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[ESPN] Stars on the trading block

Discussion in 'NBA Dish' started by J.R., Mar 1, 2012.

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J.R. Member

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From Christopher Broussard:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/stor...rs-dwight-howard-pau-gasol-rajon-rondo-traded

With the NBA trade deadline approaching, lots of players are being mentioned in rumors. Here's the latest on the big names who could be on the move:

Dwight Howard, C

As everyone knows, Dwight and his agent, Dan Fegan, asked Orlando for permission to speak with three teams in the preseason: New Jersey, Dallas and the Los Angeles Lakers. But there are three other teams that should be thrown into the mix: Orlando, New York and the Los Angeles Clippers.

New Jersey/Brooklyn remains the odds-on favorite because Dwight has eyes for Brooklyn and the tremendous marketing opportunities it could present, not to mention he loves the thought of teaming with all-star point guard Deron Williams. In Brooklyn, as the face of the Nets' "new'' franchise, Howard could receive an Adidas deal similar to the $260 million one Derrick Rose recently signed. Howard's preference would be to sign with New Jersey as a free agent, thereby allowing the Nets to keep the solid role players -- Brook Lopez, MarShon Brooks, Kris Humphries, Jordan Farmar and Anthony Morrow -- they'd have to trade to get him before March 15.

Orlando is underwhelmed by the Nets' personnel and would want a third or fourth team involved in any trade. It's possible the clubs could revisit the three-team trade they nearly pulled off in December since Portland is now, according to sources, once again willing to part with Gerald Wallace. Back in December, talks between the three teams had Wallace joining Lopez in Orlando. While the Nets would be amenable to such a deal, they don't currently have any three-team packages on the table because of the uncertainty over whether the Magic will trade Howard, sources said. It's difficult to arrange such complicated trade scenarios when you're not sure the main team in the deal will play ball.

Nonetheless, one Eastern Conference executive said he believes that if Howard is traded before the deadline, it will be to New Jersey. But the Nets should not begin stitching Howard's jersey just yet. The same executive, as well as several others around the association, believe the longer this goes on without a resolution, the better Dallas's chances of snagging both Howard and Williams. Mavs owner Mark Cuban is positioning himself to make a run at both players and if he can move Shawn Marion after the season, he could be in position to offer both players near-max deals. Williams, a Dallas native, would love to play in his hometown, and Howard, Dirk Nowitzki and he could form a big three that would rival Miami's.

I'm getting conflicting information on Howard's desire to play for the Lakers. Reports suggest Howard has cooled on the idea of playing alongside Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, and a plugged-in source insists that Howard definitely does not want to play for the Lakers. But another person close to the situation insists that Howard remains open to the possibility of playing long-term with the Lakers.

The Clippers have not engaged the Magic in trade talks for Howard recently, but Howard would be open to playing with Chris Paul. A Clippers package featuring Blake Griffin could get the deal done, but sources say the Clippers will not trade their all-star power forward, even for D12.

New York is another place Howard would consider settling in long-term, and the talent-laden Knicks could offer a package that could rival just about anyone's, something along the lines of Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler. The Knicks, however, have not discussed this scenario with the Magic and sources say, they will only get involved in a potential trade for Howard if the Orlando center gives strong indications that he wants to play there. Otherwise, the Knicks do not believe it's worth the risk of potentially upsetting some of their star players by including them in a trade offer that's unlikely to be accepted. That said, the Knicks would send Amare Stoudemire to Orlando in a second. But the Magic have no interest in Stoudemire because of his bum knees and decreased production.

Finally, there's Orlando. Howard has not completely shut the door on the possibility of staying with the Magic long-term. Perhaps he will before March 15, but that is unlikely. Howard, sources say, has almost resigned himself to the fact that Orlando will not trade him this season. So while they're considering dealing him over the next two weeks, the Magic will also look for trades that can bring them a star to play beside Howard. They reportedly have their sights set on Steve Nash, but sources say Phoenix is not going to trade him. They also like Monte Ellis, but Golden State wants a big man that Orlando does not have in return. While it's trying, Orlando is finding it hard to pull off a trade that will appease Howard , in part because his lack of a commitment to remain there long-term makes other stars leery of joining the Magic.

Golden State is desperate to get in the Howard mix, even though it has been given no indications by Howard's camp that he will stay their long-term. Still, the Warriors, thinking they could convince Howard to stay in the Bay area, are mulling making an offer that could include some of their best players.
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Pau Gasol, C/F

Everyone knows the Lakers are willing to move Gasol, if only because they actually did move him in the preseason (before Commissioner David Stern nixed the three-team Chris Paul trade that had Gasol going to Houston). The Lakers, however, are not going to just give Gasol away. They want a star-quality player/players in return. Houston still wants Gasol, and a package of Luis Scola and Kyle Lowry could perhaps get it done. But the Rockets, as much as they like Gasol, do not want to lose Lowry, sources say. With the point guard enjoying a breakout season -- and the Rockets winning as well -- Houston wants to build around Lowry.

Minnesota has long been rumored to be in the mix for Gasol, who wouldn't mind playing with Ricky Rubio, but sources say the clubs haven't spoken about a Pau trade in months. And with 26-year-old center Nikola Pekovic emerging (he's averaged 16.8 points and 9.9 rebounds on 57% shooting in February), the Timberwolves don't need to bring in the older and far more expensive Gasol, who is 31.

While the Lakers have been reluctant to give up Gasol and Andrew Bynum for Howard, that trade, perhaps with Hedo Turkoglu thrown in, remains a possibility. Chicago has shown interest in Gasol, according to sources. One source says the Bulls like their team but have doubts about their ability to beat Miami without making one more move.

Chicago would give the Lakers Carlos Boozer in a heartbeat, but that won't get it done for Gasol. The Lakers would likely want Luol Deng thrown into the trade, which would be a deal-breaker for the Bulls.
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Rajon Rondo, PG

Boston is aggressively shopping Rondo, according to sources. The Celtics find Rondo's personality to be too high-maintenance and his clashes with coach Doc Rivers continue. With the Celtics having realized they are no longer title contenders, they don't believe the payoff is worth the headaches Rondo brings, sources say. And they do not want to build around him.

In December, the Celtics had discussions with Golden State about a Stephen Curry-for-Rondo deal, and one source says it was Golden State that decided against pulling the trigger. But Curry's recent ankle injuries, which have caused him several problems in his short career, have given the Celtics pause. The potential trade is still being discussed by Boston's braintrust, but they aren't sure they want to go forward with it. It also isn't clear whether the Warriors would be willing to do it. Other players would have to be thrown in to make it work financially.
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Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry, SG

While Boston is wondering about Steph Curry, the Warrior whose name is most often heard in trade rumors is Monte Ellis. Ellis has been open to (though not insistent) leaving Golden State for years, and if he had his druthers, he'd wind up with the Lakers, the Bulls or the Magic next to Dwight Howard, sources say. But none of those scenarios appears likely. While an Ellis trade is certainly possible, the Warriors would rather move Curry than Ellis, whom they believe is the better player.

Golden State is desperate for a big man and it would take a good one for them to part with either guard. The Warriors did in fact call New Jersey back in December to inform the Nets that they would be willing to participate in a three-team trade with Orlando, whereby the Warriors would send Ellis to Orlando in exchange for Brook Lopez, according to sources.

While that deal has little chance of happening, in part because Orlando would want much more than Ellis in return for Howard -- in fact, the Magic would want at least Lopez and Ellis -- if the Nets are able to sign Howard as a free agent this summer, they could revisit the Lopez-for-Ellis scenario since Lopez would then become expendable.
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Michael Beasley, PF

Beasley's talent is undeniable, as shown in Tuesday's 27-point outburst against the Clippers. But the Timberwolves are unwilling to invest in him long-term because of his "issues'', as well as their logjam at the forward spot. They are now trying to get whatever they can for Beasley before letting him walk as a free agent this summer.

The Lakers are interested, but conflicted. Minnesota offered the Lakers Beasley for the Lakers' best first-round pick, but the Lakers' unwillingness to pay the extra luxury tax money they would incur from Beasley's contract, have thus far turned down the deal. Beasley makes $6.2 million this season, but with the Lakers being a taxpayer, that equates to $12. million. While it's clear Beasley will make the Lakers better, will he make them good enough to justify that type of money. That's the question the Lakers are asking themselves. The Lakers own their own first-round pick as well as Dallas' first-round pick, though the Dallas pick is Top 20 protected.

I'm also told the Lakers may sign Gilbert Arenas after the all-star break (now) or the trade deadline. Arenas, according to a source, was "explosive'' and "had his athleticism back'' during his recent workout with the Lakers.
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Chris Kaman, C

Kaman will almost certainly be moved. New Orleans has no use for him and simply wants to get something -- even if it's just a second-round draft pick -- for him, according to sources. A month ago, when the Hornets told Kaman to stay home and wait to be traded, they were asking for a young player, a draft pick and an expiring contract. Now, their aspirations aren't so lofty. Golden State, Houston and Miami have interest in Kaman.
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Raymond Felton and Gerald Wallace, G

The two Blazers who are virtually untouchable are LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicholas Batum. With the Blazers struggling, everyone else is available, particularly Felton and Wallace. Felton just lost his starting job to Jamal Crawford. Felton, who is having the worst season of his career, had spoken with coach Nate McMillan about coming off the bench to jump start his game, but only temporarily. If the lineup change persists, Felton will be even more uncomfortable and unhappy than he is already. Felton is in the last year of his contract and making $7.5 million.

The question interested teams have to ask themselves is how much are you willing to give up for a potential rental. The Lakers would have interest, but what are they going to give up? Fear of the luxury tax penalty would likely keep them from using their trade exception on Felton. Wallace has a player option for $11.4 million next season, so you wonder what teams will be willing to pay that next season.
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#1 J.R., Mar 1, 2012

emjohn Member

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Given half the players listed, they should retitle that to Starters on the Block

#2 emjohn, Mar 1, 2012

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Jontro Member

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I don't even think if everyone on that list is to be put in one team, would win a championship.

#3 Jontro, Mar 1, 2012
larsv8 Member

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Jontro said: ↑

I don't even think if everyone on that list is to be put in one team, would win a championship.
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Curry
Ellis
Wallace
Gasol
Dwight

????

Thats a sick lineup, despite Ellis.

#4 larsv8, Mar 1, 2012
Carl Herrera Member

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GS would rather trade Curry than Ellis? This is new. Is the ankle worse than we think?

#5 Carl Herrera, Mar 1, 2012
rockbox Around before clutchcity.com

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Jontro said: ↑

I don't even think if everyone on that list is to be put in one team, would win a championship.
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And you would be wrong.

#6 rockbox, Mar 1, 2012
thething Member

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Gerald Wallace is really intriguing. He might be a good use of our NY pick and capspace.

#7 thething, Mar 1, 2012

OlajuwonFan81 Member

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Should be an interesting 2 weeks to say the least.

#8 OlajuwonFan81, Mar 1, 2012
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wallace curry rondo should all be targets of the rockets

#9 Rudyc281, Mar 1, 2012
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Rudyc281 said: ↑

wallace curry rondo should all be targets of the rockets
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And Beasley, Gasol, Kaman, Howard. So just about everybody except for Felton.

#10 moonsh0t, Mar 1, 2012
Rudyc281 Member

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Yea u right

#11 Rudyc281, Mar 1, 2012
Carl Herrera Member

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Rudyc281 said: ↑

wallace curry rondo should all be targets of the rockets
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We should go after Curry to attract Indian fans to replace the lost Chinese fans.

#12 Carl Herrera, Mar 1, 2012

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Carl Herrera said: ↑

We should go after Curry to attract Indian fans to replace the lost Chinese fans.
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lol... weak, but still laughed.

#13 JayZ750, Mar 1, 2012

Prince Member

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Our superstars are not on the list..

#14 Prince, Mar 1, 2012
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getting Kaman and/or Wallace for the rox would be great

#15 stylus8088, Mar 1, 2012
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stylus8088 said: ↑

getting Kaman and/or Wallace for the rox would be great
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Yeah, I don't really see us landing someone like Gasol or Ellis. So the other plan might be shoring up our team defensively, either of those guys would give us much more flexibility on defense.

#16 BONIERO1576, Mar 1, 2012
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stylus8088 said: ↑

getting Kaman and/or Wallace for the rox would be great
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Preferrably Kaman.

#17 MONON, Mar 1, 2012
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MONON said: ↑

Preferrably HOWARD.
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FIXED

#18 45souf, Mar 1, 2012

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I know I will get slammed for this but I wouldn't mind seeing a Rondo/Lowry backcourt with Rondo manning the point and Lowry manning the shooting guard position. Both can man up larger guards and both know how to distribute.

Not that Boston would be interested in this trade but I would offer: Martin/Budinger/Flynn for Rondo/Cash Considerations.

New Lineup:

P.G. - Rondo / Dragic
S.G. - Lowry / Lee
S.F. - Parsons / Morris
P.F. - Scola / Patterson
..C. - Dalembert

Now if there was only a way to pry Chuck Hayes out of Sacramentos hands.

#19 Rokman, Mar 1, 2012
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With the way Dalembert has been slowing down I don't understand why you wouldn't offer Jordan Hill / Thabeet / T Williams for Kaman....

I'm in the small fanbase who would like to keep Jordan on the team, but it doesn't seem like management wants to or they would have made that modest qualifying offer. So if they don't plan on having any of these guys around, ship them for Kaman and let's see if we can get out of the first round this year. If we had a backcourt of Dalembert, Kaman, Scola, & P Pat... even though I like Jordan... I'm not missing him in that rotation.

Are the 09ers enough to get Kaman? Minnesota's 2nd rounder included?

#20 konver5ation, Mar 1, 2012

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