NBA Trade Rumors: The latest on Josh Smith and other rumored deals

With the NBA trade deadline only a couple of days away, it’s time to take a look around the league at the latest trade rumors as teams try and position themselves for the stretch run.

February 13, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) backs Orlando Magic guard-forward Arron Afflalo (4) down in the paint at Amway Center. The magic lost 108-77. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Griffith-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s a look at what is hot around The Association as we try and sort out every rumor on this Tuesday morning.

Josh Smith

Smith remains the biggest name on the block that could be dealt by Thursday and it appears that the Hawks want to move him sooner rather than later, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com. But to who?

The Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets keep being mentioned the most, but there are problems with both scenarios.

With Kevin Garnett not willing to waive his no-trade clause, the Celtics would have to move Paul Pierce in order to take on Smith’s contract. On the other hand, Brooklyn will have to get a third team involved. It should take much more than an offer of Kris Humphries and MarShon Brooks to pull a talent like J-Smoove.

Ultimately Smith will get dealt, but I expect Atlanta general manager Danny Ferry to draw this out and wait for a surprise team that will come in and offer up the right package of young talent and picks.

J.J. Redick

The Magic say they are open to re-signing him, but sending him to New York for Iman Shumpert makes sense for both teams, as Hoopsworld’s Alex Kennedy reports. But that will take a third team involved as well. It’s no given that Redick will be in a Magic uniform after Thursday, but I will be mildly surprised if he is dealt.

Dwight Howard

It appears as if the Los Angeles Lakers will hold onto Howard and roll the dice in trying to sign him, which may backfire in a big way. There has been rumors about a Rajon Rondo for Howard swap, but those were quickly shot down by Lakers’ general manager Mitch Kupchak.

Kevin Garnett

KG has said he won’t waive his no-trade clause, so a rumored deal to the Los Angeles Clippers for Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan appears all but dead.

Feb 12, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz power forward Paul Millsap (24) grabs a rebound during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz

It is felt around the league that either Paul Millsap or Al Jefferson will be dealt as the Jazz can’t re-sign both, but every other day it appears that a different guy is going to be on the move. This will likely draw out until Thursday afternoon, but I expect Millsap to be dealt to one of a number of suitors.

 “I think they’ll trade one of them because they can’t keep both,” a rival GM tells Ian Thomsen of SI.com. “But I’m never sure which one will go. One day I think it’s going to be Jefferson, and the next day it will be Millsap.”

J.J. Hickson

There is a lot of interest in the Blazers big man, but nothing currently cooking that would make you believe that he would be on the move. However things can change in the next couple of days so I would keep my eye on Hickson being shopped.

Carlos Boozer

Boozer has been mentioned in a deal with the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Andre Bargnani, but whether that materializes or not, some think Boozer could be on the move anyway.

One league source tells Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press that he thinks Boozer is the player most likely to be moved by Thursday (Twitter link).

Andrea Bargnani

The Raptors would love to move the former No. 1 overall pick and while assuming Boozer’s salary may not be ideal, they will continue to shop Bargnani. He will be traded, but the Raptors could hold onto him and look for a better offer in the offseason.

Iman Shumpert

Shump’s name has popped up a lot recently, which despite Knicks head coach Mike Woodson telling the second-year guard last week that he wouldn’t  be dealt, it makes it seem like  the  Knicks are actively looking to move the Georgia Tech product. He has been linked to the Orlando Magic for Redick, the Minnesota Timberwolves for Luke Ridnour and the Phoenix Suns for Jared Dudley.

The Knicks are in win-now mode and Shumpert is the only way they can acquire a major piece to try and accomplish that.

Milwaukee Bucks

It is felt around the league that the Bucks will do something big and that likely means parting with point guard Brandon Jennings or even shooting guard Monta Ellis. Teams like Dallas could be hot after Jennings, as Milwaukee is a team to keep your eye on as Thursday’s deadline rapidly approaches.

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