NBA Rumors: Latest on 15 Players Who Are Likely to Be Moved Before the Deadline

These 15 Players May Be Moved Prior to February 20th, the NBA's Trade Deadline

As we approach the NBA trade deadline on February 20th, it’s time to start seriously considering which teams need to make a move in order to better the outlook on whatever their future may hold. Whether that be a playoff run or to continue a rebuilding project, most teams have engaged in some relatively serious conversations about potential trades.

Quite honestly, it does seem that each year we see nearly every team in some sort of talks to deal and acquire before the league’s deadline. Last season was just about as dull as trade deadlines come, as there weren’t any blockbuster deals or even what some may call significant deals.

This year, though, will most definitely be different. The talks have heated up, some even starting toward the beginning of the season and now getting even more serious. There are a handful of rosters that have been beat up; some just needing one player in particular to get back to full health in order to make a run at a championship.

But, even with an imminent return for a player like Russell Westbrook, will the Oklahoma City Thunder make a deal happen? How about the Miami Heat, with the ailing Dwyane Wade in and out of the lineup? Could a team like the Philadelphia 76ers, who are in an obvious rebuilding season, make more than one move? All of these scenarios are possible, folks.

There are several key names hanging on the revolving door that is the NBA rumor mill at the moment. With just over two weeks to the deadline, here are 15 players that are likely to be moved – some with possible destinations.

Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman or add him to your network on Google.

15. Dion Waiters

The Beacon Journal reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers still may trade Dion Waiters. The relationship between the Cavs and Waiters has never been perfect, and I doubt he stays in Cleveland much longer.

14. Iman Shumpert

The New York Knicks aren’t going anywhere soon, and Iman Shumpert was a guy who constantly dominated trade rumors early in the year. Since then, there hasn’t been a lot of serious buzz, but do not be shocked in the least bit if New York moves him. They need help, and Shumpert has always created intrigue.

13. Francisco Garcia

Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports has reported that Francisco Garcia has been among trade talks recently, and could be on the move shortly.

12. Kirk Hinrich

Kirk Hinrich has been a guy that a few teams have inquired about, according to multiple rumors. The one team that was said to be seriously interested is the Golden State Warriors. With the emergence of D.J. Augustin, Hinrich is expendable looking ahead to next year.

11. Andre Miller

Andre Miller hasn’t played in over a month after having a fallout with coach Brian Shaw over his playing time. Now, the Denver Nuggets are reportedly looking to trade Miller prior to the deadline for some more point guard help, according to Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post.

10. DeMar DeRozan

There have been whispers that the Heat are in play for a guy like DeMar DeRozan, seeing as Wade has been banged up. Miami would not surprise anyone if they made a move, and DeRozan could likely be the guy they go after.

9. Jeremy Lin

In the same report by Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports, Jeremy Lin’s name came up linked to potential deals as well. It looks like the Houston Rockets could do something with more than just one player before the deadline.

8. Greg Monroe

According to Alex Kennedy from Basketball Insiders, there are teams interested in acquiring Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe due to the fact that Josh Smith is better suited at the four. Speaking of Smith, he's another guy that may be on the block. Expect Detroit to only keep one of them as they move past the deadline.

7. Evan Turner

Sporting News has reported that sources told them the 76ers are shopping guard Evan Turner, which comes to no surprise as his name has been in the rumors for quite some time now.

6. Kyle Lowry

The Heat and the Indiana Pacers have been involved in rumors regarding Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry – this could get interesting. The Pacers already stole Andrew Bynum out of Miami’s grasp, could they pull off another move?

5. Taj Gibson

The Chicago Sun Times reported last week that the Charlotte Bobcats, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers were interested in acquiring Taj Gibson. With the Chicago Bulls clearly not messing around in the rebuilding department, don’t be shocked if Gibson is sent packing.

4. Marcus Thornton

Steve Kyler from Basketball Insiders has said specifically that he “knows” the Sacramento Kings want to move Marcus Thornton. One of the rumored deals was a Thornton for Omer Asik swap.

3. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol is always on the trade block, or so it seems, but the Lakers very well could still move him prior to the deadline – especially if they’d like to enter this offseason with the maximum amount of cap space to pair a player or two with Kobe Bryant.

2. Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo is another guy that has been in the rumors for quite some time now, but it seems like a strong possibility that Danny Ainge would move him in order to better position the team in their rebuilding stage.

1. Carmelo Anthony

The New York Post had said earlier in January that the Bulls were going to make a serious push to land Carmelo Anthony, while the Lakers are also a possibility. If Anthony is dealt, it will surely be the biggest move of the year.