Wheelin' and Dealin'

As a third of the NBA season has been played, teams are beginning to realize where they stand on the totem pole of contenders. The NBA trade deadline is March 15th, but some teams may have to make big moves now, before it becomes too late. As was the case with Carmelo Anthony last year, there are many players begging to be dealt to bigger market cities. Chris Paul already got his wish with the trade to the Clippers, but there will be more trades involving superstars. I believe these deals should happen and will greatly benefit the respective teams.

Dwight Howard to Lakers for Andrew Bynum, multiple 1st Round picks and cash considerations

I realize this is not the best deal for the Magic, but it will most likely be the best offer they receive. As the season has progressed, it has become very clear that Dwight Howard does not wish to stay in Orlando and would like a trade as soon as possible. Teams such as the Nets and Mavericks have been linked to Howard as possible suitors. However, neither the Nets nor Mavericks have the tradeable assets that the Magic would require in a trade for Howard. Unless Dallas would be willing to give up Dirk Nowitzki, or New Jersey giving up Deron Williams, I don't see a scenario where Howard would be dealt to the Mavs or Nets.

Andrew Bynum is beginning to ascend in the upper echelon of NBA centers, leading the Western Conference in All-Star votes among centers. The Magic would use the added draft choices to help build around Bynum. For the Lakers, this deal makes too much sense not to do. The Lakers are struggling at the moment with a lackluster record of 13-9, leaving much to be desired for a team that is usually a championship contender. Kobe Bryant currently leads the NBA in shot attempts and needs another star to take the pressure off of him.

Celtics trade Paul Pierce to Grizzlies for Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo
Similar to the Lakers, the Celtics have got off to a very slow start. Boston currently sits at 7th place in the East with a 10-10 record. However unlike the Lakers, Boston looks very old and needs some fresh legs. Unfortunately for Celtics fans that will most likely mean the breaking up of the "Big Three". After missing the first 3 games of the season, Paul Pierce has had statistically his worst season since his rookie year and after decreased playing time, Pierce may be on his way out of Boston. The Celtics could possibly trade more than one of the "Big Three" but it is unlikely. Everyone on the Celtics roster is most likely available, including star PG Rajon Rondo who has been slowed by a wrist injury.

Contrary to Pierce, Rudy Gay is one of the young rising stars in the NBA and could give Boston the fresh legs that it desperately needs. After missing significant time last year with a shoulder injury, Gay has come back and led Memphis in scoring. Gay's potential is very high and could benefit Boston in the future as well as the present. Memphis has been trying to unload O.J. Mayo for about a year and could find a potential suitor in Boston. Mayo would add depth to a Boston bench that is very thin. For the Grizzlies, Pierce would add experience to a very young Grizzlies team that will contend in the West.

Knicks trade Amar'e Stoudemire to 76ers for Elton Brand, Jrue Holiday and 1st Round pick
The Knickerbockers have certainly struggled this season after making big moves last season, acquiring Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. New York followed that up by signing former Dallas Maverick Tyson Chandler. With all of the hype surrounding the Knicks it was assumed that they would definitely be a Top 4 seed in the East. The Knicks have come out flat, starting the season with an 8-13 record. After an All-Star season a year ago, Stoudemire has struggled with injury this season and has not been getting along well with coach Mike D'Antoni. Elton Brand is past his prime, but still a good player which could add leadership to a Knicks team with no sense of direction. Jrue Holiday would give New York a much needed play maker at the PG position.

Philadelphia might be the most surprising team this year, compiling a 15-6 record which is the 4th best in the East. However the 76ers have no star which you need to contend for a championship in the NBA. The current 76ers roster is not good enough to advance deep into the playoffs. This trade would not hurt the 76ers talent wise, as Stoudemire could step right in for Brand and Lou Williams would step in at PG. Williams leads the 76ers in scoring off the bench with 15.3 per game. The addition of Stoudemire would give Philadelphia a much needed star that could possibly take the 76ers to the next level in the Eastern Conference.