Trade Candidate Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Trade Candidate: Kevin Martin

February 24th, 2012 at 6:54pm CST by Chuck Myron

Yesterday we heard Kevin Martin tell Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle he disputes a report by Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld suggesting he’s dissatisfied with his situation in Houston. Regardless of whom you believe, it’s reasonable to suspect Martin could be on the trading block, since he was part of the ill-fated three-team deal that would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers in December. The Rockets find themselves at 20-14, tied with the Lakers for fifth in the Western Conference after a surprisingly successful first half, but are apparently still pursuing a shakeup. Ingram, in his report, points to tension between the players and new coach Kevin McHale, who on the outside seems like a candidate for Coach of the Year.

Martin has a reputation as an all-offense, no-defense guy, but he’s consistently put up impressive numbers. He’s averaged at least 20 PPG the last five seasons, even though most of his time has been spent on lottery-bound teams in Houston and Sacramento. At 6’7”, he does give you length at the shooting guard position, an asset that teams with undersized backcourts, like Golden State, might covet. His scoring is down this season, at 18.0 PPG, partly the result of almost one fewer shot per game (6.0) compared to last year (6.9). Nonetheless, he makes a fairly attractive option to teams like the Cavs and Wolves who are in need of shooting guard help. His contract, which has 11.5MM guaranteed for this year and $12.4 for next, is a little pricey, but it’s not a long-term commitment.

The Clippers could also use a shooting guard, but they don’t appear to have the tradable assets required to get a deal done. Ingram mentioned the Wolves as a potential partner, and this ESPN Trade Machine idea, a three-teamer that includes the Warriors, could be a possibility. Warriors GM Larry Riley seems keen on making a deal, and if he decides to retool with the future in mind, he might go for a trade like this. The future is also a key component of this deal for the Rockets, who would essentially swap Luis Scola for David Lee and get Derrick Williams, the second pick in the 2011 draft, for Martin.

That said, teams exceeding expectations don’t deal away proven 20-point scorers all that often. Martin might be on the block, but the Rockets seem to be in firm control of the market.

Trade Candidate: Shawn Marion

February 21st, 2012 at 7:45pm CST by Michael Pina

Over the weekend, ESPN's Bill Simmons reiterated a point worth mentioning on his B.S. Report podcast: In order for the Dallas Mavericks to acquire both Dwight Howard and Deron Williams in free agency this summer, Shawn Marion and the $8.39MM due to him next season will have to be moved. With Jason Terry and Jason Kidd's combined $19.2MM salary coming off the books next season, and Lamar Odom and Vince Carter accounting for $11.3MM in non-guaranteed money, the team has done a wonderful job of staying competitive in the present while leaving open the possibility that two of the league's top players could come aboard in the near future.

Shawn Marion's $8.39MM, Brendan Haywood's guaranteed $8.34MM, and Dirk Nowitzki's $20.9MM are the only remaining contract figures on Dallas' cap that represent anything meaningful next season. When you consider Marion's value as a superb trade chip, along with the amnesty provision comfortably resting in its back pocket, Mark Cuban's team has the means to remain competitive this season and be a title favorite for the foreseeable future.

The plan of action would sequentially play out like this: First, the Mavericks would dangle Marion on the market as a still-valuable veteran who knows what it takes to win a championship. After dealing him for an expiring contract (it'd make no sense for them to take on anything else), the Mavericks will then amnesty Brendan Haywood once the season is over, wiping his contract from their books.

In this situation, Dallas could offer Howard the max and Williams something close. (Or both could take slightly less to join Dirk, like LeBron James and Chris Bosh did with Dwyane Wade.)

Of course, trading Marion—still one of the most capable perimeter defenders in the league—with no DeShawn Stevenson as a safety net could serve as a death blow for the team's chances of covering guys like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and LeBron/Wade should they be fortunate enough to make another trip to the Finals. His perimeter defense is integral to Dallas' title chances, and has been a key component in making the Mavericks one of the league's best defensive teams—despite Tyson Chandler's offseason departure—so far this season. In order to remain relevant in the now, Dallas would be wise to make a deal that not only brought back an expiring contract, but a player with the skill set to contribute immediately.

One possible trade partner would be Minnesota, a team that's been in the hunt for an experienced veteran for years. By offering Michael Beasley for Marion, things work out well for both sides. Dallas receives a talented offensive weapon who could still blossom if placed in the correct situation, especially on the defensive end when used in Rick Carlisle's zone based schemes (see, Brandan Wright). Beasley has fallen out of favor in Minnesota's rotation, starting just seven games in 22 appearances, and with his name in trade rumors these past few weeks it's clear David Khan would be more than happy to receive something as compensation before letting him walk out the door.

On the other end, Minnesota receives their veteran in the form of an uber-athletic and versatile Shawn Marion. Now putting up 12 PPG and 6.4 RPG in his 13th year as a pro, Marion's a player who could push the exciting Timberwolves into the playoffs as early as this season.

A deal like this could be the type of NBA rarity that benefits both teams. Now and in the future.

Trade Candidate: Chris Andersen

February 20th, 2012 at 2:25pm CST by Luke Adams

Chris Andersen is recognized by casual NBA fans for a number of reasons — his hair, his tattoos, his "Birdman" moniker, and a memorably laborious performance in the Slam Dunk Contest. In the last week though, Andersen's play on the court for the Nuggets has demanded recognition in its own right.

A beneficiary of increased playing time due to Denver's injury woes, Andersen has averaged 10.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in just over 24 minutes over the team's last four games. While the 6'10" forward's solid recent play, which includes a .615 FG%, has helped a Nuggets team playing without Nene Hilario and Danilo Gallinari, it could also serve as a showcase for a potential trade.

ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported on Friday that the Nuggets have made Andersen available, and are willing to move him in the right deal. Considering the 33-year-old still has two additional seasons and $9.3MM+ remaining on his contract, the stance is hardly surprising. His recent surge aside, Andersen has received limited playing time and produced limited numbers throughout his career. Although he can be a valuable role player off the bench, Andersen will be approaching age 36 by the time his current deal ends. For a team conscious of its cap room and future flexibility, adding Andersen's contract probably isn't prudent.

From the Nuggets' perspective, clearing Andersen's contract would give them a little financial breathing room going forward. Hilario, Gallinari, and Arron Afflalo are all on long-term deals, while players like Rudy Fernandez and Ty Lawson will become more expensive within a couple seasons if Denver hopes to retain them. Throw in the fact that Wilson Chandler is currently seeking a long-term deal with the Nuggets, and it's clear the team wouldn't have to blown away to move Andersen and his contract.

I don't see an obvious match for Andersen. Teams with trade exceptions that could absorb Andersen's salary — the Lakers, Mavericks, and Magic — have more glaring needs, while many contenders who could use frontcourt reinforcements, such as the Heat, Thunder, Hawks, and 76ers, don't seem to be a fit based on salary and tax restraints.

The Nuggets may have made Andersen available, but I just don't think a deal happens by March 15th. Perhaps a team desperate for frontcourt size and depth sends Denver a second-round pick and takes on Andersen's contract, but I'm betting the Birdman will take flight in Denver for at least a few more months.

Trade Candidate Series

February 17th, 2012 at 3:29pm CST by Luke Adams

As the NBA's trade deadline approaches, Hoops Rumors will take an in-depth look at a number of players we consider to be trade candidates. These aren't players who necessarily will be traded by March 15th, but general managers figure to at least listen to offers on these guys, and perhaps even shop them in the coming weeks.

Our Trade Candidate pieces explore why a trade might happen, the likelihood of a deal going down, and potential suitors, along with other relevant details. A complete list of the players we've examined so far is below. This list can be found in our right sidebar under "Hoops Rumors Features" and will continue to be updated until the deadline, with the newest pieces up top:

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Trade Candidate

Trade Candidate: Devin Harris

February 15th, 2012 at 9:21pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Devin Harris has become one of the league's most enigmatic players. Only three years removed from being named as a reserve to the NBA All-Star game, he finds himself playing just 25 MPG, averaging 8.7 PPG and 4.3 APG. Those numbers are a far cry from 2009, when he shined as a promising young point guard on the Nets with 21.3 PPG, 7 APG, and 36 MPG.

Even last year, Harris produced 15.7 PPG and 7.6 APG in New Jersey before being packaged to Utah at the trade deadline.

Rotoworld noted that the Jazz' point guard looked "disengaged at times" in a loss against the Hornets on Monday, in which Harris only produced two points and three turnovers in 19 minutes on the floor. The following day against the Thunder, he committed an absurd five fouls in just 15 minutes of playing time.

At 28-years-old, the former University of Wisconsin guard should still have several years of basketball left to play, but with several erratic performances in Utah this season, a change of scenery could be best. Harris could be struggling to find continuity and rhythm, as his backup Earl Watson plays 22 minutes per game (only 3 minutes less than he does). Going into a situation where he can be the mainstay at point guard for at least 32 minutes a night may be enough to re-invigorate his career.

It should be noted that after being traded to the Jazz last season, the former lottery pick was still able to put up 15.8 PPG and 5.4 APG when given 31.2 MPG.

With the Lakers struggling to find a niche at the point guard position, they could certainly be in play if they showed interest. It would not be the first time that a player would be given the opportunity to redeem his career in the purple and gold, as Lamar Odom and Metta World Peace can attest. The Trail Blazers, who are beginning to struggle with Raymond Felton, could also be on the radar if the Jazz came calling.

Harris is under contract throughout the end of next season and will make 8.5 MM in 2012/2013. If the 6'3 guard can return close to his All-Star form, he will be a bargain at that salary. Right now, the Jazz could be willing to sell low.

Trade Candidate: Antawn Jamison

February 15th, 2012 at 2:33pm CST by Luke Adams

With a month remaining until March 15th, it's not clear yet how the Cavaliers plan to approach the NBA's trade deadline. The Cavs, currently 2.5 games out of the eighth spot in the East, have enough young talent and potential trade chips that it makes sense for the team to become deadline sellers, stocking up the future.

However, comments made by coach Byron Scott today echoed multiple reports from the past few weeks. The Cavs weren't shopping Anderson Varejao prior to his wrist injury, and may be reluctant to sell off pieces if they're in position to make the playoffs.

"Once a team gets a taste of the playoffs like (the Pacers) did last year, even though they lost in the first round, you come back hungrier the next year," Scott said. "That’s why I don’t understand why people say we should lose games."

Even if the Cavs are reluctant to compromise their postseason chances by making moves, it may be a moot point by March 15th. If Cleveland continues to slip further out of the playoff picture, I expect them to listen closely to offers they receive on players like Ramon Sessions and Antawn Jamison. We've covered Sessions as a trade candidate already, so let's take a closer look at Jamison.

At age 35, Jamison is approaching 1000 career games and 35,000 career minutes, but his production doesn't seem to be slipping. His 19.0 points per 36 minutes and 17.7 PER this season are just slightly off his career averages of 19.4 and 18.5, and he's still rebounding at a respectable rate. The 6'8" forward wouldn't be a top scoring option for a title contender like he is for the Cavs, but he could be a useful frontcourt piece on a team with championship aspirations.

While those are Jamison's pros, there's one big con standing in the way of a potential deal — a salary that exceeds $15MM. No NBA team has the cap space to take on such a figure, meaning any trade partner would likely have to send at least $10MM in salary back to the Cavs, if not more. Cleveland wouldn't want to move Jamison unless it improved the club in the long-term, but there aren't many teams out there that could put together a package of expiring contracts and long-term assests worth giving up for Jamison.

One potential match is the Rockets, who have a number of former lottery picks on expiring deals. Hasheem Thabeet, Jonny Flynn, Jordan Hill, and Terrence Williams aren't getting much playing time in Houston, so perhaps they could figure into an offer for Jamison. The Cavs, meanwhile, would maintain their cap flexibility while also getting a chance to look at some young players over the season's final few weeks.

Ultimately, I don't expect Jamison to be traded. The $15MM+ coming off Cleveland's books is too valuable for the Cavs to move him unless they receive a great offer, and there just won't be great offers out there for a 35-year-old scorer off the bench.

Trade Candidate: Deron Williams

February 14th, 2012 at 8:09pm CST by Zachary Links

As their roster currently stands, it seems unlikely that the 8-21 Nets will find their way into the playoffs. Of course, the team has been linked to Dwight Howard for quite some time and they are reportedly one of three clubs on the center's list. While some pundits and fans expect Howard to wind up in New Jersey before the trade deadline, it's also possible that the Magic strike a deal elsewhere or even decide to roll the dice and hang on to their superstar.

If that's the case, the Nets could head into the summer and try to retain Deron Williams while also pursuing Howard. Alternatively, they could consider shopping Williams prior to the trade deadline. Even though Billy King & Co. gave up an awful lot to land the point guard, it may be in their best interest to trade him if they don't feel confident in their ability to keep him beyond this season.

With his deal set to expire at the end of the year, Williams could put the kibosh on any swap by refusing to agree to a contract extension. While that could hurt the Nets' leverage, trading an elite point guard will always bring a solid return. So what are some potential landing spots?

The Lakers could certainly use a playmaker of Williams' caliber and they showed before the start of the season in their ill-fated talks for Chris Paul that they're willing to give up real value for a top one-guard. If Paul was worth both Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom to Mitch Kupchak, he'd likely pay close to that to put Williams alongside Kobe Bryant. If a third team can be brought in to provide the Nets with draft picks and long-term value, a proposal which gives them Gasol and subtracts Johan Petro's contract could be a good starting point.

The other obvious destination for Williams would be the Mavericks as the guard spent his formative years in The Colony, Texas, just 30 miles of Dallas. However, the Mavs also have a dearth of young talent and it's hard to imagine the club putting together an attractive package for the Nets on their own. Dallas could try to ply pieces away from a third party to pair with the expiring contract of Jason Terry, but they wouldn't feel compelled to do so unless Williams appears to be bound for another team.

Things should improve for the Nets in the short-term with Brook Lopez set to return from injury in the coming weeks. However, the club's on-court play over the next month won't have much bearing on Williams' trade candidacy. For the Nets to feel confident in their ability to hold on to the point guard, they'll have to demonstrate that they have the vision and means to compete beyond 2012.

Trade Candidate: Leandro Barbosa

February 14th, 2012 at 4:41pm CST by Luke Adams

While he's not putting up the same overall numbers he did during his years under Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix, Leandro Barbosa has produced solidly and consistently during the last two seasons with the Raptors. In 86 total games in Toronto, Barbosa has provided the Raps with a scoring spark off the bench, recording 12.8 points and 14.9 PER in 23.3 minutes per game.

With Barbosa playing for a non-contending Raptors team in the final year of his contract, it stands to reason that a playoff team in need of bench scoring could have interest in acquiring him. Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo confirmed as much during a team broadcast earlier this month, admitting he's "had a few calls" inquiring on the 29-year-old.

Colangelo stressed that for the club to consider a deal involving Barbosa, it would need to maintain its cap flexibility going forward. So, like most rebuilding teams, the Raptors will likely be seeking some combination of draft picks, expiring contracts, and young, inexpensive talent.

A few of the teams who miss out on signing J.R. Smith when he returns from China may decide to turn their attentions to Barbosa as the trade deadline approaches. Barbosa lacks Smith's size, but both players are capable of scoring baskets in bunches, and stretching the floor with their outside shooting.

The Lakers have a pair of first-round picks and a trade exception that could be used to absorb Barbosa's contract, though there are likely a handful of cheaper players they're considering, including Gilbert Arenas. The Pacers are well below the cap and could acquire Barbosa without compromising their long-term plans. Barbosa could also be a fit with the Timberwolves, Knicks, Clippers, Spurs, or Bulls, among others.

Colangelo will continue to receive calls on Barbosa over the next month, but shouldn't feel pressured to move the 6'3" guard. With Barbosa's $7.6MM salary set to be wiped off the books this summer, the Raptors can afford to hang on to him and clear some cap space if they don't receive a trade offer they like.

Trade Candidate: Ryan Anderson

February 12th, 2012 at 3:12pm CST by Michael Pina

Should the Magic choose to keep Dwight Howard for the rest of this season and allow him to test the waters of free agency this summer, a massive domino effect involving several organizations and players will take place. Teams like the Rockets, Nets, Celtics, and Mavericks have all cleared cap space and will scramble for the perennial All-Star's services, but only one will be able to walk away with the number one prize.

If Howard does leave, which is likely, Orlando will be forced to come to terms with a roster that was built to accommodate its superstar's strengths. The stock for the team's three-point shooters and defensively liable swingmen who are enabled by Howard's presence may plummet. The most notable example would be the team's second best player, Ryan Anderson.

As we covered on Friday, the Magic chose not to offer Anderson a contract extension earlier this season—a decision that acknowledges the team's willingness to accept its unknown future—and right now he's playing to show the league his worth once he becomes a restricted free agent in the offseason. With the chances of Anderson accepting the team's qualifying offer of $3.23MM in the offseason nonexistent, the Magic could be wise to sell high and trade their best asset. Anderson is a young, improving sharpshooter having a borderline All-Star season, but his success may be predicated on the play of Howard. If he's going to walk anyway, why not get something for him while you can?

With the type of game to either come off a bench or start for a playoff team, someone like the Nuggets or Pacers would be wise to seek his services in a trade involving multiple draft picks.

Trade Candidate: Ray Allen

February 12th, 2012 at 12:54pm CST by Daniel Seco

While hardly the same player who dominated the league with the SuperSonics for a decade, Ray Allen continues to be a steady starter on a team contending for a playoff spot. But with the Celtics looking at little more than a first-round playoff exit with a 14-12 record, the team must consider breaking up the Big Three in hopes of building for the future. If the team were to entertain trading one of their most prominent players, it would seemingly be Allen's name that would come up the most in trade talks given Kevin Garnett's erratic production and a general unwillingness by the Celtics to deal Paul Pierce.

Both Allen, 36, and Garnett, 35 will become unrestricted free agents at the end of the 2011/2012 season. But with Garnett currently earning $21MM this season, Allen's $10MM becomes more movable even though both players have expiring contracts. Beyond simply acquiring payroll flexibility at the end of the season, Allen would potentially provide a playoff contender with a strong veteran presence who could provide a boost both on and off the court.

Allen has averaged just over 20 PPG in his illustrious career but that number has dropped to 14.8 PPG this season to go with 2.7 APG, a figure close to what he has averaged during his tenure with the Celtics. Taking the 14.8 PPG at face-value would be doing Allen a disservice as a closer look at his numbers reveals a season of increased efficiency. With a 49.2 FG% and shooting over 50% on threes, Allen is well above his career average marks, making the shortened 2011/2012 season one of his finest in a Celtics uniform.

Health would not be a concern for a team acquiring Allen via trade as he has started at least 73 games in each of the past four seasons. After injuries plagued him during his Seattle days, Allen corrected his diet to better fit the demands of playing an 82-game NBA schedule. Thanks to a healthier diet in combination with an improved exercise regimen created in concert with the Celtics training staff, Allen is on path to start in 98% of the Celtics' games for a third consecutive season.

If put on the trade block, many playoff contenders, including the Bulls, would seemingly consider putting together a package for the former UConn Husky. While Richard Hamilton has played at an acceptable level since signing with the Bulls this offseason, his health concerns remain an issue as he has missed more than half of his team's games. At worst, the addition of Allen would give the Bulls one of the deepest backcourts in the NBA and perhaps push for more out of Hamilton once he returns from injury.

The Bulls could offer two young-ish players to the Celtics in return for Allen. According to ESPN's NBA Trade Machine, a trade of Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer for Allen works on paper and would net the Bulls three additional wins. The trade would provide Brewer the opportunity to start for the Celtics and for Korver to provide depth behind Pierce, but would lead to three additional losses for the Celtics.

While adding Allen to the Bulls may put them in prime position to challenge the Heat for the right to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals, time remains for the Celtics to better predict the course of their season. At 14-12, a string of wins could quickly lead to the Celtics being buyers rather than sellers come March. Similarly, a weak finish heading into All-Star Weekend could start the chatter about where Allen may finish the season.