Why: Richard Hamilton may be on the market for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, when the Detroit Pistons decided to sign Ben Gordon last summer, they inadvertently dismissed Hamilton’s essential function on the team. It’s very intricate, furthermore, for two premier shooting guards to excel simultaneously.

Secondly, Rip has a mega contract that doesn’t expire until 2013. Detroit’s goal is to rebuild for the future by acquiring young, inexpensive talent and by drafting sensibly. Finally, Hamilton (32) understands he is about to reach the late stages of his career and this may be his last opportunity to capture his second NBA championship.

The Pistons’ other player possibly on the market, Tayshaun Prince, is going into the final year of his contract and could join Hamilton in any potential trade.

Detroit’s Wants in Return: Rising Talent and/or Expiring Contracts

Why He May Not Get Traded: Most teams will be reluctant to acquire a player slightly past his prime with such a large contract. Hamilton is also coming off a season in which he missed 36 games with hamstring and ankle problems.

Why: Hedo Turkoglu recently expressed an extreme desire to leave Toronto after an exceptionally disappointing first season with the Raptors. The former Orlando Magic star claims it was very arduous in Toronto – citing he was constantly criticized by media and fans.

It’s obviously going to be very difficult for the Raptors to deal away a player with such a massive contract. But because Turkoglu is arguably one of the most distinctive players in the NBA (an extraordinary playmaker with great size and range), there may be several teams who would take a chance.

Some potential suitors, furthermore, may suggest that Toronto was simply a bad fit for Hedo, and that he could enhance their schemes and strategies instead.

Toronto’s Wants in Return: Immediate Value and/or Expiring Contracts

Why He May Not Get Traded: Just like it is with most first-rate players in the NBA, it is always complicated to trade guys with enormous, long-term contracts. In addition, the criticism on Turkoglu is his inconsistent work ethic. Some general managers, as a result, may be hesitant to interfere with their team’s chemistry.

Why: By all accounts, Tony Parker wants to remain with the San Antonio Spurs. He has won three NBA championships in south Texas, earned Finals MVP in 2007 and his wife, Eva Longoria, is a native of the area.

But, the Spurs realize they have hit the climax of their success. Tim Duncan is not getting any younger and they just extended Manu Ginobili for three more years. Most importantly, though, San Antonio has discovered that George Hill has the potential to be a fine leader for its organization. The former IUPUI standout averaged 12.4 points in nearly 30 minutes per game in 2009-10 and unlike Parker, is inexpensive.

Parker’s contract expires after the 2010-11 season, and unless the Frenchman is willing to accept less money to stay, the expectation is that San Antonio will not re-sign him to a large deal when he becomes a free agent.

San Antonio’s Wants in Return: Rising Talent

Why He May Not Get Traded: Parker is coming off a season in which he missed 26 games. He broke a bone in his right hand that forced him to sit out the final six weeks of the regular season before returning for the playoffs. Some teams may be reluctant to bring him in if he continues to have injury problems.

Why: The New Orleans Hornets seem to want to keep Chris Paul, but there probably will be no time more valuable than now to trade the three-time All-Star. Two seasons after being the runner-up for the MVP award, Paul dealt with nagging injuries in 2009-10, including a torn meniscus in his left knee. There is very little doubt, however, that when healthy, CP3 is the most electrifying and diverse point guard in the NBA.

If the Hornets decide to trade Paul, it is generally to relieve their wallets. But, the emergence of Darren Collison in his rookie season definitely would have something to do with it. Collison was absolutely sensational in his first year out of UCLA, averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 assists. His play when Paul was out, though, was even better than those numbers suggest.

New Orleans’ Wants in Return: Rising Talent

Why He May Not Get Traded: Paul is the face of the Hornets franchise and the primary reason New Orleans is still on the radar in the very deep Western Conference. There will probably be teams who will deal some of their most desirable pieces to get Paul. It just comes down to whether the Hornets can accept parting ways with their mega star.