In the last weeks we’ve been discussing a lot of trades. Some people think the Bulls should get a PF, other that they should get a SG to help Derrick Rose. I think we all already understood that Paxton is not going to get anyone really good from Free Agency, because teams like Atlanta (Josh Smith) or Philadelphia (Iguodala) can match every offer. Right now he’s committed in re-sign Deng and Gordon - which I think is a good idea -, and when finishes that task, won’t be there anyone worthless. So, our last chance to improve the value of the team is definitely trading some peaces.

Sports Ilustrated have a good storie about the possible Market Forces of this off-season. It goes from Vince Carter to Shawn Marion, Michael Redd, Rasheed Wallace, etc, etc, etc…

Vince Carter: The Nets already have sent out two of the Big Three, dealing Jason Kidd (Mavericks) and Richard Jefferson (Bucks) over the past five months. Carter could be next as New Jersey goes about clearing cap space for a possible run at LeBron James in two years. Carter, 31, has a huge contract (three more years, $49 million), but he is also a seven-time All-Star who averaged 21.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists last season.

Shawn Marion: The 30-year-old forward is among the most versatile players in the game and a four-time All-Star. He's also in the final year of a contract that pays him $17.2 million, and is likely going to seek a max-type deal next summer. The Heat might decide to move him now for help at point guard or in the low post rather than risk losing him for nothing. The Lakers and Warriors have been mentioned as possibilities.

Lamar Odom: This year's Finals showed that the Lakers need to get tougher on the interior, and Odom is easier to replace than the 7-foot Pau Gasol. His contract (one more year, $14.6 million) also makes him attractive to other suitors. He could end up back with Pat Riley in Miami, where he spent the 2003-04 season, or up the road in Sacramento.

Ron Artest: The 6-foot-7 swingman is talented, but his volatility has to frighten the rebuilding Kings. It didn't help that Artest recently came out and said he made a mistake by not opting out of his contract that pays him $7.4 million next season. Whether the Kings and Lakers pull the trigger on a long-rumored Odom-for-Artest deal remains to be seen, but Sacramento president Geoff Petrie will surely think about it.

Andrei Kirilenko: Thanks to his strong bounce-back campaign in 2007-08, you don't hear his name mentioned in trade rumors as often as a year ago. But the Jazz can't be too thrilled with the prospect of paying Kirilenko $49 million over the next three years. With Deron Williams due for a contract extension this summer, and Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur eligible to become free agents in '09, Utah could use some payroll relief.

Stephon Marbury: His past three seasons in New York have been a huge disappointment, and he clearly does not fit in the team's plans. The Knicks would rather trade him than buy him out of the last year and $21.9 million on his deal, but they don't want to take back any more bad contracts. Still, some team (the Heat?) might be willing to take a chance on a player who once averaged 20 points and eight assists on a regular basis.

Al Harrington: The versatile Warriors forward fell out of favor with coach Don Nelson last season, and became mostly a role player. Golden State could use Harrington to try to get another big man or to acquire a point guard to help replace the departed Baron Davis.

Rasheed Wallace: Pistons boss Joe Dumars has made no secret that he's looking to make major changes. 'Sheed's reputation will scare off some, but he has only one more year ($13.7 million) left on his contract. How about a reunion with Larry Brown in Charlotte?

Michael Redd: The Bucks were expected to dangle Redd this summer as new general manager John Hammond goes about trying to rebuild the team. But after acquiring Richard Jefferson from the Nets, the likelihood went down. Still, if the Bucks do explore a deal, the Cavs have long been interested in getting the former Ohio State star to help take some of the scoring load off LeBron James.

So, if you were Paxton, which one of this (or others) guys would you really pursue? And what would you offer in return from this package*: Hinrich, Noce, Hughes - I hate him, but I don’t like much this idea, because in 2010 we could get a little more cap space with him - and, why not, Ben Gordon (sign and trade).

Don’t forget that the salaries have to match, and that what you are willing to give in return have to be good to the other team too. This exercise it’s not just what we would like, but also what could benefit both parts.

* I chose those players because they are what people here in BaB have been talking more in the last Weeks