NBA Trade Talks: Waiters, Asik on the move?

Tony Dejak, AP

There's been rumors circulating lately about several teams planning to move players for various reasons.  According to Bleacher Report, Dion Waiters of the Cleveland Cavaliers wants out. The second year Cavalier's rookie contract expires in 2015, and he may be seeking a larger role on another team. Although Waiters apparently prefers joining the Philadelphia 76ers, the Chicago Bulls seem to be another frontrunner in pursuing the young shooting guard.

One possible scenario involves Waiters going to Philadelphia for Evan Turner. On paper, the deal could work out fine for both sides. Would the 76ers bite though? Evan Turner is putting out All-Star-quality numbers this year (19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists per game). It might be riskier for the 76ers to commit. The Chicago bulls are currently shopping Luol Deng, and with his performance this year also makes it risky to commit to Waiters, although the Cavs would likely not mind trading.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have been shopping backup center Omir Asik for quite some time. Rumors say the Rockets will finally ship him off soon, with the 76ers, the Atlanta Hawks, the Boston Celtics, and the New Orleans Pelicans as the top candidates. One likely scenario would involve a swap between Asik and Atlanta's Paul Millsap.

Then there's the Grizzlies shopping Zach Randolph, and the Pelicans are looking for a big guy to help Anthony Davis on the front court. The Pelicans can use Ryan Anderson as an important trade asset, but  his great performance this year might make him too valuable to trade.

There could be a big trade by the end of this week. Although this is all speculation, trades are technically business moves in the end, and the NBA is a business organization. The same goes to all professional sports.

Are any of these deals likely to occur soon? What scenario might play out?