NBA Trade Deadline: Atlantic Division

Philadelphia 76ers-

Philadelphia 76ers has underachieved falling 15 games below .500.  The veterans of the team Elton Brand, Andre Igoudala, and Samuel Dalembert.  The return of Allen Iverson has been popular and benefited both sides positively. The team still seems destined to rebuild, but has large financial constraints.  It is improbable that they would find a taker for Elton Brand, but Andre Igoudala is very tradable and might be enough for them to add Jason Kapono or Dalembert to a package as well.  The team has flirted with trade offers, however most are to trade away salary. The team might want to consider adding another point guard or center in any salary dump, such as including Kyle Lowry if they decide to trade for Tracy McGrady or maybe Delonte West with Shaq.

Boston Celtics-

The Celtics suffered injuries to key players, which derailed their 2009 postseason campaign.  They have rebounded with additions in Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels, while Rajon Rondo has continued to develop.  Meanwhile, shooting guard Ray Allen has showed his age, as has star Kevin Garnett.  The improved depth should resolve these issues.  Allen’s contract expires at the end of the year, and while he could be moved, it seems likely that he will re-sign at a discounted price.  The Celtics do seem to want a backup point guard that can team with Eddie House, but Daniels and Tony Allen might be enough for the C’s.  A name that has been rumored is Kirk Hinrich, though he might cost too much. Another option could be free agent veteran Antonio Daniels, who could guard both guard positions.

New York Knicks-

The New York Knicks are the team that will have the most to gain this off-season. They have over 55 million dollars coming off the books next year.  However, the team will have to prove to free agents that they can compete under the bright lights of the MSG.  They will likely build around Danilo Galinari and Wilson Chandler, as Jordan Hill and Nate Robinson have not contributed as much as anticipated.  The Knicks also must re-sign David Lee who looks to be an All-Star in coming years.  The team has expressed that they do not want to trade for a star player that will become a free agent after the season, but with the expiring contracts they have, the Knicks might want to make some trades to see if they can find someone that can fit in their long-term plans. They also would like to trade Jared Jeffries to clear enough cap space to sign 3 possible all-star caliber players.  Guards like DJ Augustin and Luke Ridnour would fit the uptempo offense, though Ridnour is not a sexy pick-up.  A trade I would explore is Jeffries and Hill for Ridnour and Syracuse Alumn Hakim Warrick. 

New Jersey Nets-

The Nets are one of the most disappointing teams this year, their talent is better than their 4 win record indicates.  Brook Lopez gives them a solid center to build around, and Yi has been surprisingly solid. They are talented on the wings with Courtney Lee, Chris Douglas Roberts, and Terrence Williams all rotating.  Williams has been relatively disappointing, but has played well recently.  Devin Harris has had a down year, even when healthy, and has been drawing some interest.  The squad is young and needs to learn how to win, which wil come with time.  The Nets should listen to offers, but wait until the summer to trade him.  When they know whether or not they will have won the NBA Draft lottery.  The Nets should also target a trade while they do have a surplus of resources.  Bobby Simmons, Tony Battie, and Trenton Hassell offer a total of over 21.5 million that can be traded, while a glut of swingmen make one movable if the right deal came along.  The rumors of Amare Stoudemire could be interesting if the Nets offered Simmons, Hassell and Courtney Lee.

Toronto Raptors-

The Raptors will likely be the catalysts to the NBA Trade deadline. With an All-Star Big man Chris Bosh unlikely to return in free agency. They could be one of the biggest sellers on the market. However, they are still in the midst of a playoff hunt. An interesting proposal would be to trade Bosh and acquire the other rumored available big Amare Stoudemire, and try to work a long-term deal with him instead.  Remember GM Bryan Coangelo did work in the organization, and Amare is recognizing that he will get more money from an average team than a playoff power.  I doubt that there would be substantial interest though from both sides.  While they need to move him to get value back, the Raptors should still ensure that they are getting decent return for their former 4^th overall pick in 2003, and if not don’t move him.  Point Guard Jose Calderon should also be moved. There is talk about trading him to Sacramento for Kevin Martin, and while that’d be a great move for value, a combo of Jarrett Jack, Martin, Hedo Turkaglou, Bargnani would be atrocious on defense. It also might hinder the growth of dunk participant DeMar DeRozan.  If the Raptors can somehow manage to make a 3-way deal and move Calderon to Sacramento, Kevin Martin and a good asset to Minnesota, and bring in Al Jefferson, the genius of Bryan Coangelo would be mythical.  Meanwhile, Bosh should net high upside talent such as Tyrus Thomas, Josh Howard, Jeff Green, Udonis Haslem, or maybe even Michael Beasley, and the Raptors must do their due diligence to continue to move this team in the right direction, despite a very possible setback.

NBA Trade Deadline: Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks-
The Atlanta Hawks have surged to a top 5 record in the league. The addition of Jamaal Crawford as a 6th man of the year favorite, and the continued development of stars Joe Johnson, and Josh Smith have vaulted this team to title contention. The Hawks should focus their efforts on pushing for the playoffs by adding another Center to compete with the Rasheed Walllaces and Dwight Howards of the favorites in conference. A trade to acquire Brendan Haywood would involve Zaza Pachulia and Joe Smith. Otherwise, the Hawks might look for players cut after the trade deadline
Charlotte Bobcats-

The Charlotte Bobcats have steadily pushed themselves in to playoff contention in their 2nd year under head coach Larry Brown. The Bobcats added Steven Jackson at shooting guard and Gerald Wallace has emerged as an All-star this season. While they seem like a potential team, their record sits at .500. If Tyson Chandler can stay healthy, this team is good enough defensively to surprise a foe in the playoffs. That being said, the Larry Brown and the Bobcats might want to add a veteran to improve the team depth. DJ Augustin might be available, his numbers and minutes have been worse than last year’s. Raymond Felton will be a free agent next season, and needs to be re-signed. Either Augustin or Ronald Murray could be traded if a defensive shooting guard is available. Options could be Tony Allen, Ronnie Brewer, and DeShawn Stevenson.
Miami Heat-
The Miami Heat are another team with a lot at play this off-season. For one, superstar shooting guard Dwayne Wade is a free agent at the end of the season. And for as much talk there is about Lebron being a Knick, there should be some talk about Wade joining Derrick Rose in his hometown Chicago. In order to secure Wade long-term, the Heat should be aggressive in trading for another star caliber player. The Heat could build a package around the components of Jermaine O’Neal, Quentin Richardson, Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Dorrell Wright all of whom have expiring contracts, not to mention the talented sophomore Michael Beasley. The Heat could offer Udonis Haslem, Quentin Richardson, and Mario Chalmers with a 1st round pick for either Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire and wait for another team to beat them. As much as Beasley as struggled, I do find it diffcult to deal him so early.
Orlando Magic-
The Orlando Magic were the Eastern Conference Champions last season and in competition with the Celtics, Cavs and Hawks, only improved their team. However, the better team on paper hasn’t proved so on the court. Vince Carter hasn’t been quite the upgrade over Hedo Tukogolu they thought that he’d be, combined with Marcin Gortat and Brandon Bass are only used sparingly. Matt Barnes and Ryan Anderson at the forward spots have been highly effective both space the floor and can be active on the glass. The Magic could add to their talented team if they were willing to part with Gortat and/or Bass. A package of both could land Antwan Jamison or Troy Murphy. Another asset that could be moved is the overpaid Rashard Lewis. He spaces the floor well for Dwight, but is not worth his max contract pay. The Magic could consider trading him, JJ Reddick and Gortat for T-Mac’s expiring contract and Trevor Ariza/Shane Battier. I don’t expect them to though.
Washington Wizards-

This has been a very tough season for the Wizards. Even before the Gilbert Arenas saga, the team was underachieving and quickly fading out of contention. The Wizards will effectively, have to rebuild and start anew. The team decided this a year too late, after it traded away the draft pick used on Ricky Rubio for Randy Foye and Mike Miller. The most important decision the front office will make will be whether or not Caron Butler will be a part of their future. The Wizards will then effectively have a fire sale, trading away Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, Mike Miller, and Mike James. The expiring contracts should land them a couple young players and picks to move forward with. The Heat have 2 first round picks and expiring contracts and should be aggressive on the trade front, and Portland should be interested in a Haywood- Outlaw trade

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.