NBA teams look to improve their rosters as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
NBA players can't help but be affected by frequently hearing their names in the incessant trade rumors. Though the national and local media tend to aggrandize and give weight to many false rumors, the prospect of having to pack their things and move to a new location, play for a different team and completely uproot their families' lives is enough to send a player into a temporary slump on the court.
According to consensus, that has been the case all season with many Chicago Bulls players. For example, star guard Ben Gordon is averaging nearly two less points (19.6 ppg) than he did last season (21.4 ppg), while shooting just 42.1% from the field (down from 45.5% last season). Teammate, Kirk Hinrich, has seen a drop from 16.6 ppg to just 12.9 ppg. Many other Bulls were presumably affected negatively by trade rumors in the offseason and early in the season, so it should be no surprise that the team's record is just 18-27, even though it finished 49-33 last year.
Still, the NBA trade deadline (February 21st) is looming in the foreground and several names have come up in trade rumors.
Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets has dominated recent headlines after publicly expressing his desire to be traded to a contender. The most obvious spot for him with the Dallas Mavericks, where he began his career in 1994. He spent three seasons with the Mavericks, including 1995-1996, when he averaged 16.6 ppg, 9.7 apg, 6.8 rbpg and 2.2 spg as a second year phenom. Kidd is averaging a near triple-double this year, with 11.3 ppg, 10.4 apg and 8.2 rbpg. Yet, his team has been sub-par with a record of just 19-26.
A recent rumor has the Portland Trail Blazers involved in a three-way deal that would send Kidd to Dallas, along with extra throw-ins to make the contracts match (possibly Jamaal Magloire and Malik Allen. The Nets would get Devean George and Jerry Stackhouse from the Mavericks - who would likely be bought out, as well as a combination of players from Portland that may include Travis Outlaw, Channing Frye and/or Jarrett Jack. New Jersey would also likely get a number one draft pick and cash. Portland would receive Dallas point guard Devin Harris and possibly a package of other players. Other suitors for Jason Kidd include the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, and (less likely) the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks.
The Miami Heat is looking to find a new selection of core players to replace many of the ones they have now. Shaquille O'Neal says he won't retire after this season, which would relieve the team of $20 million over the next couple seasons. Point guard Jason Williams has been on the trade block for some time.
The Detroit Pistons won't make any major moves, but they do want to beef up their front court and could dangle some expiring contracts to make that happen. That means, guard Flip Murray, center Primoz Brezec and forward Walter Herrman could be dealt.
The New York Knicks are reportedly shopping forward Zach Randolph, but have turned down several offers, including one from the Milwaukee Bucks that would have sent Charlie Villanueva to New York. The Nets have also reportedly offered Vince Carter.
The San Antonio Spurs signed point guard Damon Stoudamire to help at back up point guard.
The Golden State Warriors signed forward Chris Webber. He played his rookie season in Golden State, though there are questions as to whether he'll be able to keep up with the team's fast-paced offense.
Sacramento Kings' forward Ron Artest has been on the trade block for a while. This troubled, but talented star says he'd love to play in New York, but would play anywhere he's wanted.
Also check out January 2008 NBA Trade Rumors.
