Trading Deadline 2012 #1 - 10 teams who might have to trade

1. Orlando Magic
Either there is a Dwight Howard Blockbuster Trade or there is not. But even then: The Magic will have to make a (big) move, to show Howard that they are willing to move their roster for him anytime. Despite that, it's their last chance to try to form a good team around their beast in the middle, and the last chance to convince the guy to stay.
Chances of Trades: 99%

2. New Jersey Nets
Either there is the Dwight Howard Blockbuster Trade or there is not. But even then: The Nets have to do something to please their star they still have to convince to stay. They - like the Magic - have to show him (and their russian boss) the ability to perform.
Chances of Trades: 90%

3. Portland Trailblazers
This is a rather unpleasant thing: The Blazers are in constraint to do something due to their lack of recent success. They are the best bid for an bad trade in the last second.
CoT: 95%

4. L.A. Lakers
They have to do something due to their lack of competition for the title this year. Pau Gasol is the mein trade target, they are searching a capable PG, and they are still in the mix for D-12.
CoT: 90%

5. Houston Rockets
The Rockets still have a banged up, unfinished roster. They are in the hunt for Dwight and Pau as well. They have disgruntled stars (Scola, Martin) and Players to get rid of (Thabeet, Flynn, T. Williams). They should get involved on trade day this or that way.
CoT: 80%


6. Minnesota Timberwolves
Then want to dump Beasley, and maybe try their luck to get Gasol to pair him with spanish wunderkind Rubio. They also have a lot of other trade assets.
CoT: 75%

7. New Orleans Hornets
See the enduring Chris Kaman Trade considerations. There should be some moves to prepare the franchise for its future.
CoT: 75%

8. Atlanta Hawks
See the remaining interest in moving Kirk Hinrich. Their is some chatter about Josh Smith trying to demand a trade, but i don't believe in that one.
CoT: 70%

9. Indiana Pacers
Word is out that the Pacers want to trade despite their very positive overall situation right now. They want Jamal Crawford, Ray Allen or Chris Kaman for the right deal, to complement their roster for a deep playoff run.
CoT: 55%

10. Washington Wizards
The Wizards have such a disappointing season that the natural thought would be, that there should be a move right now. They wanna get rid of Andray Blatche, but can't find a taker. McGee or Young could be in the mix too. We will see if they give up their young core already to make a second rebuild attempt.
CoT: 40%

+ 7 more candidates:


Cleveland Cavaliers are said to shop Ramon Sessions and Antawn Jamison. CoT: 45%
Charlotte Bobcats are said to shop Boris Diaw. Maybe they get him somewhere through a 3 team deal during the deadline. CoT: 45%
Milwaukee Bucks are said to shop Stephen Jackson, but find no taker. Same game like with Diaw. I personally don't believe in the Bogut trade hype. CoT: 30%
Sacramento Kings are said to shop J.J. Hickson. They actually should find a suitor if they really wanto to. CoT: 25%
Golden State Warriors are said to remain interested in a D-12 rental and if not, maybe a Monta Ellis deal?! I don't believe so. CoT: 10%
Toronto Raptors are said to shop Jose Calderon. Again, I don't believe so. CoT: 10%

and finally... The Boston Celtics are always good for a surprise at the deadline... Rajon Rondo? One of the oldies? Acquiring a new big man? CoT: 25%