NBA Trade Rumors

The Lakers are the ones putting trade calls out on Pau Gasol, according to FOX's Sam Amico.  Previous reports have made it sound like other teams were calling the Lakers about Gasol's availability. But according to Amico, it's the other way around.

Very interesting.  I have no idea what Lakers are expecting to get back for Gasol, but unless it is something of Dwight Howard caliber they will be on the losing end.  Also makes you wonder how much of a problem there is in the Laker's locker room right now.  This wouldn't be the first time Kobe has pushed someone out of LA.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the Atlanta Hawks are checking out what they can get for forward Josh Smith and reportedly Smith would not mind being traded.  Smith has not asked for a trade. but he would prefer being sent to Boston, Houston, New Jersey or Orlando, if he's dealt by the Hawks.

This is the first time I can ever remember a player in his prime being asked to be traded to Boston.  This is probably due to his friendship and connection with Rajon Rondo, with who he roomed with at prep school.  Josh Smith's talents are largely untapped and he could still be a star in this league, but he has his flaws.  Namely, taking too many low percentage jump shots instead of attacking the rim.  Doc Rivers, a veteran team, and Rondo, could have a chance of pushing him in the right direction though, and this would add much needed youth and athleticism into the Celts aging roster.  I am not sure what they would give up for him or how the line up would work.

Andre Iguodala "loves" the idea of playing for the Clippers, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.  Iguodala feels unappreciated by the fans in Philadelphia and played his college ball out west.

More and more reports are coming out about Iguodala going to the Clippers for Kaman.  Bodog currently has 2/5 odd on Iguodala not being traded before the end of the draft on Thursday and 17/10 odds he will, meaning Vegas thinks he will be out of Philly.  Iguodala, like Loul Deng, continues to be one of the more underrated players in the NBA due to being overpaid (Not his fault GM offered him the contract), public not appreciating defense, and not boasting a high PPG.  I would imagine Clippers would have to offer more then injury prone Kaman (avg 48 games played in last 4 seasons), but if they do pull this off the Clippers starting line up would be scary.  Though they would need more depth and Blake Griffin committing to playing both side of the floor, they have the youth and talent to build off of and be a real force in a year or two.  For the 76ers this would open the door for Thadeus Young to take over, but still would be a significant downgrade due to Iguodala being one of the best defensive wing players in the league his ability to play point-forward.