Don’t Expect: Anything significant from bonafide contenders
The Bucks, Clippers, and Lakers will not be landing massive impact players, cut it out. Don’t expect the Nets, Jazz, or Suns to do so either. Whether it be team cohesiveness, lack of trade chips, or zero cap space, they simply will not be super active.
The Bucks stuck early and went after P.J. Tucker. I would be surprised if they made another trade as opposed to relying on the buyout market. They have HOU’s tasty second rounder to dangle but not much else.
The Clippers would LOVE to trade for Kyle Lowry, Dipo, or Lonzo Ball. They desperately need a ball handling guard. But they don’t have nearly enough cap for the first two and they have nothing attractive to offer for the second. If they get real ansty, they might swing a deal for Ricky Rubio or George Hill. But nobody ‘star’ level.
The Nets have neither trade pieces nor cap space. The Suns and Jazz are highly reliant on ‘team basketball’ and will not sacrifice that for a third star.
The Lakers are a fun thought. On one hand, they might get panicky with the thought of not having LeBron and AD healthy for the next ~10-12 games while being third in a more crowded than usual Western Conference. On the other hand, they most certainly will not lol. They would love a new center. Sorry Laker fans, but that means you’re getting Javale McGee…not Andre Drummond.
They could use upgrades on Wes Matthews or KCP. They just can’t swing anything for anyone better. Nah, they’re going to sit tight minus a minor trade. Expect them to be super active in the buyout market, though.