Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Though news of Dwight continues to dominate the trade rumor mill, there are some smaller moves being pushed around that could shuffle current playoff rankings.

Rasheed Wallace has been rumored to be coming out of retirement to join the Lakers. This will allow the Lakers to add front court depth. Enough for them to feel more comfortable to trade Pau Gasol. A potential Pau Gasol for Luis Scola and Kevin Martin deal could be discussed. This will allow the Lakers to maintain front court presence while adding a versatile scoring guard (who has been rumored to be upset in Houston). Meanwhile, the Rockets will receive a player they have clearly coveted since the botched trade in December.

The Raptors are apparently fielding offers for Jose Calderon. A possible trade with Portland could make sense. Jose Calderon for Raymond Felton, Elliot Williams, and Nolan Smith. Portland has been unsatisfied with Felton's dismal play, so acquiring a steady point guard is first on the priority list. Meanwhile, Felton might be able to rejuvenate his career in Toronto, but if not, he will be a unrestricted free agent at the end of this year, providing salary cap relief. In Williams and Smith, the Raptors also receive two former Dukies who have the potential to become solid contributors at very cheap prices.

Though Nash has not asked the Suns to trade him, there is enough good will between him and management to offer a ray of hope for the stellar point guard to be traded to a legitimate contender. As Dwight's trade demands have affected Jameer Nelson's play, it seems plausible that the Magic will consider moving the guard. A Steve Nash for Jameer Nelson and Daniel Orton deal might not seem too ridiculous. Given that Nash will probably join a contender next year anyways, the Suns are able to use him on his way out to acquire a point guard who was playing at an All Star level a mere 3 seasons ago. Likewise, the Magic acquire a point guard who can form a devastating pick-and-roll combo with Howard. Since Nash's contract expires at the end of the year, the Magic are able to free up an addition $11MM from their books, which they can use to make a play at Deron Williams (who Dwight has been known to want to play with).

(Edit: Apparently the Magic have decided to aggressively pursue Nash.)

These are some interesting scenarios, but it is truly hard to predict what will happen. Only time will tell how these trade rumors play out.