The NBA trade rumor machine is getting started early and with the deadline coming in a few weeks, names like Greg Monroe, Andre Miller, Evan Turner, Brandon Bass, Emeka Okafor, Chris Copeland, Pierre Jackson and Danny Granger are names that have been getting buzz and they could move at the trading deadline in February.
There are a number of teams in the league that are pushing towards the playoffs and they are looking to make moves to get better going in and some of those teams include the Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks and even the NY Knicks, who aren't in the playoffs now, but should be in the mix come the end of the season. The Wizards are also part of that group and they have been mentioned recently as a team that could be in the mix for Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe, as the team is looking to keep Andre Drummond and Josh Smith long term over him.
According to ESPN.com, Monroe has been mentioned numerous times in rumors involving the Washington Wizards, but so far there has been no official word that he is on the market. The Pistons have been struggling this season more than Joe Dumars thought they would and that could mean a move involving Rodney Stuckey or Monroe. The report says that the Pistons have not been shopping Monroe and that sources have said that he is not available. Even if that's not the case, the fact that Monroe will be a restricted free agent makes his name one that will continue to come up and as the trade deadline gets closer, Dumars and the Pistons could have a chance of heart, as a number of teams could use a player like him.
Smith just signed a $54 million deal, so even if the Pistons wanted to move him he likely will not be moving and Drummond has been called the future of the franchise, leaving Monroe as possibly the odd man out. Monroe has good defensive skills and the 23-year-old has a knack for offense and that is something that is rare in the league.
The Sixers have also been considered a team that will be involved at the trading deadline and Evan Turner is the top name along with Thaddeus Young and Spencer Hawes and he would be a nice catch for a number of teams looking for more offense on the wing. Turner has been averaging close to 20 points for most of the season and while he has been mostly a disappointment since being the number two pick in the draft, he could be a valuable option for teams as they move towards the playoffs in the west and east. Turner is averaging a career high 18.5 points this season and since the Sixers are terrible, many speculate they will get into the trading deadline mix.
Andre Miller, Brandon Bass, Emeka Okafor and Chris Copeland all are names that could move as well, as the Nuggets point guard had issues with Brian Shaw. Okafor has a contract that the Suns could move at a good price for teams, while Copeland could be an option for the Pacers.
