The Hottest NBA Trade Rumors

Jim Racalto Pierce, Howard, Gay, Redick—Hottest Trade Rumors from Around the NBA By SBRForum.com The buzz on potential NBA trades dials up on a daily basis with the Feb. 21 trade deadline fast approaching. From contenders looking to add that final piece for a championship run, to the pretenders looking towards the future, here is a rundown on some of the hottest trade rumors. Perhaps the most intriguing speculation has the Los Angeles Lakers Dwight Howard—considered the dominant big man in the NBA—garnering interest from the Dallas Mavericks. Mavs’ owner Mark Cuban recently let it be known in no uncertain terms that the “Bank of Cuban” was open with hopes of acquiring All-Star caliber talent. The Mavericks (18-25) currently sit in 11th-place in the Western Conference, 4 1/2-games out of the final playoff spot. The Lakers would seemingly consider trading Howard, who has continuously sounded disgruntled in Los Angeles and is eligible to walk away at the end of the season. The two biggest names consistently in the NBA rumor mill is the Orlando Magic’s J.J. Redick and Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies. According to reports, Memphis has been actively listening to trade offers for the talented Gay because of salary cap implications, but pulling the trigger on a deal appears to be more of a longshot after the Grizzlies dumped salary in a four-way trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers last week. The Boston Celtics were reported to be a leading contender to add the sharp-shooting Redick, who in theory would fill the role vacated by Ray Allen. However, those possibilities were turned on their head Sunday when Boston’s point guard and best player—Rajon Rondo—suffered a torn ACL that will keep him out the remainder of the year. This development leaves Celtics’ GM Danny Ainge with some tough decisions to make. Speculation was already that Boston was shopping Paul Pierce on the trade market. That possibility may now gain traction. With Rondo out, the Celtics would seem to have little hope for competing for an NBA title this year. Therefore, it could be time for Ainge to pull the trigger and move the veteran Pierce for some younger pieces geared towards the future.   There will be plenty to pay attention to during the next three-plus weeks while forming your NBA picks.       Sports-Kings - The Kings of Sports Lists