Plenty of names will be floated around in the next week-plus as the NBA trade deadline approaches on March 15th. Here is a list of the five players I think will be dealt in the next week-plus and which teams might be interested in acquiring said player. (I didn’t include Dwight Howard on this list because I don’t think the Orlando Magic pull the trigger on a deal.)
Steve Nash, Suns
I admire the loyalty that Nash and the Suns organization have shown to one another but it really seems to be in the best of both party’s interests to part ways. Nash is 38 years old, a free agent after this season, and deserves one last chance to win a ring (which he is not going to get in Phoenix.) The Suns simply don’t have the talent surrounding Nash to be a real player in the Western Conference and would wise to begin the post-Nash re-building effort now rather than risk losing him for nothing this summer in free agency. If both sides decide it is time to move on from one another, Nash will likely be moved before the deadline.
Click here for a list of possible suitors for Nash
Michael Beasley, Timberwolves
There have already been reports that the Lakers turned down Minnesota’s offer of Beasley for their trade exception and a first-round pick. Expect the rumors to pick up steam from here on out about Beasley since he is a restricted free agent after this season and has a qualifying offer in access of $8.1 million. Trading Beasley would open up playing time for Derrick Williams who has found sporadic minutes during his rookie season but has the shown the potential to be as good as his second overall pick status. It would also allow the Timberwolves to possibly add a needed scoring guard or more future assets (we all know how much GM David Kahn LOVES assets.)
Click here for a list of possible suitors for Beasley
Chris Kaman, Hornets
The post-CP3 Hornets are clearly in re-building mode and would be foolish not to trade Kaman in hopes of acquiring some assets for the future. He is a free agent after this season and it is highly unlikely that he will be re-signing with New Orleans since they already have Emeka Okafor locked up to a long-term contract and will be focusing their attention on re-signing restricted free agent Eric Gordon. Several teams would love to acquire a big man for the stretch run so the Hornets should be able to get a mixture of young talent, expiring contracts, and/or draft picks in exchange for Kaman.
Click here for a list of possible suitors for Kaman
Stephen Jackson, Bucks
In his first season in Milwaukee, Jackson hasn’t exactly fit in with the Bucks and head coach Scott Skiles. He has battled injury but even when healthy, has seen his playing time dip as of late. Jackson recently had a brief but poignant rant on Twitter saying, “If u call wanting to earn your money and wanting to win a “Headcase” then I’m that. Been a great teammate for 12 yrs. Ask anyone.” A change of scenery would greatly benefit Jackson and I’m sure the Bucks would love to find a suitor for his services.
Click here for a list of possible suitors for Jackson
Kirk Hinrich, Hawks
Hinrich is on the books for eight-million dollars this season and becomes a free agent after this season. Atlanta has been somewhat decimated by injuries to star players Joe Johnson and Al Horford. Without a ton of depth on their roster, they could turn Hinrich and a draft pick to some team looking to shed some salary so the Hawks could add a couple of pieces.
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and is a former contributor at The Washington Times Communities. David has appeared on numerous national radio programs spanning from Cleveland to New Orleans to Honolulu. He also had the most accurate 2011 NBA Mock Draft on the web.
You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.