Jan 25, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) is defended by Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. Golden State defeated Portland 101-93. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports
LaMarcus Aldridge will not be traded—at least not right now, but let’s have a little fun with the rumors and speculation anyway. If you were GM for the day and LaMarcus Aldridge had to be traded before your day was through, which player that has been rumored in offseason trade talks would you prefer to receive in return?
January 27, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) on the bench during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Griffin – One of the most athletic big men in the NBA. At just 24 years old, he is instant offense when paired with a capable point guard. Though primarily known for his rim rattling dunks, his mid-range game is slowly improving as well, and his ability to sell a call is as useful to his team as it is frustrating to everyone else.
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 251 lbs
Injury risk: High
Dec 29, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) against the Phoenix Suns at the Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Love – A prolific scorer and rebounder, Love has unprecedented range for a power forward. In a day and age where the stretch four is redefining how teams are structured, his abilities are invaluable to any team looking for diversity. Also 24 years old, Love has potential to be the league’s best power forward if he can stay healthy.
Height: 6’10” *cough…*
Weight: 260 lbs
Injury risk: Medium
Dec 11, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao (17) celebrates a made basket in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Anderson Varejao – The most experienced name mentioned, Wild Thing is coming off of his best, albeit severely shortened NBA season. Varejao hauled in 14 points and 14 boards a night before a blood clot sidelined him for 57 games. If last season proved to be anything more than a statistical outlier, his handiwork at the rim would be very helpful.
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 230 lbs
Injury risk: High
Jun 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls player Joakim Noah holds a watch he was presented for being named the MVP of the Steve Nash Foundation Showdown. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Joakim Noah – An elite defender, Joakim Noah is the rim protector Portland so desperately needed last year, and may still be missing this year. He may not be the most glamorous option, but he fills an enormous need for the Blazers. His scoring is reasonable and his interior passing is top tier for an NBA center.
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 232 lbs
Injury risk: Medium
Oct 19, 2012; Portland, OR, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) dunks the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-US
David Lee – A questionable defender, Lee saw his 2nd all-star berth last season after anchoring the Warriors down low. Lee led the league with 56 double-doubles, averaging over 18 points and 11 rebounds per game. His offensive reliability sets him apart from the crowd and makes him a valuable asset in the post.
Height: 6’9”
Weight: 249
Injury risk: Low
May 3, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Omer Asik (3) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Omer Asik – The 27 year old shined in his first season as an NBA starter. Rebounding comes easy with intelligent positioning and a height advantage. Asik is on his way up, but stands to be stifled behind Houston’s newly acquired Dwight Howard. Still, he’s a fantastic player with high upside and no history of injury.
Height: 7’0”
Weight: 255 lbs
Injury risk: Very low