Five NBA Players Most Likely To Be Traded By Deadline

With the NBA trade deadline just ten days away (Feb. 24th) there will be rumors and possible scenarios flying around in abundance over the next week and for good reason. There are a lot of good players that can change a good team into a legitimate contender. Here's a lot at five players who I feel have the highest chances of being dealt before the deadline and why:

1. Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons
The Tayshaun Prince trade talk has be relatively quiet but best believe he's a hot commodity. He can guard multiple positions, knock down shots and handle the basketball smoothly. The most attractive thing is his expiring contract and there is little chance he will resign with Detroit. The Pistons aren't contenders this season and have youth on the wing (Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers) so look for Prince to most likely be in a different uni soon.

2. Anthony Parker, Cleveland Cavs
The Cavs are the worst team in the NBA, so Parker shouldn't be too hard to acquire for a potential playoff team (the Bulls have shown the most interest). He's a big shooting guard that can spread the floor and hit 3's consistently. I think the only reason he is still in Cleveland to this point is because he's coming off a back injury and teams are waiting to see how he responds. Parker appears healthy now and should be on the move in the next week, freeing more playing time for Manny Harris to take over the 2-guard spot.

3. Anthony Randolph, New York Knicks
The question isn't if Randolph will be traded, it's when and to where. He is clearly out of the Knicks plans. Randolph does have a ton of potential and played well for Golden State last season before getting injured (11.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg in only 23 minutes) and can produce if given the right opportunity. Randolph is also only 21 years old. The biggest issue besides injury may be his contract which carries a $7 mil price tag on the books over the next 2 seasons.

4. O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies
Mayo is returning from his 10-game suspension this week and it will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies incorporate him into their game plan as the team went 8-2 in his absence. He'll most likely go back to his reserve role but with limited minutes. Mayo is still a quality starting shooting guard and only 23 so there will be many teams calling about taking him off of the Grizzlies hands. He's on the books for 2 more seasons as a reasonable salary so a team such as Dallas or Minnesota may be willing to take a flier on the talented 2-guard.

5. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
It would be a cardinal sin to talk NBA trade scenarios and not mention 'Melo, even more so since he has been playing lights out lately. As he has remained in Denver to this point and still has yet to sign that 3-year $65 mil extension that has been pending since last summer. Even though he says he would consider signing the extension, Melo also said if he was not dealt by the deadline. Reading between the lines it seems like a rush tactic to persuade a potential suitor to pull the trigger (looks over at the Knicks front office).

There can and will definitely be other deals in the works over the next ten days, but these are the five players who I can see being moved sooner than later. We will keep you on the up & up on any movement as the deadline approaches.

-ALR

NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors Showing Interest in Nene Hilario

Another day, more trade rumors... With the NBA trade deadline about 2 weeks away (Feb. 24th) you can expect to hear a ton of names thrown around in all types of crazy trade rumors, some more valid than others. Today we have an interesting one involving the Golden State Warriors being interested in acquiring Nene from the Nuggets, according to this report from the Mercury News. Here's some info regarding the rumor:

According to multiple sources, the Warriors have inquired about Nene, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound center from Brazil. But the Nuggets would have to agree to trade him, and Nene would have to agree to a contract extension because he is a pending free agent.

"We have to look at what we have," Warriors coach Keith Smart said. "We can't wish and hope for something we don't have."

Nene, who is averaging 15.3 points per game on an NBA-best 64.4 percent shooting, would seem to quench the Warriors' thirst for inside scoring.

There are a few observations I can derive from this trade rumor. 1.) The Nuggets will be involved in more trade scenarios than any team in recent memory. The team is aging and hasn't gotten much better over the years and you have the Carmelo Anthony situation brewing. 2.) With some of their better players approaching free agency the Nuggets need to find out what kind of return they can get for those players instead of running the rick of losing them with nothing to show for it.

This particular trade scenario would definitely benefit the Warriors who could use a reliable scorer who can finish effectively in the paint (evident by his league-leading 64% field goal percentage). Andris Biedrins can't cut it and David Lee is more of a pick & roll/pop type of big forward. The Warrior have some youth in their front court with Ekpe Udoh and Brandan Wright but they need time to develop. So it's a matter of what Golden State would need to give up for Nene, and I don't think he's worth brokering your future for. The Warriors already have a decent young core group on the perimeter with Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis, Dorell Wright and Reggie Williams. I think their biggest area of need is an experienced head coach instead of a trade.

We can go ahead and file this one in the "unlikely rumor" category, along with those crazy Carmelo to the Lakers rumors that set the internet abuzz yesterday.

-ALR

Video: Carmelo Anthony Speaks On Trade Rumors

Will it be the New York Knicks or the New Jersey Nets? Madison Garden or Brooklyn in a couple years? Amidst the numorous trade rumors that have been swirling around Carmelo Anthony since July, he has surprising handled the media like a "pro"fessional. In this interview with ESPN's Coleen Dominguez, Carmelo speaks on the rumors and his "ultimate dream" to play at home in NY. Here's the video:



#6 should get 'Melo's PR people on the horn ASAP. I respect how Anthony says just enough to make you wonder without saying too much. Who wouldn't want to play professional sports in their home town? The latest trade rumor has Anthony going to NJ in a 15 player mega-deal, but we'll have to wait and see if anything actually happens before the February 24th NBA trade deadline. The Knicks have been playing well this season but another scorer of Carmelo's caliber would definitely improve their chances in the East, while a Anthony move to the Nets will make them better, but they would still be a season away from contention.

Either way, whoever ends up with Carmelo Anthony will land one of the top 5 scorers in the league, hands down. So far this season Anthony is averaging 23.8 ppg and a career high 8.2 rpg.

-ALR

Nets, Lakers & Rockets Agree to Three-Team Trade

Per Yahoo Sports reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, a three team trade between the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and New Jersey Nets has been agreed to in principle.

The Nets would get guard Sasha Vujacic from the Lakers, along with a 2011 first round pick. New Jersey would send G/F Terrence Willams to Houston and receive the Rockets 2012 first round pick in return. New Jersey also would be sending F Joe Smith to Los Angeles. The deal cannot be finalized until December 15th as Joe Smith was a free agent signee.

Clearly this is a move for the Nets to acquire more ammunition to throw Denver Nuggets way in an attempt to land Carmelo Anthony. The Nets previous offers were rejected by the Nuggets but maybe a couple first round picks can sweeten the deal.

Acquiring Joe Smith would give the Lakers frontcourt a veteran presence as Vujacic was little used and had fallen out of Phil Jackson's rotation. The Lakers bench has been lacking in the paint and Smith can in the least offer a rest for Pau Gasol and also insurance in case Andrew Bynum struggles coming off of knee surgery.

More as details become available.

-ALR

"Good Idea, Bad Idea" (Wednesday Morning Bonus)

In an interesting twist to a weekly segment we've instituted on "That Sports Blog", something very intriguing transpired over the last 12 hours or so. I'll get right into this morning...

"Good Idea"
Vikings Taking Advantage of Bill Belichick's Ego And Nabbing Randy Moss

Bottom line; Randy Moss is still one of the top receivers in the NFL. The Viking saw an opportunity and jumped on it, just as they attempted (and failed) to pry Vincent Jackson away from the Chargers. Minnesota appears to be serious about one last run at the Super Bowl and are giving Brett Favre the pieces he needs to be successful in what should be his final season. This move immediately puts Minnesota back in contention for the NFC crown. And what did they have to give up to get a pro bowl caliber play maker? A third round pick. Advantage Vikings.

"Bad Idea"
New England Trading Randy Moss"

You can't tell me this man doesn't have some sort of ego complex. The Patriots are becoming notorious for letting key players walk away , and I'm willing to bet the house Belichick has everything to do with it. They let Ty Law go a few years back when they refused to pay him. They let Mike Vrabel, who was a very big part of their championship teams, walk and he has had a nice impact on Kansas City so far. They pretty much threw Richard Seymour out the door and shipped him to the Raiders. Granted, Moss might have been becoming a problem in the locker room, but there is no disguising that he is great on the field. Maybe that hasn't translated so far this season, but could it be that he was being phased out of the game plan to make trading him easier? Possibly. Either way, I do not see how this move makes them better. It actually makes them worse. It appears that Belichick is preparing for the future as the Patriots now have two picks in each of the first 3 rounds, so maybe we haven't seen the end result of this most recent trade. All I have to say about the move is, "J-E-T-S, JETS JETS JETS!"

-ALR

Moss On The Move...

According to this report of espn.com, All-Pro wide receiver Randy Moss is on his way back to where his NFL career began, the Minnesota Vikings. As Moss was in a contract year and an extension was unlikely, the Patriots decide to cut him lose and get something for him before losing him for nothing in free agency.

Moss came to New England with a huge splash in 2007, amassing 98 receptions for 1,493 yards and an NFL record 23 touchdown catches. He has had productive seasons with them up until this year, where he has only 9 catches for a measly 139 yards. It remains to be seen how the Patriots can replace his big play potential, but my guess is 2nd year speedster Brandon Tate becomes the initial deep threat as Wes Welker is primarily a slot receiver that works the middle of the field.

If you recall before he was dealt by the Raiders to New England, Randy Moss has a habit of checking out mentally when he feels unwanted or under utilized. He had the worst season statistically of his career in Oakland and there was talked that he was washed up, then he responded a monster season. Can the same happen for the Vikings? That remains to be seen but I wouldn't bet against it. Moss gives Minnesota the deep threat Brett Favre has missed with Sidney Rice out with an injured hip. Once Rice gets back, the Vikings offense has the potential to be unstoppable.

One thing that stands out to me is that Moss has recently been dealt for a fourth rounder (Oakland to New England) and a third rounder (New England to Minnesota). That really isn't a good return for a record setting future Hall of Famer who is only in his early 30's. If you ask me, New England basically just handed the AFC East over to the Jets. Somewhere, Rex Ryan is laughing while enjoying a snack.

-ALR

Tradewinds: Carmelo Anthony Update

Just saw this on espn.com... Report says there is a possible four team trade being discussed between Denver, Charlotte, Utah & New Jersey involving a number of players including Anthony, #3 overall pick Derrick Favors, PG Devin Harris and some future first round picks. Click here for the details.

Will this trade make the Nets an immediate contender in the Eastern Conference? Tough to say, especially if they part with Harris and turn the starting point job duties over to Jordan Farmar (trouble...) but it definitely would guarantee they would win more than a measly twelve games.

We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

-ALR

Man(ny) For Hire

Some players get way too many passes. After spending the majority of the season on the DL and now being claimed off waivers on Friday, Manny Ramirez will be taking his talents over to the Chicago White Sox for the rest of the season. If you remember the Dodgers acquired Manny in a similar fashion back in '08, when Boston traded him to them after he spent a lot of time on the DL. There was speculation at the time if Manny was really injured, as he came to the Dodgers and put up MVP-caliber numbers. Whether this will be the case in Chicago is yet to be seen, but I wouldn't be shocked if Ramirez had a monster September and helped push the White Sox into the playoffs.

It's not difficult for a franchise to be enamored with Manny Ramirez. He has put up Hall Of Fame worthy numbers over the course of his long career. He is the type of hitter that opposing managers hate to see at the plate at critical points of the game and is rumored to be a decent teammate. Sure, you have to deal with the quirks of "Manny being Manny", but that's very little considering what he brings on the field. He stays out of legal trouble and fans love him. What gets lost in the fact that when Manny is unhappy, he has a tendency to force his way out of a team's favor. Ramirez proclaimed that he wanted to end his career in Los Angeles and managed to squeeze $45 million out of the Dodgers for 2 years. And what do the Dodgers get in return? 65 games on the disabled list, ending with a one pitch ejection during a pinch at-bat. Really, Manny?

Let's call it what it is. Manny Ramirez is the baseball equivalent of a mercenary and a master manipulator. He's very smart and still produces enough that another team will desire his services, but does just enough that his current team is willing to part ways with him. He is aging after turning 38 this summer and he isn't really able to play the outfield effectively anymore (not that he ever was, see here for examples), but I have a feeling Chicago will not be Manny's last stop. Let's not forget he will be a free agent again this summer and has always said he wanted to play for that famed franchise in NY. Don't be too surprised if you see Manny being Manny in pinstripes next season.

-ALR

Tradewinds...

There's been a rare 4-team trade that is going down today between New Orleans, Houston, Toronto & Indiana. Check the story here. Hornets get swingman Trevor Ariza from Houston, sending backup PG Darren Collison & James Posey (and the much desired expiring contract)to the Pacers. Houston gets Courtney Lee from the Nets who in turn receive PF Troy Murphy from Indiana. To top it off, in a seperate deal NO sends disappointing swingman Julian Wright to Toronto for sharpeshooter Marco Belinelli. Got all that? Good.

Now let's look at the moves. The Hornets are obviously trying to appease CP3 with their transactions. Ariza is in his prime, plays solid defense and is athletic on the wing. Belinelli can stretch the defense when he's on the court. I think they lost a valuable asset to their bench in dealing Collison, who filled in admirably when Paul was sidelined most of the season. marcus Thornton can play a little PG but not at the level of Collison. Let's see if these moves are enough to keep CP3 quiet. The verdict is still out on that, in my opinion.

Indiana gets the starting PG they have been looking for all off-season, while saving some money by dealing Troy Murphy and aquiring Posey's expiring contract. I don't think anyone was sold on 2nd round rookie playing point guard next season. Nice work, Larry Legend. Houston basically saves some money by moving Ariza and picking up Courtney Lee. Lee is a nice wing defender and can also score when given the opportunity. Trading Ariza also frees up more shots for Kevin Martin as he & Ariza played similar styles (with Martin being a much better option). The Nets got... well they got a player to replace Yi Jianlian. Hell, they gave Jordan Farmar a 3-year deal this off-season. They give up some defense for more offense with Murphy. I guess they're going for only 60 losses next season.

Looks like every team came out a winner, with the exception of the Hornets. Only a matter of time before CP3 gets tired of Ariza's erratic jumpers and horrible shot selection. I can't wait to see that Paul, Anthony & Amar'e combination in Madison Square Garden real soon...

-ALR