Now that Carmelo Anthony is off the market and presumably eating his first bowl of Manhattan clam chowder, we switch gears. Unlike the NFL, where the trade deadline usually passes without event, the NBA has been known to hit like a kidney stone.
A midseason trade for Dikembe Mutombo helped the Sixers make a title run in 2000-01. In 2002-03, the Sonics swapped the face of the franchise, Gary Payton, for All-Star Ray Allen. And how could anyone forget the Phi Slamma Jamma reunion, when Portland sent Clyde Drexler to Houston.
With this year’s trade deadline just a day away, we take a look at some of the top stars on the block. Even without Anthony’s name, there are still a ton of big names to watch.
Gerald Wallace
It seems insane to think a team with playoff aspirations (a game behind Indiana for the East’s No. 8 seed) would trade its best player. But many think the 28-year-old has hit his ceiling. Plus, it’d be a huge salary dump for Charlotte (due $10.7 million in 2011-12, player option for $11.4 million in 2012-13).
Makes sense for: Anyone in need of a small forward.
Grant Hill
With the Suns (27-27) struggling to stay relevant, Hill is a valuable chip for any team looking for another shooter/strong defender. The 38-year-old is averaging 13.9 points (most in four years with Phoenix) and a career-best 53.2 percent from the field.
Makes sense for: The Celtics. Marquis Daniels’ spinal injury isn’t getting better, and Hill would mesh well with the veteran-heavy roster.
Aaron Brooks
His days in Houston are likely over, especially after recently walking off the court in the middle of the fourth quarter. With Kyle Lowry and Courtney Lee, there’s not enough minutes. At 26, Brooks is in his prime and can help a team that wants to build around him as their starting point guard.
Makes sense for: Miami. They need a franchise PG.
O.J. Mayo
Played just six minutes (three points) after serving a 10-game drug suspension. He’s increasingly losing minutes to Sam Young and Tony Allen. Reports say that Memphis is looking to deal Mayo, but they are asking for too much. Mayo, when he’s not getting into trouble, is instant offense.
Makes sense for: Chicago. They need to add another scorer.
Devin Harris
The Iran-Contra of point guards. Harris has been at the center of every trade package over the past few months. The Nets even canceled practice so he wouldn’t have to answer questions. Houston, Portland, Denver, Dallas are in talks, but we think he …
Makes sense for: Atlanta. Starter Mike Bibby is 32, and there isn’t much behind him.
