ESPN's Top 10 Players Most Likley to be Traded

[dez]

Trade Talk Already Hot and Heavy

The NBA trading frenzy that normally seizes teams come February could be arriving a little early this season. Assigned to write a column on who could be traded during this season, I was surprised by the number of teams that seemed "open for business" on the trade front.

Typically, significant trades don't go down in preseason, or the first month of the season. It usually isn't until December, with a month or more of games under everyone's belts, that we start hearing the trade drums. But this year, from the sound of things, the talk may be coming faster and more furiously than in years past.
Why?

Two factors seem to be in play.

First, it was a relatively quiet summer as far as trades go. We saw some fireworks on draft night, but after that … for the most part, crickets.

Ron Artest got traded. So did Mo Williams and Marcus Camby. But that's not enough to call it a blockbuster summer

Second, there were a lot of players dangled in the summer who, for a variety of reasons, didn't get traded. Some -- like Zach Randolph and Jamaal Tinsley -- are very difficult to deal. For others, the timing just wasn't right.

But as we head into the season, there are a number of unstable teams that still appear primed and ready to pull the trigger if the right deal comes along.

Here's a look at 10 or so players (in no particular order) who could be on the move before the February trade deadline

1. Shawn Marion, Heat
Marion will be a free agent after the season and he's not happy about it. After he brooded in Phoenix because he wasn't feeling the love financially, the Suns moved him to Miami in a deal for Shaquille O'Neal last season. The problem now is that Marion doesn't appear to have a long-term future in Miami. The team is going through a rebuilding process with Dwyane Wade and rookie Michael Beasley as the cornerstones. Marion, who turns 31 at the end of the season and plays the same position as Beasley, doesn't appear to be a great fit.

He has been dangled to the Lakers and Jazz, and more recently the Heat tried to work out something with the Bulls that would have brought them Ben Gordon and others.

If Marion plays well early in the season, his value will go up for contending teams that need defense, rebounding and athleticism. But I'm not sure how much the Heat will actually be able to get for Marion. As talented as he is, I've yet to come across a GM who wants to give him huge dollars next year.

2. Carlos Boozer, Jazz
Boozer has apparently convinced Utah GM Kevin O'Connor that he has no intention of bolting the Jazz for the Heat (or any other team) next summer when he can opt out of his contract.

But I'm not buying it.

There is just too much chatter around the league about Boozer to ignore. Given that the Cavs likewise had reason to believe that Boozer wouldn't leave them high and dry when they let him out of his contract in 2004, only to watch him turn around and sign a huge deal with the Jazz a few weeks later, how sure can O'Connor be that he won't lose Boozer for nothing?

The Jazz should get some interesting offers for Boozer in the next few months. If O'Connor can net another All-Star in return, he'd probably be wise to take the deal and run. Losing Boozer for nothing next summer would be a devastating blow to the team's ability to compete for the title.

3. Lamar Odom, Lakers
Odom played the role of scapegoat for angry Lakers fans after L.A. lost to the Celtics in the Finals. He didn't help his cause by showing up at camp out of shape. And he seemed to dig himself an even bigger hole when he criticized Phil Jackson for suggesting Odom might best help the Lakers by coming off the bench this season. In the past few days, Odom has backtracked and said he'd do what was best for the team, but most in the league think it's only a matter of time before the Lakers find a new home for him.

The team spent some time this summer looking at a few deals, but nothing materialized. Look for the Lakers to restart those talks sooner rather than later. Jackson's triangle offense is notoriously hard for recently acquired players to learn, and given Odom's impending free agency, now seems to be the right time to move him.

A Marion-for-Odom swap might make the most sense for both parties involved, though I've heard there's interest in Odom in quite a few cities, including Cleveland, Chicago, New Jersey, New York and Orlando.

LINK

Theres too much to post, so you can just click on the link. I really do hope we're able to move either ZBo or Curry (or both) w/o giving up Lee, there have been rumbles of the front office giving Lee an extension, and he definently deserves it We'll see hopefully we have alot of movement this year. I would love for us to go after Marion, maybe a Randolph/Curry deal for him?

 

[.s31t]

VC in LAL?
WoW! I couldn't see it.
I'd rather have Marion.
Looks interesting this season.

 

[Whisper]

You mean LAC?
I've always thought that the Clips would be VC's best destination.

 

[.s31t]

You mean LAC?
I've always thought that the Clips would be VC's best destination.

It mentions a Odom Carter deal which was in talks last season also.

 

[Whisper]

Ahh I see... errr like you I just don't see it happening though. Not enough basketball to be passed around which is why Odom would be getting traded in the first place. I like Marion for Odom a lot better.

 

[.s31t]

Ahh I see... errr like you I just don't see it happening though. Not enough basketball to be passed around which is why Odom would be getting traded in the first place. I like Marion for Odom a lot better.

Agreed!
Marion does what we need on Defense...

 

[elcheato]

Why would the Heat trade Marion for Odom.. It makes no sense for them.

 

[dez]

Why would the Heat trade Marion for Odom.. It makes no sense for them.

None.

I dont see why they would do it either, still would leave the problem at SF/PF.

 

[.snowy]

I thought someone said Gordon couldn't be traded?

 

[dez]

I thought the same, but apparently he can come January 1st. I think its a given he's going to be moved.

 

[DC4]

Interesting.

I always thought VC would finish his career in New Jersey.

 

[Pugz]

VC won't be traded, that contract is harsh..
Lamar might same with Marion.
I hope Sheed gets traded..

 

[.s31t]

I doubt sheed is going to be traded.

 

[.GR]

LOL at them listing 7 players for the Blazers.
Better not trade Webster. <_<

 

[Mexi]

i'd trade LO for any legit SF

Crash Wallace is number 1 on my list

 

[dez]

One guy I can almost guarentee will be moved is Felton, theyve been bashing him in the papers all summer, and once they drafted Augustin that all but ensured his departure.

I wouldnt mind bringing Felton in, there was talk of us sending them Lee for him, but the talks died. I seriously doubt it happens (him coming to NY) since we wasted our MLE on Duhon.

and mexi, Brown has fell in love with Wallace, so I dont see him being moved... but I could be wrong.