player every two weeks or so, are eyeballing Blazers guard Jamal Crawford. Ken Berger of CBSSports.com tweeted that the Clippers would like to surrender Eric Bledsoe and Ryan Gomes for Crawford, who has a player option for next season. Ben Golliver of BlazersEdge says Portland doesn’t want Gomes’ contract.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS — The waiting continues for Pau Gasol, who told Spanish media outlets that any trade is in the hands of ownership (not management). Houston still covets him, as does Chicago — and David Aldridge of NBA.com says the Wizards have an outside shot. Lakers also still have $8.9 million trade exception from Lamar Odom deal. Would have to take on luxury tax, but ownership can afford it and needs to send positive message to Coach Kobe.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES– For the second straight year, guard O.J. Mayo’s name has popped up at the trading deadline. However, Hoopsworld cited a league source who said Memphis is no longer interested in moving Mayo and any trades it is discussing do not involve primary players – which may mean they are looking to move the underutilized Sam Young. Remember, this team already has made two trades since its roster supposedly was set, acquiring Mareesse Speights and Quincy Pondexter and moving Greivis Vasquez and Xavier Henry.
MIAMI HEAT — Dwight Howard would be interested in playing here, according to a tweet from veteran NBA scribe Chris Mannix of SI.com. As enticing as it sounds (it would have to be for Chris Bosh and more), a move to Miami does not jibe with the perception that Howard wants to be the top banana wherever he lands, because he’d be a distant third here behind LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS – Brandon Jennings has been made available, according to Sam Amick of SI.com. While it is no secret that the Bucks are eager to shed Stephen Jackson, who has one year remaining ($10.1M), and Drew Gooden, who has three years remaining ($20.1M), it is not all that surprising to hear that Jennings might be made available — especially given the doubts over whether he’ll want to remain in Milwaukee long-term after he said he was “doing my homework on big-market teams.” But Mark Spears of Yahoo tweeted that Jennings is staying put.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES –Any plans they had to trade Luke Ridnour went out the window when Ricky Rubio went down for the season, and the player most likely to be dealt elsewhere is Michael Beasley. The Wolves are sitting on a stockpile of future second-round draft picks that could be added into a deal to exchange Beasley for a better player.
NEW JERSEY NETS –The very reliable Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer has reported that the Nets have interest in acquiring Boris Diaw and his expiring contract, and would throw in Houston’s No. 1 pick. The deal would likely involve Jordan Farmar, who has a player option for $4.5 million next season that eats into the Nets’ cap room, and possibly Shawne Williams, who has a $3.1 million player option. Nets would prefer to push Johan Petro, but even MJ wouldn’t do that. Right? Also, Kris Humphries would reportedly waive no-trade clause for right deal.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS– According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld and Jerrod Rudolph of RealGM, the Hornets are discussing a three-team trade that would presumably include Chris Kaman and would have the end effect of bringing Monta Ellis to Orlando — presumably to entice Dwight Howard to remain long term. The reported deal would send Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Dorell Wright out of Golden State while Ryan Anderson, J.J. Redick, Hedo Turkoglu and Quentin Richardson would be leaving Orlando.
NEW YORK KNICKS — Toney Douglas is the odd man out since Linsanity began and who could be a steal for a team looking for a defensively capable combo guard. If Douglas moves to a place where defense is valued over offense, it would play to his strengths. On-the-ball defenders are tough to find. That’s why Lindsey Hunter stuck around the NBA for so long. Knicks would want a backup big or a draft pick (a low No. 1 or high No. 2) in return.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER– The Thunder have the best record in the Western Conference but are not averse to changing their roster. But it would have to be a steal, according to Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman. Mayberry’s story goes on to nitpick about some of OKC’s shortcomings, which is like complaining about Cindy Crawford’s mole.
ORLANDO MAGIC– The two latest quotes from Dwight Howard. Make of them what you will: “”We want to be hitting our peak at the right time. It’s great to beat these teams now, but we want to beat them when it counts.” And … ”We want to make sure heading into the playoffs we’re playing our best basketball.” By all accounts this one will be the call of owner Rich DeVos, who wants to win a title now.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS– President Rod Thorn told the Philadelphia Daily News that the Sixers are listening, but the belief is that they will not do anything. Given Spencer Hawes’ balky Achilles, you would think they would be looking to add a big man who can tie his shoes and chew gum at the same time. However, Philly radio pot-stirrer Howard Eskin tweeted that the Sixers are looking for a wing player. (Hat tip to Liberty Ballers)
PHOENIX SUNS– There has been some talk about Steve Nash, but the belief is he’s not going anywhere. The Suns will have cap room this summer and still hold the rights to guard Aaron Brooks, who is playing in China. However, his team is still alive in the Chinese Basketball Association, which would leave him about a month of the NBA campaign – and the playoffs, if Phoenix makes it.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS — Jamal Crawford is right there with Chris Kaman on the Most Likely to be Traded list, and the Clippers and Blazers are discussing a deal that would send Jamal Crawford to the Clippers for Eric Bledsoe and Ryan Gomes, according to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, who notes that rival executives believe the Blazers are interested in exploring a swap of Raymond Felton to the Lakers for Steve Blake, with L.A. sending another piece. Gerald Wallace is another popular name in many, many speculative reports, and a D.J. Augustin for Crawford swap is a possibility, according to the Charlotte Observer.
SACRAMENTO KINGS — In another rather sudden piece of news in his most recent column, Amick (who resides in Sacto) said the Kings are willing to field offers for former Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, who has been moved to small forward with Keith Smart’s choice to use rookie Isaiah Thomas more at the point. Amick also notes that the franchise is committed to rebuilding around DeMarcus Cousins (Excuse the shaky foundation joke).
SAN ANTONIO SPURS — If the Spurs wanted to go after Dwight Howard, they could package Richard Jefferson, DeJuan Blair and the rights to a bunch of these Eurostash players and use him as a rental. Think about it, and is that such a crazy idea when we start talking about Howard rentals? San Antonio would win the championship with him, IMHO. The Spurs could field a team of the overseas players they hold rights to that would defeat the Bobcats.
TORONTO RAPTORS– Toronto Star beat writer Doug Smith on Bryan Colangelo: “The art of the deal is something he’s quite fond of and I know he’ll at least be exploring stuff to get involved with. He can’t help himself, we always joke, and it’s a bit true. However, even with Jose (Calderon) out and the struggles that will mean and with a team absorbing losses at a rapid rate, Bryan needs to spend this week taking a series of deep breaths and wondering what next season might look like with Valanciunas, a free agent or two, the core guys he’s got now and another high draft pick.
UTAH JAZZ– Jazz GM Kevin O’Connor had no comment when asked if guard Raja Bell requested a trade, according to the Deseret News. Bell was sent home after an argument with coach Tyrone Corbin following Friday night’s loss in Philadelphia and did not participate in Monday’s shootaround, instead meeting with Corbin and O’Connor. He started Monday night. Utah also has a $10.9 million trade exception from the Mehmet Okur deal.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS — From beat writer Michael Lee of the Washington Post: Multiple sources around the league contend that Wall is the Wizards’ only untouchable in trade discussions. Ken Berger of CBSSports.com says the Wizards are in the mix on Andrew Bogut.
You should also check out our story on Eurostash trade assets, and which teams are holding other teams’ future draft picks.
ATLANTA HAWKS — Beat writer Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said Josh Smith has informed the team he wants to be dealt, and Golden State is among the teams that has inquired. Sekou Smith of NBA.com says Smith’s trade request was initially made last February. Smith and Al Horford for Dwight Howard? A deal that would return D-12 to his hometown? Ken Berger of CBSSports.com says it is a possibility.
BOSTON CELTICS — General manager Danny Ainge asked the Indiana Pacers for Tyler Hansbrough and a first-round draft pick for Ray Allen, Pacers GM Larry Bird told Jackie McMullan of ESPNBoston.com. Breaking up the Big Three remains a possibility, but the player who would bring the most in return is Rajon Rondo, who says the team is old enough to know how to tune out the rumors. A.Sherrod Blakley of CSNNE.com quotes Danny Ainge: ”Rondo’s not being traded.”
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS — Tyrus Thomas went from not playing against Utah on Wednesday to starting vs. the Nets on Friday. A showcase of the player that Michael Jordan acquired from the Bulls, surrendering a future No. 1 pick that becomes unprotected in 2016? Boris Diaw’s consecutive games streak ended at 384 games Tuesday, and his agent has already raised the possibility of a buyout, which would need to happen before March 23 in order for Diaw to sign with a playoff team.
CHICAGO BULLS — As first reported on this site, there is interest in trying to obtain Pau Gasol from the Lakers in return for Carlos Boozer and at least one other player. But the most recent rumors list the Rockets as the leading candidate to acquire Gasol, who was headed to Houston as part of the original Chris Paul trade that commissioner David Stern vetoed squashed. As for Dwight Howard, the big fella said “it’s pretty cold here.”
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS — Antawn Jamison has a big, fat expiring contract and would make a nice addition to a contending team. Well, that’s what was said two years ago when the Cavs got him from the Wizards. Nowadays, Byron Scott is using Jamison at center as the Cavs try to stay in the playoff race. And GM Chris Grant wants a No. 1 draft pick in return for Ramon Sessions, an asking price the Lakers reportedly deemed too high.
DALLAS MAVERICKS — If the master plan is to clear enough cap space to make a run at free agents Dwight Howard and Deron Williams, the Mavs need to find a taker for Shawn Marion and the two remaining years on his contract. As repeatedly suggested in our Sunday Power Rankings, a straight-up deal with the 76ers for Andres Nocioni (a favorite of Rick Carlisle) makes sense for both teams. Jason Terry said if he was running the floundering team, he would make a deal.
DENVER NUGGETS — They are in a standoff right now with Wilson Chandler, who is a restricted free agent but can only sign with the Nuggets under a new provision of the collective bargaining agreement. He wants to sign for the rest of the season, then become unrestricted. The Nuggets want him to sign long-term. Aaron Lopez of Nuggets.com quotes owner Josh Kroenke: “We are still in active talks.” On trades, Kroenke said: “We’re in a position this year where we don’t have to do anything.”
DETROIT PISTONS — Not a lot has been out there publicly about what Joe Dumars plans to do with his strange collection of an underperforming mix of young and old. Charlie Villanueva was active Friday night but did not play. Ben Gordon shot 1-for-7. Both players have contracts with huge player options for 2013-14, when the punitive luxury tax kicks in. Mike Payne of DetroitBadBoys believes Rodney Stuckey and Detroit’s No. 1 pick could get them Josh Smith.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS — If their notion of getting Dwight Howard as a rental runs into the logic wall, they have interest in a different big guy with a fractured ankle. Sam Amick of SI.com says Golden State is one of the teams to have expressed interest in acquiring Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut, a former overall No. 1 pick who has averaged only 66 games in his six seasons because of injuries. Local writers threw cold water on ESPN report sending Monta Ellis to Orlando — unless Howard is coming back.
HOUSTON ROCKETS — Still seeking Pau Gasol, and Sam Amick of SI.com says Kevin Martin and forward Luis Scola remain in the mix for possible deals for Howard or Gasol. Beat writer Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle expects them to be active and says they have cooled of late on Chris Kaman but have warmed up to the idea of Gerald Wallace.
INDIANA PACERS — They are the only team in the league that have the cap space to absorb Chris Kaman’s contract without surrendering anything in return, other than a draft pick. Right now, they project to pick in the low-to-mid 20s in what should be a deep draft — but not that deep. Internally, the big debate is whether to promote George Hill over Darren Collison.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS– The Clippers, who seem to add a player every two weeks or so, are eyeballing Blazers guard Jamal Crawford. Ken Berger of CBSSports.com tweeted that the Clippers would like to surrender Eric Bledsoe and Ryan Gomes for Crawford, who has a player option for next season. Ben Golliver of BlazersEdge says Portland doesn’t want Gomes’ contract.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS — The waiting continues for Pau Gasol, who told Spanish media outlets that any trade is in the hands of ownership (not management). Houston still covets him, as does Chicago — and David Aldridge of NBA.com says the Wizards have an outside shot. Lakers also still have $8.9 million trade exception from Lamar Odom deal. Would have to take on luxury tax, but ownership can afford it and needs to send positive message to Coach Kobe.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES– For the second straight year, guard O.J. Mayo’s name has popped up at the trading deadline. However, Hoopsworld cited a league source who said Memphis is no longer interested in moving Mayo and any trades it is discussing do not involve primary players – which may mean they are looking to move the underutilized Sam Young. Remember, this team already has made two trades since its roster supposedly was set, acquiring Mareesse Speights and Quincy Pondexter and moving Greivis Vasquez and Xavier Henry.
MIAMI HEAT — Dwight Howard would be interested in playing here, according to a tweet from veteran NBA scribe Chris Mannix of SI.com. As enticing as it sounds (it would have to be for Chris Bosh and more), a move to Miami does not jibe with the perception that Howard wants to be the top banana wherever he lands, because he’d be a distant third here behind LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS – Brandon Jennings has been made available, according to Sam Amick of SI.com. While it is no secret that the Bucks are eager to shed Stephen Jackson, who has one year remaining ($10.1M), and Drew Gooden, who has three years remaining ($20.1M), it is not all that surprising to hear that Jennings might be made available — especially given the doubts over whether he’ll want to remain in Milwaukee long-term after he said he was “doing my homework on big-market teams.” But Mark Spears of Yahoo tweeted that Jennings is staying put.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES –Any plans they had to trade Luke Ridnour went out the window when Ricky Rubio went down for the season, and the player most likely to be dealt elsewhere is Michael Beasley. The Wolves are sitting on a stockpile of future second-round draft picks that could be added into a deal to exchange Beasley for a better player.
NEW JERSEY NETS –The very reliable Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer has reported that the Nets have interest in acquiring Boris Diaw and his expiring contract, and would throw in Houston’s No. 1 pick. The deal would likely involve Jordan Farmar, who has a player option for $4.5 million next season that eats into the Nets’ cap room, and possibly Shawne Williams, who has a $3.1 million player option. Nets would prefer to push Johan Petro, but even MJ wouldn’t do that. Right? Also, Kris Humphries would reportedly waive no-trade clause for right deal.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS– According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld and Jerrod Rudolph of RealGM, the Hornets are discussing a three-team trade that would presumably include Chris Kaman and would have the end effect of bringing Monta Ellis to Orlando — presumably to entice Dwight Howard to remain long term. The reported deal would send Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Dorell Wright out of Golden State while Ryan Anderson, J.J. Redick, Hedo Turkoglu and Quentin Richardson would be leaving Orlando.
NEW YORK KNICKS — Toney Douglas is the odd man out since Linsanity began and who could be a steal for a team looking for a defensively capable combo guard. If Douglas moves to a place where defense is valued over offense, it would play to his strengths. On-the-ball defenders are tough to find. That’s why Lindsey Hunter stuck around the NBA for so long. Knicks would want a backup big or a draft pick (a low No. 1 or high No. 2) in return.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER– The Thunder have the best record in the Western Conference but are not averse to changing their roster. But it would have to be a steal, according to Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman. Mayberry’s story goes on to nitpick about some of OKC’s shortcomings, which is like complaining about Cindy Crawford’s mole.
ORLANDO MAGIC– The two latest quotes from Dwight Howard. Make of them what you will: “”We want to be hitting our peak at the right time. It’s great to beat these teams now, but we want to beat them when it counts.” And … ”We want to make sure heading into the playoffs we’re playing our best basketball.” By all accounts this one will be the call of owner Rich DeVos, who wants to win a title now.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS– President Rod Thorn told the Philadelphia Daily News that the Sixers are listening, but the belief is that they will not do anything. Given Spencer Hawes’ balky Achilles, you would think they would be looking to add a big man who can tie his shoes and chew gum at the same time. However, Philly radio pot-stirrer Howard Eskin tweeted that the Sixers are looking for a wing player. (Hat tip to Liberty Ballers)
PHOENIX SUNS– There has been some talk about Steve Nash, but the belief is he’s not going anywhere. The Suns will have cap room this summer and still hold the rights to guard Aaron Brooks, who is playing in China. However, his team is still alive in the Chinese Basketball Association, which would leave him about a month of the NBA campaign – and the playoffs, if Phoenix makes it.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS — Jamal Crawford is right there with Chris Kaman on the Most Likely to be Traded list, and the Clippers and Blazers are discussing a deal that would send Jamal Crawford to the Clippers for Eric Bledsoe and Ryan Gomes, according to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, who notes that rival executives believe the Blazers are interested in exploring a swap of Raymond Felton to the Lakers for Steve Blake, with L.A. sending another piece. Gerald Wallace is another popular name in many, many speculative reports, and a D.J. Augustin for Crawford swap is a possibility, according to the Charlotte Observer.
SACRAMENTO KINGS — In another rather sudden piece of news in his most recent column, Amick (who resides in Sacto) said the Kings are willing to field offers for former Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, who has been moved to small forward with Keith Smart’s choice to use rookie Isaiah Thomas more at the point. Amick also notes that the franchise is committed to rebuilding around DeMarcus Cousins (Excuse the shaky foundation joke).
SAN ANTONIO SPURS — If the Spurs wanted to go after Dwight Howard, they could package Richard Jefferson, DeJuan Blair and the rights to a bunch of these Eurostash players and use him as a rental. Think about it, and is that such a crazy idea when we start talking about Howard rentals? San Antonio would win the championship with him, IMHO. The Spurs could field a team of the overseas players they hold rights to that would defeat the Bobcats.
TORONTO RAPTORS– Toronto Star beat writer Doug Smith on Bryan Colangelo: “The art of the deal is something he’s quite fond of and I know he’ll at least be exploring stuff to get involved with. He can’t help himself, we always joke, and it’s a bit true. However, even with Jose (Calderon) out and the struggles that will mean and with a team absorbing losses at a rapid rate, Bryan needs to spend this week taking a series of deep breaths and wondering what next season might look like with Valanciunas, a free agent or two, the core guys he’s got now and another high draft pick.
UTAH JAZZ– Jazz GM Kevin O’Connor had no comment when asked if guard Raja Bell requested a trade, according to the Deseret News. Bell was sent home after an argument with coach Tyrone Corbin following Friday night’s loss in Philadelphia and did not participate in Monday’s shootaround, instead meeting with Corbin and O’Connor. He started Monday night. Utah also has a $10.9 million trade exception from the Mehmet Okur deal.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS — From beat writer Michael Lee of the Washington Post: Multiple sources around the league contend that Wall is the Wizards’ only untouchable in trade discussions. Ken Berger of CBSSports.com says the Wizards are in the mix on Andrew Bogut.