NBA Trade Deadline: Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks-
The Mavericks might be the next team who might make a big run while their championship window is closing. The Mavs are currently sitting in 2nd in the Western Conference much to the delight of Mark Cuban. Although they have played well, there are some personnel moves that could put them in contention. Erick Dampier’s contract is not guaranteed for next season, neither is Josh Howard’s (player option) nor Dirk Nowitzki (player option). Dirk is the centerpiece and won’t be traded, but the other two could be dealt for the right piece. An intriguing team is the Washington Wizards, who could be willing to part with Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler, if it meant adding one of Dallas’s young backup point guards and the mercurial Josh Howard. Adding any of the Wizard veteran’s could help Dallas’s surge. The most appealing name that could be dealt for is Chris Bosh. A package of Josh Howard, Drew Gooden (salary throw in), and a pick might be enough for the Raptors to think about. The Mavs will have to be patient and/or creative, but they should be able to contend.
Houston Rockets-
Injuries before the season to Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, effectively eliminated the Rockets from the playoffs before the season began. The team, though, continues to play hard and has seen solid veteran play from Luis Scola and Shane Battier. Kyle Lowry, Aaron Brooks, Carl Landry, and new acquired Trevor Ariza have all progressed, and Landry could be among the favorites to win the 6th man of the year award for his tough play. The injury ridded T-Mac has been cleared to play but the team has decided it is best for both parties to seek a trade. The Rockets believe that they can get a good deal of talent/ cap room for the popular star. I think it will be interesting to see if they add a long term deal, such as Andre Igoudala, and concede that they can not make a run at any of the Summer’s talent. They could add a scorer and be in contention next year. Iggy is interesting, but another interesting possibility is Rashard Lewis, a Houston native, who could be packaged along with a Hedo trade exception for T-Mac. This would return McGrady to Orlando to reunite with cousin Vince Carter. I do think it is unlikely, but worth mentioning, as Orlando would have to consider cutting Sweet Lew’s max deal.
Memphis Grizzlies-
The Grizzlies have been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA this year. The trade for Zach Randolph has worked better than expected and he has helped the team mature in to a team that could make its first playoff appearance since 2006. The main thing plaguing this year’s squad is the impending free agency of Rudy Gay. While Gay is not an elite talent, he could potentially be paid similar to one on the open market in 2010. The Grizzlies front office would likely have to allow Gay to leave if it couldn’t match the deal. Both sides know this leading to a very tense trade deadline. The front office is said to be wiling to deal him for the right piece. A name that has surfaces is Detroit’s Tayshaun Prince, whose defensive abilities would be welcome to the team, and there is interest from the Pistons. Travis Outlaw is another option. The Grizzlies are also said to be shopping 2nd overall pick Hasheem Thabeet, as well if it can get rid of Marko Jaric, and free cap room to sign Gay.
New Orleans Hornets-
The Hornets are the one team in the most trouble as they balance the salary cap with competitiveness. The teams recent moves of trading Devin Brown and Bobby Brown away, in addition to previous moves of dealing Hilton Armstrong and Rasual Butler have shown the team is desperate to get under the 69.9 million threshold. Chris Paul is a top 5 talent in the league, however the talent that they have surrounded him with has decreased over the past couple years. Peja Stojakovic, James Posey, Morris Peterson are all aging quickly and all have contracts that last past 2011. None can be dealt easily. The best option would be the dealing Morris Peterson with a package of young talent (Julian Wright, Darren Collison, Marcus Thornton.) Another option would be to package David West with Morris Peterson or James Posey. Any move backwards would likely anger Chris Paul, however, and a Paul-less team may mean no team in New Orleans. The Hornets might be best off waiting another year until the 2011 trade deadline. When the contracts of Peja and MoPete are more easily tradable, giving the team a lot of cap space in 2011, with Kevin Durant, Melo, Oden, and Caron Butler enter free agency.
San Antonio Spurs-
The Spurs are in contention every year. While they might have the 4th best record in the West, everyone knows they are the greatest threat to the Lakers in the west. The Spurs might want to add another post presence, though Antonio McDyess and Rookie Dajuan Blair have played very well. Richard Jefferson will likely utilize his player option for next season, but Manu Ginobili is a free agent and has recently voiced his frustration in not being offered an extension. The Spurs do have expiring contracts to offer, however none would likely amount to much in trade. They might wait for a contract to be bought out in adding a veteran player