NBA Trade Rumors: 7 Players That Could Be Moved At The Deadline

We’re approaching that hectic time of year again where fans rack their brains trying to figure out what kind of of moves their favorite team will make. For example, last year, the Warriors made the unpopular move of trading Monta Ellis to the Bucks. That, however, has seemed to work out for the best. The Warriors have flourished ever since the trade, well this season, at least.

That brings up some questioning. A lot of big names are in the NBA Trade Rumors this year, but who will most likely end up in a new place after the deadline? Who’s staying put besides the rumors?

February 11, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics center forward Kevin Garnett (5) reacts during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kevin Garnett:

Kevin Garnett is a superstar. He is having a legendary season, despite his age, and has carried the Celtics pretty far along considering Rajon Rondo is out with a torn ACL—Boston had an seven-game winning streak snapped on Monday. I’m going to say this once—the Celtics are not a better team without Rondo. I’ll say it as many times as it takes. It doesn’t matter if they had a seven-game winning streak. They just can’t get it done. For some  reason, however, they’re doing exceedingly well.

Final Verdict: Garnett stays in Boston.

2. Josh Smith:

Josh Smith has been in many rumors for the past couple of seasons. A struggling Hawks team, undermanned in the guard area, is looking to trade away 17 points, nine rebounds and two blocks per game. Why?

If anything, the Hawks should be trying to pursue some guards. I can’t escape the feeling that Smith will be dealt, however. He’s being chased by the Nets, who have a slim chance of getting him, but I’m sure there are many other deals being talked up that we don’t know about.

Final Verdict: Smith will be traded.

3. Al Jefferson:

Feb 8, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (25) is defended by Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Bulls won 93-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Al Jefferson? Isn’t he the best the player on the Utah Jazz, who have finally figured it out after losing their stars Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer? Yes, Jefferson is one of the best players in the league, and he has his Jazz team rolling as of late. Nevertheless, he and Gordon Hayward are in some pretty big trade rumors. With teams like the Suns pursuing, they may not be willing to give him up. Is Marcin Gortat a suitable replacement? The Jazz said they were shopping Millsap, but nothing about Jefferson.

Final Verdict: Big Al stays with the Jazz.

4. Iman Shumpert:

This is a pretty valuable guard. In his second NBA season, the guard has really showed everyone that he’s capable of putting up some big numbers and stroking it during the game. With all the depth that the Knicks already have, however, there’s no real spot for Shumpert. He has to compete with JR Smith, who is favorite to win the sixth man of the year award. That’s some tough competition, especially playing the same position as he does.

Final Verdict: Shump will be on the Suns.

5. Harrison Barnes:

Feb 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) controls the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Untouchable. One source said that it would take a “major offer” to get them to even think about moving Barnes, who is one of the most talented young  guys in the league. Like Klay Thompson, he has a very bright future. It would be foolish of the Warriors to make a move, trading one of their starters, who they’ve worked so hard to build. Moving him would perpetuate the Warriors preconceived notion that they trade all their good players away.

Final Verdict: Barnes isn’t going anywhere.

6. Carlos Boozer:

This guy is a huge reason for the Bulls’ Derrick  Rose-less success. Despite losing the youngest MVP ever, the Bulls have managed to be quite a bit of games over .500 and they’re  not looking back. The only thing they need is a closer who has decision making skills. That sounds a lot like Derrick Rose. Still, talking about Boozer to the Raptors for Andrea Bargani, a big-time scorer, could be a good move. This is an interesting one. On one hand, Boozer is playing some good basketball, but on the other, Andrea Bargani and Rose would make for a really good combination.

Final Verdict: Undecided

7. Pau Gasol:

Trading Gasol is the Lakers’ only option. Now out six to eight weeks, the Lakers are done with him. In seeing Earl Clark develop into a 13-plus points per game scorer, and big-time rebounder, why do the Lakers need Gasol?

They have Jodie Meeks, Steve Blake and Antawn Jamison coming off the bench. Gasol, who has complained about his playing time and not being a starter, has expressed his disapproval with Mike D’Antoni’s way of coaching. Bring him off the bench has angered him. Gasol will be able to flourish on other teams. His career isn’t over yet.

Final Verdict: Gasol says goodbye to Kobe.