"Blockbuster"

(February 16th 2016) BY: Ira Barasch

I recall last trade deadline pretty vividly, I was covering it intently and was pretty underwhelmed, until all hell broke loose. By 3pm I was stunned by all the trades that had happened, all those last minute deals by a GM tinkering, toying with the hope of fans to get his team to the promised land. Fans love the deadline because anything can happen, its a second lease on life or a nail biter for a fan to see how savvy a GM could really be. This year is different though, with the salary cap set to rise by 20 million next year, teams are more hesitant with making a deal, not wanting to take up too much space and hoping to make a splash in free agency. No need to worry, as here at NBA Sports Talk we love a good juicy rumor as much as the next person, so here are 3 mega deals that we'd like to see happen:

1) Los Angeles Clippers receive: Carmelo Anthony 

New York Knicks Receive: Blake Griffin

This would be a bold move by both teams, and a win win for both parties involved. Melo would have an experienced coach in Doc Rivers, he would get one of the best point guards in the league in Chris Paul, along with a host of solid role players around him on a team ready to make a significant push towards a title.

Now the Knicks would have a scary tandem. Granted they would be a point guard away from making itwork, but the thought of Blake and Porzingis side by side is scary. Blake is more aggressive inside the paint, allowing Porzingis to move around more. Best of all? This trade is financially feasible (via ESPN's trade machine http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=mtxz2xd)

2) Washington Wizards receive: Kevin Durant 

Oklahoma City receives: Nene, Otto Porter Jr, and Bradely Beal

Your superstar is a free agent after the season, you're going through a 'will he or wont he' scenario and you have a shot to bolster the next young core of your team with Otto Porter Jr and Bradley Beal as your starting foundation? Sign me up. The Thunder would be smart to take precautions to protect them from potentially losing Durant in the summer for nothing.

Kevin Durant has been rumored to go back home (sort of) to Washington since last year. The comfort of having family and friends around you is priceless. Also there is John Wall, who desperately needs some fire power around him. Now granted the Wiz can only make this deal if Durant says he re-signs after the season is over, but the idea of Wall and Durant as running mates in a weaker conference would and should put fear into every team in the East

(ESPN's trade machine http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=j3kegnm)

3) Boston Celtics receive: Kevin Love

Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Marcus Smart, David Lee, Jared Sullinger

Another win win deal. While Boston gets a legitimate superstar to pair with Isaiah Thomas, Cleveland gets some nice bench depth in Lee and young players in Smart and Sullinger. This would need to come out of desperation for both teams but the whispers have definitely been out there that this might 

actually happen. (ESPN's trade machine http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=gtn2vwg)

"Suitors for Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans"

(January, 28th 2016) By: Efraim Graber

Eric Godon has a fractured finger and is still going to be sitting at home for 4-6 more weeks. However, that is not stopping Dell Demps, the GM of the Pelicans from shopping him to contenders. Well lets be honest, they're not getting rid of him in an off season move because of his enormous contract. 

The Pelicans are just hoping they can get a decent return on a player that scores 15 ppg and is a good tough defender despite his size for a 2 guard. He's also frequented injuries throughout his career, which always seem toi be in the wrist/hand/finger range. 

Tyreke Evans is an athletic player, there is no doubt about that. For the Pelicans its just about getting a change of scenery for Anthony Davis. They need to start winning games and winning a lot of them. The playoffs are still in sight in a beaten up Western Conference. 

As a PG, Evans is a monster, at 6'5" and with the scoring ability he has, he is scary. As a two guard it comes naturally, especially since he improved his perimeter shooting these past few years. He sometimes can even play the 3, and whats surprising, is that he can defend it well. He has a contract of a little more than 10 Million for next season so they should be getting more offers on him than on Gordon. 

Here are the teams that will be interested in Eric Gordon: 

Detroit Pistons: 

They might just be willing to do a Brandon Jennings/Eric Gordon swap. The Pelicans should take this deal, especially since they have shown their willing to play smaller players in the 2 hole. 

Miami Heat: 
They need a scorer off of the bench to compliment Bosh and Wade. Eric can provide that spark. In terms of what they would send back can be a package of Gerald Green and maybe Beno Udrih. Not so enticing for the Pels. 

Here are the teams the would be interested in Tyreke Evans:

Brooklyn Nets:
The Nets would welcome his size to bolster their already gigantic lineup of Lopez and Young and having Evans as a PG would be a dream come true for them in the mismatch department. In terms of return, the Pelicans might be willing to take on Joe Johnson but then they would have to include something else from their end to match the salaries. 

Sacramento Kings:
They at one time wanted Ryan Andersen for a Rudy Gay deal but they might be willing to do it for Tyreke Evans. It would be a perfect fit for both teams. Evans would be happy to be back in Sac Towna nd Gay would be a perfect fit for a team that needs a slasher and 3 point threat.