HOUSTON—Just over two weeks remain until the NBA’s trade deadline and while it doesn’t inspire nearly as much analysis and breathless anticipation as the NHL’s, there still is some chatter and rampant speculation.

Orlando’s Dwight Howard or Pau Gasol of the Lakers will be the two biggest names you’ll hear in the next fortnight and the Raptors don’t appear to have anything serious going on.

But it’s not that Toronto doesn’t have some pieces that other teams might want so don’t be surprised when the chatter starts about these Raptors.

Here’s a breakdown of what might work

Contract: Deal expires at the end of this season.

Why teams would want him: The expiring contract would be desireable to the team acquiring him to save some money to spend in the summer but he’s still got lots of playing value, too. He’s a proven scorer off the bench who could provide a huge spark to a playoff-bound team. Has big-game experience from his years in Phoenix.

Why the Raptors would deal: Only way it makes sense, given Toronto’s off-stated desire for financial flexibility next summer, is if they get exactly the same expiring contract back, with maybe a draft pick tossed in for making the deal. One other scenario would be if general manager Bryan Colangelo thought he could find a stud wing in a trade. Teams with stud wings trying to get over a hump by adding a player of Barbosa’s calibre aren’t about to give them up.

Chance of move: 25 per cent.

Contract: One year and approximately $10 million left.

Why teams would want him: Because he’s good. Solid in the pick and roll, good shooter, fine ball-handler, accomplished at running an offence and, as Toronto fans have seen this year, a good enough defender in the right system. How’d he look with the Lakers? Or Trail Blazers? Or even as a backup in, say, Dallas? He’s coveted for his abilities, the salary for next year isn’t that big a deal.

Why the Raptors would deal: Can’t see a reason, actually. It would leave them threadbare at point guard with no sure thing even coming in the summer as a replacement. Maybe if they got a guard back and a pick and another rotation player they might consider it but even then, it’s a stretch.

Chance of move: 2 per cent.

Contract: Johnson has two years and about $13 million left after this season but final year not fully guaranteed; Davis on a rookie scale contract that maxes out at just over $3 million in two seasons.

Why would teams want them: Johnson’s young and talented with a contract that’s manageable. He’s proven he can play both front court positions and would be a valuable addition to some teams looking for front court depth. Davis has an entirely manageable contract and is young enough that his best years are still ahead of him.

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Why the Raptors would deal: The arrival in the summer of 2011 first-round draft pick Jonas Valanciunas to join Andrea Bargnani would make for a crowded front court if both Johnson and Davis are here; it’s a position surplus for Toronto with a draft coming up that’s dominated by fours and fives.

Chance of move: Johnson, 10 per cent; Davis, 10 per cent.