February Trade Rumors: Josh Smith to Philadelphia

Source: Chad Ford's NBA Trade Watch

"The consensus around the league continues to be that Smith is gone, either by trade or free agency. The situation in Atlanta continues to deteriorate to the point that the Hawks seem to have little choice but to let him go now -- unless they can find a way to pry away Dwight Howard from the Lakers to play alongside his friend Smith.

The latest intel, via our own Chris Broussard, has the Nets entering the picture for Smith. The question is whether a package of Kris Humphries and MarShon Brooks is enough to make a deal. That's doubtful. The Hawks would prefer a young center.

The Spurs have been mentioned as a possible suitor, but unless they are willing to part with Kawhi Leonard (highly unlikely), they don't really have the assets.

Look for the 76ers, who have been dangling both Spencer Hawes and Evan Turner to other teams, to be a potential landing place."

Why for Philadelphia:

Josh Smith is an elite talent playing at a position of need for the 76ers. Fitting him next to Thaddeus Young and Smith would create a long athletic 3/4 combination that would cause match up problems around the league. With the emergence of Jrue Holliday, Philadelphia would be best served to surround him with as many athletic players to run the floor alongside him as possible.

If Bynum, is healthy next year and remains in Philadelphia, the Sixers would have the makings of a long athletic team that defends at an elite level and breaks out off of every miss. Should Bynum and/or Smith decide to leave Philadelphia could find themselves with a large amount of cap room to rebuild their team in any way they see fit.

Why for Atlanta:

The Hawks have been trying to move Josh Smith for a while, but have yet to get an offer that they consider worthwhile. With the new CBA changing the rules for sign and trades it becomes even more imperative that they move him before he becomes a free agent this summer.

Since, Danny Ferry took over Atlanta they have been looking to build a team with young talent and financial flexibility. Bringing back Turner for Smith would allow the Hawks to bring back a young player that could be an all star presence in Atlanta for years to come. 

Ford's rumor of moving Spencer Hawes in the deal makes sense for Philadelphia, but less so for Atlanta. Since Ferry has started remodeling the team, cap flexibility has been stressed. If they move J-Smoove taking back at least one expiring deal would be a necessity.  Including Nick Young in the deal allows the Hawks to keep some of their cap flexibility while adding young talent. A first would have to be included by the Sixers to make this feasible for Atl.

Check out the other posts in our February Trade Rumors Series:

First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth
Ninth
Tenth
Eleventh 

February Trade Rumors: Brandon Jennings to Dallas

Source:

Mavs, I'm told, do have interest in Brandon Jennings and will be in mix for him if Bucks opt to make RFA-to-be available b4 Feb. 21 deadline
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 13, 2013

Mavs NOT after Josh Smith but PG clearly been big worry in Big D. Trade targets, Cuban said Monday, must be worthy of "top three" on roster
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 13, 2013

Why for Dallas:
Dallas has openly stated that they want to obtain a point guard if they are to make a deal before the deadline.  Brandon Jennings is a very good point guard who could flourish running the pick and pop with Dirk. During their 2011 title run Dallas lived off of a pick and pop with a combination of Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry/JJ Barea/Jason Kidd, all of which were adept long range shooters. Jennings would bring another long range shooter in the fold, so that Dallas could get back to its bread and butter offense.

Why for Milwaukee:
The Bucks would have trouble parting with Brandon Jennings, but this return would make his leaving more palpable. In moving Jennings for Collison they would be getting the pass first point guard that could make Monta Ellis play up to his potential again.

Shawn Marion would bring the Bucks a veteran with playoff experience. He also would give them a solid starter at what has been their weakest position all season, small forward. His defensive prowess combined with Larry Sanders and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute would vault the Bucks into an upper echelon defensive team. Milwaukee is also not a very good defensive rebounding team, bringing Marion into the fold would certainly help rectify that problem.

On top of getting Collison and Marion, the Bucks would be ecstatic to get out from under the awful contract of Drew Gooden. Moving Gooden would not only help their cap situation but it would also free up more time for John Henson and Samuel Dalembert to play.

Check out the other posts in our February Trade Rumors Series:

First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth
Ninth
Tenth

February Trade Rumors: Redick to Milwaukee

It seems that every contending team in the league has inquired about J.J Redick. What is not to like about a sharp shooting guard who plays solid defense and is on an expiring contract. The last bit is very important, in the new fiscally responsible NBA, no team wants to be bogged down by long term contracts. The latest iteration of the Redick deal solves the Jazz need for a point guard, and provides Orlando with some young prospects to build around.

The connection between Redick and Milwaukee:

Weekend Dime addendum: Milwaukee now in mix for Magic's JJ Redick. Bucks, I'm told, assessing their ability to retain sharpshooter long term
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 9, 2013

To meet asking price for Redick -- expiring(s) and a future first-round pick -- Bucks naturally wanna know they can retain free agent-to-be
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 9, 2013

The Trade:

Why for Milwaukee:
Through this deal the Bucks will emerge as a contender. Statistically, Milwaukee's greatest weaknesses are  defensive rebounding, three point shooting, field goal percentage, and free throw attempts. This tells a story of a team that needs to improve offensively specifically in the way in which they score. Milwaukee has some excellent defensive players, yet their style is fast and loose (4th fastest pace in the league) with the ball instead of controlled as you would expect from a good defensive team. Simply put, Milwaukee needs a face lift and it starts by separating two shoot first point guards playing in the same back court.

Replacing Ellis in the starting lineup with Redick would force their offense to be more about executing and less about speed, a stylistic change that would help. Millsap would add a second player to their team that could execute well in the half court, as a scorer, an excellent rebounder and a superb screener. Millsap would not only help on offense but he would clean up the biggest deficiency on the defensive end, rebounding.

Having watched a lot of Bucks basketball I have come to several realizations. 1. Ellis is not working in Milwaukee, he needs the ball in his hands and that isn't happening enough there. 2. The Bucks need to reorganize around one of the best defenders in the league, Larry Sanders. This trade solves both problems as well as giving Milwaukee cap flexibility this off-season.

Why for Orlando:
The Magic are reportedly looking for expiring contracts and a future first round pick. In this trade they get neither but the same goal is accomplished none the less. The Magic would pick up two young plus prospects that can give them solid minutes right away (instead of an expiring and a pick that will help them in a few years) Partnering Henson with Nikola Vucevic gives Orlando two bigs that are long athletic and can rebound. Tobias Harris gives them another wing player to develop next to Mo Harkless. Combine those four with a throw back post scorer in Andrew Nicholson, what will probably be a high draft pick this year and suddenly the Magic future goes from dim to very bright.

Why for Utah:
According to a Zach Lowe piece, a Monta' Ellis drive leads to high percentage shots. The Jazz have very few such players that can attack from the wing and create for themselves and others (Gordon Hayward and sometimes Alec Burks). This team has good talent at every position but they are sorely lacking in the wing shot creation department. Ellis would thrive driving the lane and feeding Favors, Kanter and Jefferson.

When the Jazz lose it is often because of their lack of scoring. Ellis would give them a shot in the arm in this department and help them make a playoff push. Although, they are giving up Millsap, Derrick Favors recently has shown himself to be a capable starter in need of a chance. Long term, moving Millsap will help Utah's progression by opening up minutes for Favors and Enes Kanter.

Check out the other posts in our February Trade Rumors Series:

First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth

February Trade Rumors: The Top 20 Expiring Deals

In the next three weeks, "Expiring Deals" may be one of the most commonly used phrases in google searches among NBA fans. The deals have value for both sides. Players on a new team will play hard within a three month rental to earn a new contract, while the teams can cut ties at no cost if they feel as though it's not a good fit. With so many expiring deals showing up in the 2012-2013, here is a quick list of guys who could be coveted as February 21st, 3:00 PM EST comes closer. 

  (Chris Paul should be the most coveted free agent this summer.)

Note: Only contracts $5 Million or more were included.

 1. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers: $17.78M 
2. Dwight Howard, Lose Angeles Lakers: $19.54M
3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs: $14.11M
4. Andrew Bynum, Philadelphia 76ers: $16.89M
5. Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks: $13.2M
6. Al Jefferson, Utah Jazz: $15.0M
7. David West, Indiana Pacers: $10.0M
8. Kevin Martin, Oklahoma City Thunder: $12.44M
9. Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz: $8.6M
10. Mo Williams, Utah Jazz: $8.5M
11. Stephen Jackson, San Antonio Spurs: $10.06M
12. Chris Kaman, Dallas Mavericks: $8.0M
13. Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Clippers: $8.2M
14. J.J. Redick, Orlando Magic: $6.19M
15.  Samuel Dalenbert, Milwaukee Bucks: $6.7M
16. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings: $5.25M(Restricted)
17. Jose Calderon, Detroit Pistons: $10.56M
18. Kyle Korver, Atlanta Hawks: $5.0M
19. Jarrett Jack, Golden State Warriors: $5.4M
20. Nick Young, Philadelphia 76ers: $5.6M

February Trade Rumors: Bargnani to Chicago

Shortly after the Raptors traded for Rudy Gay rumors started to spread that they were looking to bolster their front court as well. First, Pau Gasol's name came up, but with him going down for the remainder of the season a trade seems unlikely. According to Marc Stein the Raptors went from inquiring about a center with an albatross contract to a power forward with one in Carlos Boozer.


Source: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8927362/chicago-bulls-toronto-raptors-talking-carlos-boozer-andrea-bargnani-swap-sources-say
"The Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors have engaged in exploratory trade discussions on a deal that would swap the Bulls' Carlos Boozer for the Raptors' Andrea Bargnani, according to sources familiar with the discussions."

Why for the Bulls:
Despite Carlos Boozer having his best year in Chicago, he remains one of the more overpaid players in the NBA. Despite being a stellar offensive player Boozer does not have the quickness to have the same impact on the defensive end. When it comes down to crunch time Tom Thibedeau does not have enough faith in Boozer's defensive ability to put him on the court. No player who is paid near max dollars should be on the bench in the closing minutes. The fact that Boozer isn't always in the game in crucial situations is everything you need to know about Chicago's willingness to move him.

More so than any other team in the league the Bulls rely on screens, ball movement and cuts to create their offense. For those three facets of their offense to be successful spacing is extremely important. If opponents can pack the defense in the paint with no fear of leaving three point shooters open defense becomes easy.

The Bulls are 29th in the league in three pointers made and last in three pointers attempted. Adding Bargnani would improve the Bull's three point shooting, and more importantly their spacing. A pick and pop player such as Bargs could prevent teams from sagging into the lane on a Derrick Rose drive, making one of the best dribble drive players even more difficult to drive. In addition to reshaping their floor spacing The Bulls would save themselves five million over the life of the contracts. Who knows, if anyone can get Bargnani to play defense it will be Tom Thidedeau.

Why for the Raptors:
The Raptors are tired of being awful. They have had enough of waiting on ping pong balls to drag them out of the basement. With the Rudy Gay trade Toronto ownership has shown that it is willing to take on salary in order to make the playoffs a reality sooner than later.

In terms of talent Carlos Boozer is better than Andrea Bargnani. He is a much better rebounder and has a better feel for scoring. In Toronto where defense is less of an emphasis Boozer would surely be on the court in clutch situations. The question is will the Raptors consent to committing to Boozer's long term contract

Check out the other posts in our February Trade Rumors Series:

First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth

February Trade Rumors: Splitter to Utah

Our latest rumor comes from Chris Sheridan, who stated the following when discussing the impending trade deadline. "Here is the latest they are telling me: The San Antonio Spurs are the front-runners to land Al Jefferson in a trade with the Utah Jazz – and they are frontrunners like Secretariat was in the 1973 Belmont Stakes."

Later on Sheridan mentions possible players involved in a deal, as well as why the teams are natural trading partners. Check out his excellent article here.
Here is a link to his piece














Why for San Antonio:
 The Spurs are already an elite team with a chance at a title. They are a veteran team with only so many years left in their window. With Tim Duncan nearing the end of his career it is championship or bust for the Spurs. That is why a deal in which they are sending out some ancillary pieces for a starter makes since. Al Jefferson to the Spurs would be such a deal. Jefferson is an elite back to the basket scorer, partnering him with Tim Duncan would make for a dominant interrior attack to balance their stellar play from the outside (lead by Manu Ginobilli and Tony Parker).  This deal takes them one step closer to the last title of the Duncan era, there is no more important reason than this for making a deal

Why for Utah:
Currently Utah is a team brimming with front court talent. Their two starters are all star caliber players, and they are backed up by one of the most promising young big men combinations in recent memory. Currently this team is a late playoff seed in the west.

In order to get better in the long term, they need to move their older free agent bound big men to make way for their prize prospects and strengthen other deficient areas of the team.

The Jazz's biggest need is a point guard. Patty Mills is a young player who could take over the point for the forseeable future. Along with Mills they would receive Splitter, allowing them to keep strong depth in the front court. Captain Jack would be thrown in for salary purposes.

Check out the rest of our February Trade Rumor Series
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth

February Trade Rumors: Al Jefferson to the Clippers

Trade Rumor Four:
Our fourth installment in the trade rumors series takes us to Utah. This trade is based on the recent rumor of Kevin Garnett to the Clippers. The rumor of KG to the Clippers was flawed for many reasons. 1. Kevin Garnett has a trade clause and happens to be one of the most loyal players in basketball. 2. The Celtics would probably want more than the package of Bledsoe and Butler. Although this rumor does not seem likely it does give us some pertinent information that we can use to form a similar trade. From this trade you can figure out that the Clippers are interested in acquiring a center for a package that could include Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler. This trade could only be consummated after Chris Paul has come back and shown he is 100%.

The Source:

Clippers are certainly looking to add a frontcourt piece for postseason run. They'd inquired about Cavs' Anderson Varejao before his injury
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 4, 2013

Sources tell Sporting News that the #Clippers have contacted the #Celtics about Kevin Garnett. Offer would include Caron Butler and Beldsoe.
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 3, 2013

Why For the Clippers:
The Clippers are a great team dealing with a tough run of games while its best player is injured. With Chris Paul out they have failed to take care of the basketball and it has lead to losses. Without Paul they need D'Andre Jordan to step up, but his usefulness has greatly diminished. The Clippers need a center that they can trust down the stretch, one who can get they can dump it down to for a bucket anytime they need it. Jordan has been so woeful at the free throw line (shooting 47%) that the Clippers can not afford to have him in the game in crucial situations. They need someone who can play impactful minutes at the five spot for them in the playoffs.
This was essentially the package that was rumored to go to Boston in a Kevin Garnett deal. It stands to reason that if the Clippers could not get KG they would be content to add a player of Jefferson's considerable talents.
Why For the Jazz:
The Jazz have good talented young players at every position except point guard. This off-season Milsap and Jefferson will be free agents, (with Kanter and Favors backing them up) it is unlikely that both come back. In moving Jefferson the Jazz would free up more time for Kanter and Favors as well as picking up a prospect that allows them to set their nucleus for years to come. Bledsoe, Hayward, Kanter and Favors is a great future.

Other Posts in Trade Rumor Series
First
Second
Third

February Trade Rumors: Redick to Indiana

Trade Rumor Number Two:
For our second trade rumor, we built a deal around the player Marc Stein reported as the most likely to be traded. As with all our rumor series, this deal is an extrapolation based on rumor about one of the players involved. This deal would only be made after Granger has played a few games and showed that he is healthy going forward. The trade works salary wise because the Magic have an ample trade exception from the Dwight Howard deal.

Trade Source: Marc Stein "The Orlando sharpshooter is the player, with Gay off the board, most teams cite when asked to name a player who will definitely be dealt between now and the deadline.

Our old friend Ric Bucher recently reported that the Magic want draft considerations or a quality young player still on his rookie contract if they're going to part with Redick, which sure sounds like the sort of wish list Magic GM Rob Hennigan would have been schooled to scribble out at Spurs U. and the graduate program in OKC."

Why for Indiana:

With Danny Granger out for most of the year, the Pacers have found a new leader, Paul George. Thus far, George has had a career year after moving to the small forward position Granger has vacated. Due to this, Granger's name has been rumored to be on the move once he becomes healthy.

The Pacers lack scoring, Lance Stevenson has been a good stop gap fill in at the two spot but Redick would give them the scoring and floor spacing they need. Redick would look great running off screens set by the Pacers two hulking big men, David West and Roy Hibbert.

Andrew Nicholson has shown himself to be a long, post scorer with a throwback game. Nicholson can 

knock down jumpers in the pick and pop as well as finish with his back to the basket in the post. After this year David West is a free agent, Nicholson would be great insurance in case he was to leave. This move will improve the Pacers both this year and in the future.

Why for Orlando:

It has been widely reported that the Magic are looking to move JJ Redick. Redick is set to be a free agent after the season. JJ is due for a raise after averaging a career high 15.3 points. He is worth a higher price tag as a player that pushes a contender over the top, but for a rebuilding Magic team it does not make sense to pay a lot to keep a complementary piece.

Granger when healthy has proven that he is a top tier scorer in this league. Elite players do not grow on trees, despite Orlando having a ton of cap room don't expect them to draw a max type player to a rebuilding team this offseason. Granger would give Orlando the number one scorer that the Magic could build around and take pressure off their promising youngsters.

If you haven't already check out the first post in our trade rumor series  or the third rumor do so here

February Trade Rumors: Pau Gasol to Raptors

The NBA trade deadline is on February 21st, for all of the arm chair gm's out there this means it's time to fire up the trade machine. In honor of this we are going to try and post about 21 trade rumors before the deadline on the 21st. These will be rumors from well known sources, or trades that we think just make sense. Make sure to check in for the Rumor of the day all month leading to the deadline.

 Source: Marc Stein Weekend Dime
 The Trade:














Why for Toronto:
The Raptors have been bad for a while. They are tired of having to build through the draft, then hoping they convince their high draft picks to stay. With the Rudy Gay move, they showed that they are willing to trade young players and take on salary in order to bring a max level player into Toronto.

Pau Gasol would give Toronto a post presence to combine with Amir Johnson. A lineup of Lowry, DeRozan, Gay, Johnson and Gasol is a playoff worth roster. To boot they don't have to pay Bargnani to run three point line to three point line. With the Boston Celtics struggling due injuries the Raptors see a prime opportunity to head back to the playoffs, and Pau Gasol is just the player to lead them there.

Why for LA:
If the Lakers truly are committed to Mike D'Antoni's system (for what reason I'm not sure) then this move will help them both now and in the future.

Andrea Bargnani hasn't lived up to his number one pick billing. He has always been a good scorer, but the other phases of his game have never developed. In D'Antoni's up tempo spread offense a player like Channing Frye was a valuable contributor. Bargnani is similar player but a much better scorer than Frye and should find a niche in LA.The Lakers also get Valanciunas, as a future center product.

Stein mentioned that the reason the Lakers needed to keep Pau was to protect themselves in the event Howard left. In this deal they would obtain a scoring starter now, as well as highly regarded prospect to play center in the future. On top of all that they would be saving $3.5 million in salary during a year in which they will struggle to make the playoffs.

Please leave comments on what you think of this trade, any trades you want our take on or any other question you have. Check out the second piece in our trade rumor series here and the third piece here