The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching and rumors are starting to pop up more often and some names that could be on the move this year in February includes Jameer Nelson, Glen Davis, Greg Monroe, Emeka Okafor, Rodney Stuckey and Omer Asik with teams like the Magic, Suns, Rockets and Pistons looking to deal their stars.
Monroe and Asik have been mentioned numerous times all season in trade rumors after the Pistons did not do an extension and Asik has been in deal rumors since the Rockets signed Dwight Howard. The Rockets and the Boston Celtics were in talks about a deal with Asik earlier in the season in December and the two sides could not come to an agreement after the Rockets did not get the deal they were looking for. Asik now could remain with the Rockets for the duration of his contract, but once the deadline gets closer, Daryl Morey could change his mind as the team makes a championship run.
Jameer Nelson and Glen Davis play for one of the worst teams in the league in the Orlando Magic and they could be two players to move since playoff contender will be looking for veterans to acquire. Teams like the Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks are looking for some veteran leadership and Nelson and Davis could be on the move, especially for teams looking for a backup point guard and a big man. Nelson has been solid this season and he is averaging 13.7 points and 6.7 assists and his leadership could be a big asset for teams down the stretch after he has been in the league for a decade. Davis has nearly $7 million on his deal for next season and that could be an issue, but the Magic are looking to get rid of his contract and could do that at the deadline.
The Suns have a big trade chip in Emeka Okafor and that is due to the structure of his contract and once the deadline gets closer there is a good chance they will move him. The Suns and the Raptors are teams that are rebuilding and are in playoff position and after trading Luis Scola and getting a first round pick in the offseason, the team is likely to do that again and with the Okafor deal, the team could snag another one.
Rodney Stuckey and Monroe could be on the way out with the Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith deals from the offseason, as Joe Dumars cannot move the Smith contract and the team has committed to keeping Andre Drummond. The Pistons have not improved like they had hoped when they made those moves and now Dumars could end up selling off some pieces at the deadline.