NBA Oddsmakers: Chances Atlanta Hawks Make a Deal Before Deadline

By: Stephen Patterson

The Atlanta Hawks are rumored to be in the market for an upgrade at the point guard position in an effort to catch up with some of their rivals in an ever-improving Eastern Conference.

With the New York Knicks finally completing their blockbuster acquisition of Carmelo Anthony, the Hawks now find themselves struggling to make a move to stay relevant in the East.

One of the main positions the Hawks are looking to upgrade via trade is the point guard position as Mike Bibby's production continues to decline with his increasing age.

If Atlanta wants to stay competitive in the East with teams like the Chicago Bulls and Knicks seemingly passing them in their quest to catch the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics at the top of the conference, they have to get a deal done before Thursday's trade deadline.

Here is a look at five potential targets at the point guard position and the odds that they will end up with the Hawks before the deadline passes:

Devin Harris

The Nets have been trying to move Harris and now that they are officially out of the running to try to acquire Carmelo Anthony, it's likely New Jersey will move Harris before the deadline.

Harris is averaging 15 points and a career-high 7.6 assists per game this season and would obviously be a huge offensive upgrade over Bibby.

However, with the Nets reportedly also receiving interest from the Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks for Harris, I don't think Atlanta will enough pieces to pry him away from New Jersey.

Odds: 25-1

Andre Miller
Portland has been mentioned in rumors for weeks linking them to potential trades involving Miller, making it seem highly likely that the Blazers will get something done before the deadline. 

One of the main contributing factors behind Portland's decision to potentially move Miller is their desire to go younger and collect draft picks with the question marks surrounding Greg Oden and Brandon Roy's respective injury issues.

Considering the Hawks don't have an abundance of young talent or high draft picks, I don't they have a very good chance of landing Miller unless they involve a third team.

Odds: 12-1

Raymond Felton

Felton went from being considered an All-Star snub by some just a few weeks ago to being viewed as a backup for the Nuggets if he stays in Denver since arriving in the Melo trade.

Felton is talented enough to be a starter on most teams and that list definitely includes the Hawks. If Atlanta could somehow land Felton, it might be enough to keep them on the borderline of being on the top tier in the Eastern Conference.

An offer of Marvin Williams or Jamal Crawford and his expiring $10.1 million contract might be enough to pry Felton away from Denver, but only if another team doesn't present a more attractive offer.

Odds: 10-1

Kirk Hinrich

While the addition of Hinrich probably wouldn't be quite the difference maker for the Hawks that one of the previously mentioned players might provide, he is still a talented guard who would have to be considered an upgrade over Mike Bibby.

Hinrich is averaging 11.1 points and 4.4 assists per game this season for the Washington Wizards as he has split time between starting and coming off the bench.

Even though the addition of Hinrich might not thrust the Hawks up multiple spots in the standings, he would give them an upgrade at point guard and would be much easier to obtain than the previously mentioned players.

Odds: 5-2

Ramon Sessions
The Hawks have reportedly already made an offer to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Sessions, offering Maurice Evans and Jeff Teague in exchange.

Sessions would probably welcome the change in scenery as he has spent the first half of the season playing in the aftermath of Cleveland's first post-LeBron season, which for the record hasn't been very pleasant.

His 12.3 points and 5.3 assists per game would be a modest upgrade over Bibby's 9.4 points and 3.6 assists and would give the Hawks a deeper backcourt.

It would also give first-year head coach Larry Drew the option of moving Crawford and Sessions ahead of Bibby on the depth chart.

Odds: 2-1

NBA Trade News: A Trade That Would Ensure The Memphis Grizzlies A Playoff Berth

By: Stephen Patterson

While using ESPN's Trade Machine earlier tonight, I came across this trade for the Memphis Grizzlies that would almost guarantee them a trip to the postseason. Here are the basics:

Memphis Grizzlies would receive Shane Battier and Courtney Lee.

Houston Rockets would receive O.J. Mayo, Hasheem Thabeet, and DeMarre Carroll.

For a more in-depth look at the details of this deal, go to this link to view the trade using ESPN's Trade Machine:    http://www.games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=5r68hru

This trade would work out for four reasons:

1. The Grizzlies would acquire a small forward in Shane Battier who could instantly step into the line-up and help fill in during Rudy Gay's absence. Battier is arguably one of the most popular players in the franchises' history while they have been in Memphis, and the fans here would welcome his return.

2. Courtney Lee is a solid guard who is capable of scoring points in bunches, and doing so from almost anywhere on the floor. Houston is reportedly willing to move Lee and they would acquire a solid replacement with the addition of Mayo in this deal.

3. Houston would receive a center in the move, which they have been trying to accomplish since Yao Ming's injury. While Thabeet clearly is still learning and growing as a player in the NBA, he wouldn't be needed as a starter or for major minutes with the Rockets. Instead, he would just be a healthy big man to eat minutes and occasionally step in when needed.

4. Mayo clearly needs a change of scenery, but the Grizzlies supposedly haven't been pushing to move him. However, I don't think they would have a choice if they were presented with a chance to unload Thabeet, acquire another young and talented shooting guard to replace Mayo, and land a solid veteran small forward who is already loved in Memphis all in one deal.

If the Grizzlies somehow managed to swing this deal, Battier's veteran leadership and physical style of game would be a valuable addition to their line-up and would definitely help them in their march towards the playoffs.

Even though Battier isn't nearly the offensive force that Gay has been for Memphis, he is one of the top defenders in the NBA. He would also provide the Grizzlies with a much needed threat from downtown, as they currently rank last in the NBA in three point makes per game.

Lee's addition would give the Grizzlies an even deeper backcourt than they already have, and would also give Lionel Hollins the option of playing Sam Young more at small forward at times while Gay is out nursing his injury.

While Lee is only in his third season in the NBA and is still a very young player, he has been through plenty of veteran experiences ranging from reaching the NBA Finals as a rookie with the Orlando Magic to being on the historically bad New Jersey Nets team from last season.

Both Battier and Lee are solid defensive players and would help improve the Grizzlies on the defensive side of the ball, which is a very big need for Memphis. While they are already ranked 14th in the league in points allowed per game at 97.9, the addition of these two would likely help boost Memphis up a couple spots in that category.

Hollins would have the option of playing Tony Allen, Lee and Battier at the same time when the team needs a stop, and there aren't too many backcourts around the NBA that can score on that line-up easily.

While there is no way to know for sure if this trade would land Memphis in the playoffs this season, I think it would provide them with the best chances of doing so moving forward.

Considering the trade would make sense for both teams involved, perhaps there is a chance the two teams can come to agreement on a trade involving these players during the next week.

NBA Trade Rumors: Ranking The 10 Best Small Forwards Who Could Be On The Move

By: Stephen Patterson

While Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets might be the biggest name who could be playing for a new team after the trade deadline, there definitely isn't a lack of other quality small forwards who could probably be had at the right price as well.

Like most seasons, there are usually a lot more rumors leading into the trade deadline than there are actual deals, but most of these players could alter a teams' playoff and championship hopes if they were to traded before next Thursday's deadline.

Here's a look at the 10 best small forwards other than Carmelo Anthony who could find new homes before the deadline passes. Make sure to leave a comment below and share who your favorite team needs to add from this list to prime them for a playoff or championship run this season.

10. Mike Dunleavy, Indiana Pacers

2010-11 Stats: 11.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG

It's been clear for a long time now that the Indiana Pacers are willing to deal any of the players currently on their roster other than Granger, and Dunleavy is one of the more attractive remaining pieces they possess. While he will never be an All-Star quality player in the NBA, he could be a solid role player and be a major contributor as a third or fourth option for a winning team. His expiring $10.6 million contract might also entice a team to make a move for Dunleavy.

9. Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons

2010-11 Stats: 14.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG

 Prince has clearly been unhappy with how things have unfolded this season with the Detroit Pistons, especially with the treatment and benching of teammate and good friend Rip Hamilton. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Prince and/or Hamilton end up on a different team before the deadline passes. While Prince clearly isn't the lockdown defender he once was, he is still one of the best players on the defensive side of the ball in the NBA.

8. Shane Battier, Houston Rockets

2010-11 Stats: 8.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.6 APG

Battier has never been known for putting up eye-popping numbers on a nightly basis, however, he brings a decent amount of everything to his game. Even as he approaches the later stages of his career, Battier still isn't afraid to get dirty and fight for the ball when he is needed. He also is fair from a slouch on defense. Any contending team would be better off for adding Battier to their roster to make a run at the postseason.

7. Grant Hill, Phoenix Suns

2010-11 Stats: 14.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.4 APG

Hill is having another solid season for the Phoenix Suns; however, it's unlikely they are going to go anywhere in the postseason anytime soon, and that might mean a trade may be coming in Hill's future. Despite his age, Hill is still a quality small forward who would start or be the top guy off the bench for most of the teams that are currently headed for the postseason. If the Suns do decide to make a move involving Hill, expect there to be plenty of interest around the league from contenders.

6. Danilo Gallinari, New York Knicks

2010-11 Stats: 15.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.7 APG

Gallinari is having an excellent season thus far for the New York Knicks and is one of the reasons behind their resurgence this year. Gallinari has long been mentioned as one of the potential pieces in a deal with the Denver Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony. If Gallinari ends up going to the Nuggets, I could picture him being a good short-term replacement for the void that Anthony will surely leave behind. He would also give the Nuggets a solid outside threat.

5. Wilson Chander, New York Knicks

2010-11 Stats: 16.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.7 APG

Like his teammate Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler has been mentioned all season in rumors revolving around Carmelo Anthony being traded to the New York Knicks. Unlike Gallinari, however, many of the rumors involving Chandler have him being sent to a team other than the Nuggets in exchange for a first-round draft pick. If a team on the border of making the playoffs this season wants to pay that price, apparently Chandler can be had if the Knicks feel it improves their chances with Melo.

4. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah Jazz

2010-11 Stats: 11.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.9 APG

Kirilenko has consistently been a solid role player for the Jazz and is the type of player who does a little bit of everything when he is on the floor. Between Jerry Sloan's recent departure and his expiring contract, I expect several teams will be making calls to the Jazz to see if they can pry Kirilenko away. If he goes to a team in the middle of the playoff race, it could be enough to push them to a slightly higher seed in the postseason.

3. Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers

2010-11 Stats: 21.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.7 APG

Granger would have been the clear cut No. 1 on the list; however, it is very unlikely Larry Bird and the Pacers would agree to trade their franchise player unless someone offered an over-the-top deal to them. Granger is one of the best small forwards on the league and has spent his entire career up to this point on a pretty bad team, but I think he could do wonders as a second option for a playoff bound team. Don't expect to see him going anywhere this season.

2. Ron Artest, Los Angeles Lakers

2010-11 Stats: 8.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.0 APG

While Artest might be having a disaster of a season statistically, he still brings a solid defensive presence that very few players in the NBA possess. Obviously, a team looking to acquire Artest would have to acknowledge there's a decent chance that Ron Ron will lose interest quickly in a new home, but they also probably realize he can bring a lot to their team if they are on the brink of making the postseason.

1. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats

2010-11 Stats: 15.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.4 APG

Between his talent level and the likelihood of him being traded, I decided to put Wallace at the top of this list. If the Los Angeles Lakers or Dallas Mavericks could somehow swing a deal to land him, they would have to be considered favorites. The Lakers could use a younger, higher scoring version of Ron Artest and the Mavericks clearly need a replacement for the injured Caron Butler, so keep your eyes open for a contender to make a move for Wallace.

Zach Randolph Trade Would Cripple Memphis Grizzlies' Playoff Hopes

By: Stephen Patterson

There have been multiple reports in recent weeks that suggest teams have plenty of interest in Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies, but owner Michael Heisley needs to think twice before pulling the trigger on any potential deal for the former All-Star.

Heisley already gave away one All-Star power forward when he allowed Pau Gasol to be gift-wrapped and sent to the Los Angeles Lakers, if he makes the same mistake again, he might as well break out the cardboard boxes and packing tape and get ready to leave town.

The Grizzlies already have struggles filling up the FedEx Forum on most nights and handing away one of the teams' best players mid-season won't help in that department.

There is no way Memphis will receive equal value for Randolph in any move, and that is unacceptable for the Grizzlies if Heisley wants to keep his promise of reaching the postseason this year.

Randolph is one of the most important pieces for the Grizzlies to reach that goal and they will need him down the stretch if they want to make their first trip back to the playoffs in five years. He is averaging 20.2 points and 13.2 rebounds per game so far this season, and he is definitely one of the top power forwards in the league this season.

The Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Jersey Nets, and Golden State Warriors are all said to have expressed some interest in acquiring Randolph from the Grizzlies before next weeks trade deadline.

While several of the teams, including the Magic, are believed to be prepared to offer packages of players and draft picks, there is no way any of the above mentioned teams would make an offer that would replace Randolph's value and production in the immediate future.

Since the team has already committed a large amount of money in Rudy Gay and Mike Conley, and they seemingly have the intention of doing the same with Marc Gasol this summer in the offseason, there doesn't seem to be much hope for Memphis to retain Randolph beyond this season since his contract is expiring.

While it might be a good idea for Heisley to consider moving Randolph to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency this summer, it would also be a good idea for him to take a moment to remember his postseason promise and it's importance to the Grizzlies' fanbase.

I think most local fans would agree that they would rather gamble on Z-Bo leaving via free agency after he helps Memphis reach the playoffs than have Heisley deal him now for future picks that bad contracts.

The only power forwards in the league that are producing on or near Randolph's level right now are Kevin Love, Amare Stoudemire and Blake Griffin, and I highly doubt any of their respective teams will be burning up the phone lines to make a swap for Z-Bo. If Heisley wants to keep his promise of reaching the playoffs this season, keeping Randolph for the remainder of the year is a necessity.

Memphis Grizzlies: Has Sam Young's Recent Emergence Made O.J. Mayo Expendable?

By: Stephen Patterson

Sam Young has certainly made the most of his increased playing time in the recent absence of O.J. Mayo while he is serving his 10-game suspension for taking a banned substance.

In fact, Young has played so well in recent weeks, it seems like the Grizzlies may be more inclined than ever to end the troubled tenure of Mayo in Memphis before the trade deadline.

During the first nine games of Mayo's suspension, Young has posted the following point totals while starting each game: 12-10-10-18-19-7-22-14-19. Those aren't bad numbers at all, and his overall improved level play has been a large factor behind the improved play of the Grizzlies lately.

I was in attendance when he tied a career-high of 22 points against the Lakers in Memphis last week, and while the Grizzlies didn't quite have enough to grab the win, Young outplayed or at least went toe-to-toe with Kobe Bryant for most of the night. That's not a bad night for a second year player.

Mayo will be eligible to return to the Grizzlies line-up Tuesday night in Memphis against the Philadelphia 76ers, but it will be interesting to see how much playing time he receives upon his return from the suspension.

Young has not only shown flashes of brilliance over the past few weeks, but he has also shown that he may be a key piece to the Grizzlies moving forward. If he can replace Mayo's production on the court, and the team feels comfortable moving Mayo before the deadline, Memphis could save a lot of money at the shooting guard position.

Mayo only has one year remaining on his current contract after this season and it is likely he will command somewhere in the range of $8-10 million per season his next deal. That's a price the Grizzlies might be unwilling and unable to pay to keep him around.

After handing out large deals to keep Rudy Gay and Mike Conley in Memphis for the long term, and the expectation that they will make a similar attempt to keep Marc Gasol with the team this summer, there isn't much money for another star player.

If Young continues to improve and mature in his starting role with the Grizzlies, he might be a much cheaper and more attractive option for Memphis looking towards the future. He also doesn't carry nearly as much baggage around as Mayo and is in good standing with the franchise, which is always a positive in professional sports.

Now is the time for the Grizzlies to make a move involving Mayo, and they should do everything possible to bring back a fairly seasoned veteran with a little bit of playoff experience. Hasheem Thabeet could be tossed into the deal if needed, but Memphis would be much better off moving forward without Mayo if they can add a decent veteran role player in the process.

Moving Mayo would give the Grizzlies the remainder of the season to give Young an extended test run as the starter and let them decide whether he or not he is the direction they want to move in for the future. If his recent level of play is any sign of things to come, I definitely think he will be a key contributor for Memphis as they make their push for the postseason in March and April.

Knicks, Nuggets Trade Talks Heating Up?

By: Stephen Patterson

It appears talks are heating up between the New York Knicks and the Denver Nuggets over a potential blockbuster move that would send Carmelo Anthony to the Big Apple. The Knicks have maintained interest in acquiring Anthony since they failed to land LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh in free agency. According to a report by ESPN, the Knicks have made "significant progress in recent days" in their discussions with the Nuggets.

The Nuggets know that Anthony will likely walk away in free agency after the season, as he has told them on more than one occasion that he isn't interested in signing an extension to remain with the team. After watching Cleveland and Toronto get crushed by the impacts of losing their franchise players in free agency, I can't envision Denver being willing to take the same gamble. There are enough teams out there that would love to have Carmelo, and one of them will eventually pry him away before the February trade deadline, although it will likely happen much sooner rather than later. 

One of the main reasons the two teams are reportedly progressing in talks is because the Knicks are now more willing to include Danilo Gallinari in a potential deal. The Knicks' main offer has always centered around Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry, and a first round draft pick. New York believes they can move Randolph and/or Gallinari to a third team in an effort to get another player that Denver values more than either of the Knicks' forwards, according to the report. If they can make such a move, and still acquire a first round pick, I think New York will become the front-runners in the chase to land Melo.

When Anthony first made his request to be traded, he gave the team a list of destinations that he would prefer being traded to, which included the Knicks. Amare Stoudemire, the new face of the Knicks' franchise, has definitely expressed his interest in the potential of playing alongside Anthony on one of the NBA's biggest stages. The Knicks know they need to land another superstar player if they want to improve to the point of being in real contention in the Eastern Conference, and Melo is definitely the best option being discussed in any current trade rumors. If they are able to land Anthony, the Knicks will instantly become competitors in a stacked conference including Miami, Orlando, Boston, and Chicago.

Their was a potential four-team trade that was discussed last month involving the New Jersey Nets, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Bobcats, and Denver where Anthony would've landed with the Nets, but those talks deteriorated and fell apart. It appears New Jersey is no longer in the running to land Melo, as they now value Derrick Favors too much to part with him in any potential trade. The Bulls are also still in the running to land Anthony, although their chances are low after signing Joakim Noah to an extension (meaning he's not going anywhere). Without Noah involved in the offer, I can't see the Bulls putting together a package attractive enough for the Nuggets to bite.

The Knicks offer will likely be the best one the Nuggets will receive for Anthony, as there are almost never trades with a player of his caliber involved that end with both sides landing equal value (not that this trade is equal, but it will probably be the closest thing to it that Denver gets since every team in the league knows Anthony wants out). Eddy Curry likely won't make any impact at all for the Nuggets, as he has become essentially useless to a basketball team over the past few seasons, but his expiring contract does outweigh his massive shortcomings in recent years (barely). Draft choices are always a wanted commodity for teams, especially when they are coming from New York, even if they belong to another team. The player that the Knicks will acquire to package with Curry and the first rounder will be the X-Factor in the move, but the team seems confident they can make the deal happen.

If New York does land Carmelo Anthony, I'd expect them to win about 8-10 more games than they would have without him this season. With several teams like Cleveland, Charlotte, and Toronto all taking steps backward from last season, it's almost a certainty a Knicks' team led by Anthony and Stoudemire would at least be good enough to land one of the lower seeds in the postseason. However, the Knicks likely need a few more key role players and/or another star before they can be considered serious threats to teams like the Heat, Celtics, Magic, or Bulls in the postseason. There have been rumors off and on over the past few months about Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs joining Amare and Melo in New York to form their own "Big Three", and if Anthony lands in New York, I'd only expect those to rumors to intensify later in the season.

Carmelo Anthony Still Likely To Be Moved

By: Stephen Patterson

While Carmelo Anthony is making it seem like he actually wants to remain with the Nuggets and is content with his situation, sources have said that the proposed four team mega-deal that would've sent Melo to the New Jersey Nets is more accurately described as "dormant" than "dead". And while he may not necessarily be moved in that deal, I feel it's highly unlikely he will be in a Nuggets uniform past the February trade deadline without a signed extension.

After watching the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors lose their respective franchise players during the offseason for basically nothing, I don't think the Nuggets have any interest in suffering the same fate next summer if Melo decides to leave via free agency. While it's highly unlikely Denver will receive equal value in any move made for Anthony, there are plenty of interesting options the Nuggets should definitely investigate.

Most of you have already seen the potential deal involving the Nets, Bobcats, Jazz, and Nuggets (if not, click here for Tyler's post on it), so I won't cover it in this list. These deals were made with the help of ESPN's NBA Trade Machine and have either been discussed, rumored, or would work for both teams involved and could potentially happen, although most probably won't occur due to Anthony's preferred destinations. Keep in mind almost all of these potential deals would also likely include at least one, and in some cases, several draft picks going to the Nuggets.

Potential Deal 1: Denver receives Eddy Curry, Danilo Gallinari, and Wilson Chandler while New York receives Carmelo Anthony.  

Eddy Curry has arguably been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA over the past decade (including Darko Milicic's entire career, Yao Ming's bone density, Kwame Brown being drafted first overall), and would only be accepted by the Nuggets because of his expiring $11.3 million contract. It's likely Curry might not even play for Denver, as he has already managed to injure himself in training camp, and will miss 4-6 weeks as a result. That's not even mentioning the fact he has played in fewer games than Greg Oden since Oden was drafted. With the Nuggets' abundance of solid front court players, they may choose not to punish their fans by making them watch Curry play. Chandler and Gallinari are both pretty decent players and would likely receive a fair amount of playing time with the Nuggets, but wouldn't come close to replacing Anthony's production.

The Knicks are high on the list of preferred destinations that Anthony would like to land with, and New York would likely move everything short of Amare and MSG to make the deal happen. Once LeBron James and other top free agents passed on the chance to join the Knicks, the team set their eyes on acquiring Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker to form their own Big Three to compete in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. Any move they make with Denver would certainly include their first round draft pick this year. That pick could potentially belong to the Rockets, as they have the option to switch first round picks with the Knicks this season as part of the Tracy McGrady deal back in February.

Potential Deal 2: Denver receives Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson, and Brandon Bass while Orlando receives Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups.

This trade would likely be the best case scenario for the Nuggets if Carmelo does indeed get traded. There have been reports that the Magic are willing to part with anyone other than Dwight Howard to make a deal happen, but they have insisted that Billups be included in any scenario. Nelson would be a solid replacement for Billups at point for the Nuggets if they wanted to go that route, and while he doesn't have the experience of Billups, he also doesn't have the mileage on his body. 

Vince Carter has always been an electrifying, and sometimes unsatisfying player throughout his career and would instantly become ticket and jersey seller for the Nuggets, although he certainly wouldn't fully replace Anthony's presence in Denver. His contract has a team option at the end of the season, and they could likely get him to stick around at a steep discount from the $17.5 million is scheduled to make this year. Bass has shown signs of being a good player, but has never really received the playing time to truly show off his skill set. He would probably earn more minutes with the Nuggets than in Orlando.

The Magic have had an in-state war of words with the Miami Heat ever since they formed their mega team over the summer with the acquisitions of LeBron James and Chris Bosh, and would love the chance to make a move that rivals theirs. Pairing Anthony and Howard would instantly give the Magic one of the top duos in the league, and with Billups' extensive playoff experience, would instantly put them on par with the Heat. J.J. Redick is ready to step up into the starting role and with all of those offensive threats surrounding him, he would become an even more deadly shooter from downtown. 

Potential Deal 3: Denver receives Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young while Philadelphia receives Carmelo Anthony. 

This trade would land Denver with a pair of versatile wing players that would likely replace most of Carmelo's on-court production, but probably wouldn't do much with the fan base. While it is one of the better offers the Nuggets could receive for Anthony, neither player will sellout arenas on a nightly basis. With J.R. Smith reportedly falling out of favor more and more with every passing day, both would likely start for the Nuggets and keep them in playoff contention.

Philadelphia has been in need of a superstar to replace the presence of Allen Iverson since they traded him to Denver when both parties mutually agreed it was time to part. Maybe the two teams can consummate another blockbuster deal, although this would be much more beneficial to both franchises than the previously mentioned trade. Anthony would instantly be a fan favorite with the Sixers fan-base, and with young players like Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday on the team, they would have a fair chance at convincing him to sign an extension.

Other potential, but less likely moves: 

Denver receives Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and Taj Gibson while Chicago receives Carmelo Anthony.

Unlikely to happen because of the Bulls' unwillingness to part with Noah, which is understandable because they would have a gaping hole at center if they made this move. According to the Trade Machine, it would decrease both teams win totals, with the Bulls dropping by nine and the Nuggets by two (although that number would likely be slightly higher).

Denver receives Kevin Martin and Shane Battier while Houston receives Carmelo Anthony.

This trade would land the Nuggets with two solid players, but I can't imagine them moving Anthony to another Western Conference team unless they are absolutely blown away by the offer. If the Knicks completely bomb, and the Rockets include the first round draft pick they could potentially swap with New York, there is a better chance of a deal occurring.

Denver receives Monta Ellis and Vladimir Radmanovic while Golden State receives Carmelo Anthony.

The Warriors probably couldn't convince Anthony to re-sign with the them unless they make an improbable championship run, which is unlikely to happen under any circumstances. While the move has the Warriors' win total increasing by eight according to Trade Machine, that likely wouldn't put them at better than seventh or eighth in the West. Not exactly an upgrade for Carmelo.

Four-Team Trade: Ariza To N.O., Collison To Indiana

By: Tyler Ward

In a rather surprising move on Wednesday, the biggest trade of the offseason occurred. Sources haven't confirmed if the trade has gone down, however.

In the proposed trade, the Pacers would receive point guard Darren Collison and small forward James Posey from the Hornets. The New Jersey Nets would acquire power forward Troy Murphy from the Pacers. Recent playoff hero Trevor Ariza would go from Houston to New Orleans. The Rockets would acquire shooting guard Courtney Lee from the Nets.

Collison

The Pacers would end up being the biggest winner in this deal - they finally get a point guard they desire in Collison and a defensive stud in Posey. General Manager Larry Bird had repeatedly stated that the Pacers needed a point guard, with A.J. Price being the starter at that point in time. Collison, entering his second season, will be handed the starting reins after a steller rookie campaign. While filling in for Chris Paul, Collison played admirably, averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 assists per game for the Hornets. In March, against the Golden State Warriors, Collison had the best game of his career thus far, dropping 16 points and 20 assists. The Pacers had expressed interest in acquiring such point guards like Ramon Sessions, Mike Conley, Jonny Flynn, and Eric Maynor, but everything fell through, which opened the door for the blockbuster trade.

Indiana also receives James Posey in the deal, who will likely back-up Danny Granger. He immediately adds depth to the Pacers, which consists of young talent like Granger, Roy Hibbert, and Paul George. It is not known if the Pacers will keep Posey or not, but if they do, it will definitely be a quality addition. With the acquisition of Posey, it means that Mike Dunleavy Jr's days in Indiana are closing - he had also been subject to trade rumors recently and will more than likely be dealt before the season.

Ariza

The Hornets receive journeyman Trevor Ariza in their part of the deal, his fifth team since his rookie season in 2004. He gained success after an improbable playoff performance for the Lakers in 2008. Prior to last season, Ariza signed a three-year/$18 million deal with the Rockets, but his stint in Texas didn't last long. He played in 72 games and averaged double-digit points (14.9) for the first time in his career. Primarily known as a defensive-minded player, Ariza looks to add valuable defense to the Hornets, who were tied for 21st in the league in opponent's points per game (102.7) last season. Like Collison, Ariza will probably be put into the starting role.

With the trade of Collison, this means that the Hornets will more than likely keep Chris Paul, who has also been subject to trade talks in the last few weeks. Paul, along with Marcus Thornton and Ariza, will form a solid backcourt.

New Jersey receives power forward Troy Murphy in the trade - Murphy, who has spent the last 3 1/2 seasons with Indiana, will be going to his third team since coming into the NBA in 2001. Although he can be considered a "poor shooter" for a big man, he has had five seasons where he has averaged a double-double for the entire year. His best season came in 2008-09 when he shot 47.5% from the field averaged 14.3 point and 11.8 rebounds per game.

Murphy is also in his last year of the 6-year/$58 million contract he signed prior to the 2005-06 season. Since he has an expiring contract, he could be a valuable trade chip at the trade deadline next season. Murphy will provide veteran leadership for the Nets, especially to Derrick Favors, the future of the newly-regimed franchise.

Lee

Houston probably got the worse end of the deal, as they only acquired young guard Courtney Lee. Although an up-and-coming shooting guard, Lee may not be starting material. They get rid of Ariza, who is scheduled to make $6.3 million this season. Lee is comparitively making $1.3 million in what can be considered a salary dump by the Rockets. Houston has already spent big money on Brad Miller, Luis Scola, and Kyle Lowry this offseason, so they had to get rid of a decent-sized contract. The ex-Net will probably become Kevin Martin's backup, with Shane Battier filling in for the recently-departed Ariza.

Overall, the Pacers got the best end of the deal. Houston seemed to get the worse part of the deal, with New Orleans also losing in the transaction.

In another deal on Wednesday, the Hornets traded small forward Julian Wright to the Toronto Raptors for guard/forward Marco Bellinelli. Wright, drafted with the the 13th pick by the Hornets in 2007, could be a possible backup to Sonny Weems or Leandro Barbosa - the Raptors are now in a rebuilding stage after they lost Chris Bosh this offseason. Bellinelli would probably receive rather small playing time with the Hornets and will not factor in to any of the Hornets' long-term solutions.

Nuggets Looking to Deal Melo?

By: Tyler Ward

The Nuggets announced Wednesday that Carmelo Anthony could very well be on the trade block. Denver offered Carmelo a 3 year/$65 million contract a few days ago. The Nuggets are looking for a long time commitment, but Carmelo hasn't responded to the Denver's offer. His contract runs up after this season and next year's free agent class could be "The Summer of Carmelo".

But, why would Denver even want to explore the possibility of trading one of their best players ever? Anthony's only 26 years old and in the prime of his career. He has led Denver throughout his career since being drafted in 2003. He has posted career averages of 24.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Anthony also helped the Nuggets get to the Western Conference Finals in the 2008-09 season.

It is unclear if Anthony will even get drafted. One possibility is the New York Knicks. New York is hoping to do something this year via free agency and if they fail, it could hurt the chances of Melo going to the Big Apple. The Knicks have expressed interest in signing Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire and if they get neither player, it could hurt the chances of Carmelo coming to the Knicks. The Knicks also have the expiring contract of underachiever, Eddy Curry, who is set to make over $10 million this year alone. Some teams are taking on expiring contracts, in hopes of getting a big free agent. Curry has played in a total of 10 games over the past two seasons and has further damaged the hopes of someday becoming one of the best big men in the league, after being taken 4th overall by Chicago in 2001. Carmelo, apparently, likes the young star, Danilo Gallinari, who was chosen by the Knicks via draft a few years ago. He wouldn't mind playing alongside Gallinari, but if a trade goes down, it'll most likely be the expiring contract of Curry and Gallinari or PF David Lee. It would definitely take a lot for New York or any other team to pry Melo away from Denver and I just don't see it happening.

Coming out of Syracuse and fresh off a championship, Carmelo was one of the draft's highest rated players. Taken after LeBron James and the incompetent Darko Milicic, Anthony has proven that he is one of the NBA's most prolific players.His best statistical season came in the 2006-07 season, where Anthony put up averages of 28.9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. However, Denver was knocked out of the playoffs in their first series. In the 08-09 season, he led the team to the Western Conference Finals where they ended up being beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers.

I think Carmelo will eventually leave Denver, but not now. They are a very capable contending team and he wants to win a championship there. But, if Denver wants to win, they will have to upgrade their roster, as they need help at more than one position. I don't think he will end up in New York period. Why? It's the Knicks. They have been the most disappointing team since 2000 and if he can't win a championship, what makes him think that he'd win one in New York? The Knicks are still rebuilding and with New York being the potential destination for high quality free agents, they could be on the right track. But, I think Carmelo signs some type of extension and will be in Denver for a little while longer.

New Home for CP3?

By: Stephen Patterson

In an interview earlier today, Chris Paul said if the Hornets aren't committed to improving and winning, that he would be open to a trade. While saying he loves being in New Orleans still, he says he wants to know the team plans to improve in order to contend with the Lakers, Celtics, and other top tier teams.

Multiple sources, including several rival executives, believe there is a decent chance the Hornets will wind up trading Paul because of financial problems that are slowing the sale of the team.

Monty Williams, the teams new head coach, is definitely hoping the team keeps Paul, saying he was one of the main reasons he took the job. However, with some of the offers that have already been reported, it may be only a matter of time before Paul is on his way out of town. Let's take a look at some of the offers:

-- New Jersey Nets: The Nets have reportedly offered Devin Harris and the 3rd overall pick in tomorrow nights Draft to New Orleans for Paul. This deal would give the team another quality point guard to go along with promising youngster Darren Collison. It also provides them with a high draft pick they could use on a wing player like Welsey Johnson or perhaps a big man like Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins. The Nets really want to land Paul, thinking it may increase the odds of luring buddy LeBron James in free agency.

-- Orlando Magic: There are reports that the Magic have offered both Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson for Paul and likely a bad contract or two. Carter didn't exactly live up to the expectations the Magic had for him when they made the blockbuster deal last summer to acquire him from New Jersey and while Nelson is a good player, he's no where near as good as Paul at distributing the ball and finding teammates. This would probably be the best place for Paul to land, giving him the opportunity to play alongside Dwight Howard.

-- Memphis Grizzlies: While owner Michael Heisley has publicly denied it, several sources have said the team offered OJ Mayo and atleast one Draft pick (likely multiple) for Paul. This deal probably makes the least sense for the Hornets. While Mayo would provide them with an excellant scoring option, it's unlikely the pick(s) would be enough of a side item in the trade to make it worth while unless the Grizzlies offered all 3 picks (or both if they make the discussed trade with Minnesota). It also wouldn't make much sense for the Grizzlies to part with Mayo before knowing free agent Rudy Gay's plans for next season.

Keep an eye on this situation, especially over the next 36 hours heading into the Draft. Every summer there's usually atleast one blockbuster deal struck around the Draft and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Paul was one of the headlines. It's no secret Paul hasn't been thrilled with some of the moves New Orleans has made recently, and with the prospect of a sale in the near future for the team, I'd say the odds are better than 50/50 that Paul has a new home by the start of the season.