NBA wrap: Kemba Walker, Rodney Hood strengthening their cases as trade fodder

The Cavaliers have reportedly called the Hornets asking about Walker and as many as five teams have expressed interest in Jazz guard Hood.

Kemba Walker and Rodney Hood.

With only three days left before the NBA trade deadline, teams are looking for that possible game-changing player who could boost their fortunes going into the playoffs.

Read: Warriors, Cavaliers, Spurs lose on night of upsets

Also, for players mired in bad situations, they are auditioning for their next role as much as anything. Monday, Jazz swing-man Rodney Hood and Hornets point guard Kemba Walker showed exactly what they could give to a championship contender.

Hood had the best night of any bench player in the NBA dropping a game-high 30 points in Utah's 133-109 win over the Pelicans. According to the Salt Lake Tribune , the 25-year-old guard has at least five teams after him on the trade market as the Thunder, Pistons, Bulls, Magic and Nuggets all have their eyes on the playmaker. He is most likely going to be moved at the break, the only question is where.

Walker is another player who could move, though it will be tougher to do so as he is a guard who has some limitations on defense and his lack of size can turn off some teams. 

However, his ability to score, as was shown with a 20-point night in a 121-104 loss to the Nuggets, is very attractive to teams. According to  ESPN , the Cavaliers has shown interest in Walker, although Cleveland does not have the most attractive trade package.

As the deadline inches closer though, Walker and Hood will continue auditioning and their start-of-the-week performances were more than enough to intrigue some teams.

STUD OF THE NIGHT

Heat center Bam Adebayo has a long way to go as a player, but his 18 points and 10 rebounds in a 111-109 loss to the Magic really showed off his potential. The rookie is starting to find his way with two double-doubles in his last three games and he threw down possibly the most authoritative dunk of the night Monday.

DUD OF THE NIGHT 

Trail Blazers rookie Zach Collins was seen as a first-round pick who probably needed another year of college to truly see his potential. He didn't take that year, and in Portland's 111-91 loss he went 1-for-8 shooting with two points and four rebounds. Collins has scored in double digits just twice in 37 games as a professional.

HIGHLIGHT

Two-time slam-dunk champion Zach LaVine is back, and in the Bulls' win over the Kings Monday he reminded everyone just what kind of elevation he can get.