NBA Trade Deadline: Central Division

Chicago Bulls-

The Bulls have largely gone the way of their sophomore point guard; When Derrick Rose has struggled, the team has as well, but as he has done well recently, so has the team.  The Bulls have money to spend this off-season with Brad Miller, Jerome James, Tim Thomas, and Jannero Pargo all coming off the books.  They have recently moved reserve center Aaron Gray for backup guard Devin Brown from the Hornets. This move seems to be a pre-emptive move as guards John Salmons and Kirk Hinrich are on the trade block, as well as disgruntled former top pick Tyrus Thomas.  The Bulls should try to make a move to acquire a big time player, that could bring in a star like native Dwayne Wade. A package of  Brad Miller, Tyrus Thomas, and Salmons to bring in Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire could vault this team in to contention for years to come.

Cleveland Cavaliers-

The Cavs are the best team record-wise in the league.  With Lebron likely opting out after this season,  the Cavs front office needs to demonstrate to Lebron that this team will be  a championship contender for years to come.  The Cavs have tried to make deals for Amare, Antawn Jamison, Chris Bosh, among others, however I have my reservations about their ability to do so.  I think a more realistic idea could be moving Shaq and a draft pick for Tracy McGrady in a desperate ploy to add another scorer and keep their options this summer open. Other than that the Cavs have to consider trading for Kevin Martin, Andre Igoudala and Caron Butler in guys that have respective teams going in different directions.  Also with the recent injuries at point guard, the team might want to sign free agents Shaun Livingston or Antonio Daniels, which would also allow them greater freedom in trades.

Detroit Pistons-

It seems like yesterday the Pistons were gearing to revamp for another Championship run, with Joe Dumars adding pieces to his team.  As well as Joe D. did during the Pistons title runs in 2004-2007, his subsequent moves have not paid off.  He put too much confidence in young Rodney Stuckey, traded away Chauncey Billups for an aged Allen Iverson.  Iverson left for free agency, and the once defense-first pistons added Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon as free agents, two UConn scorers that do not play defense.  Meanwhile, Rip Hamilton is starting to show signs of age, but his contract pays him over $12 million a year until 2013.  The Pistons are among the bottom 5 teams in the east, despite having some talent on the roster.  There is some ownership turmoil as well, as longtime owner Bill Davidson passed away and Karen Davidson is said to be selling the team.  The Pistons most tradable player is Tayshaun Prince, who is a defensive stalwart and while not a star, is a good player in his prime.  The Pistons are desperate for frontcourt help with Villanueva, Jason Maxiell, and Ben Wallace.  The Piston could try to package Prince, another SF, and Kwame Brown for Bosh or Amare, but likely won’t have enough to do so. I think trading Prince to Memphis for Marko Jaric and Rudy Gay is tempting, but might add Thabeet and Maxiell to the swap.

Indiana Pacers-

The Indiana Pacers are an underachieving, almost irrelevant team if it weren’t for Danny Granger and Canseco Fieldhouse. That being said, they are in no man’s land: out of playoff contention and unlikely to add another key player in free agency or draft.  TJ Ford is impossible to trade and is only capable of being a backup.  Earl Watson is not a starter either.  That being said, the Pacers have some valuable assets that should be available and traded to decrease payroll, and help long-term success.  Troy Murphy is an appealing name that should emerge as he is the team’s highest paid player, and has just a year remaining on his deal.  He should be an asset to a contending team, that could use a big that can spread the floor and rebound.  The Cavs are said to be interested in his services, but teams like Miami, Oklahoma City, and Utah could all use him for playoff runs.  Jeff Foster is a high motor, agile big that can guard both centers and power forwards.  He makes a more modest 6.5 million dollars and also expires after next season.  Portland seems like a logical fit due to their injuries in the frontcourt, but I’d expect interest from  Denver, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, Okalahoma City, and Charlotte.  A trade of Shaquille O’Neal for both would fit and give the Pacers some financial flexibility. So would a Haslem & Quentin Richardson Package.  They could also trade Murphy for Big Z and Foster for Andre Miller in separate deals.  

Milwaukee Bucks-

The Bucks have been one of the most pleasant suprises this year, in large part due to the emergence of rookie point guard Brandon Jennings.  With the long absence of Michael Redd, he and center Andrew Bogut have emerged as the team’s foundation moving forward. This team has played its way to 9^th in the Eastern Conference so far, with its defensive effort and up-tempo pace. The Bucks should try to continue to add to the team, though in losing shooting star Redd, they lost the most valuable trade asset.  The team could move reserve point guard Luke Ridnour, who doesn’t fit the team’s defensive demands and has an expiring contract. Toronto, New Orleans, New York and Sacramento could all have interest and add a versatile forward to the team. (Amir Johnson/Antoine Wright package; James Posey or Morris Peterson; Darko Milicic; Kenny Thomas)

Stay Tuned for the FSB's continued analysis of possible NBA trade deadline moves, next up is the Southeast Division.