NBA Trade Rumors Include Lakers, Rockets, Bulls, Sixers, Pelicans And Others

Most players who were signed in the offseason can be traded starting Dec. 15. To little surprise, the rumor mill has been heating up in recent days and deals appear imminent.

ESPN's NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers are being "creative" in finding ways to acquire Phoenix Suns forward Trevor Ariza. The 33-year-old previously played with the Lakers and was a teammate of head coach Luke Walton on the Lakers' 2009 championship team.

Ariza is certainly on the block. A three-team deal fell apart Friday that involved Ariza heading to the Washington Wizards and Kelly Oubre to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Wojnarowski also referenced the New Orleans Pelicans and the Philadelphia 76ers, who reportedly remain intent on dealing injured guard Markelle Fultz, as possible landing spots for Ariza.

The Pelicans are expected to be active before the Feb. 7 trade deadline, as general manager Dell Demps looks to find pieces to surround superstar big man Anthony Davis.

Lakers swingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is expected to be on the block, as well, with the Houston Rockets reportedly interested in a possible deal. Wojnarowski added that the Suns are interested in a point guard and not keen on Caldwell-Pope.

Caldwell-Pope has a $12 million expiring contract that is appealing to teams. Though he is capable of vetoing a trade, the Rockets might be an ideal landing spot. Like the Lakers, the Rockets are title contenders and Texas doesn't have state income tax, which means Caldwell-Pope can take home more of his salary. The Lakers may also consider dealing veteran forward Michael Beasley, who has been used sparingly this season.

Meanwhile, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Chicago Bulls have talked with several teams about a deal for forward Jabari Parker.

The 23-year-old Chicago native, who has battled knee injuries for much of his professional career, signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Bulls in the offseason. After averaging 34.2 minutes per game in November, Parker played 19 minutes against the Sacramento Kings on Monday and just four minutes against the Orlando Magic on Thursday.