NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Teams that need one more deadline move to make a strong push toward the playoffs.
We are just about two weeks away from the February 8th, NBA trade deadline. Moves are already being made and chaos is sure to fall upon the NBA fans.
Terry Rozier is now a Heat. Pascal Siakam is a Pacer. OG Anunoby is a Knick. This year's fireworks are sure to spark more fireworks, which always makes for an exciting deadline. If you're anything like me, come February 8, I will be constantly refreshing multiple web pages and Twitter (or X) with the hopes a new trade breaks before the 3:00 p.m. deadline.
Some teams will make splashes, some will make depth moves and some will forfeit the season altogether and regroup for next year.
While all eyes and ears will be anxiously awaiting the big moves, there are several teams linked to bigger names. While in theory this is great and it's exciting to see big names get moved, some teams need more than just one piece at the deadline. Some teams need multiple pieces. In this article, we will take a look at the teams that are linked to big names that really need more than just one big move to make an impact.
We will start with the Purple and Gold out in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Lakers are not a Dejounte Murray trade away from contending, but it gets them closer
The Los Angeles Lakers win the minutes when LeBron James and Anthony Davis share the court together. This is wonderful news, and rather encouraging news in fact. This means that the Lakers can win, however, it'd be easier, most likely, with a different supporting cast.
The Lakers are linked to just about every big name that could be made available at the deadline, however, one big-name player is not going to turn this team into a contender. Dejounte Murray's name seems to be the hottest on the block in regards to the Lakers' desired trade targets. Murray is a great player and all, but acquiring him alone does not change the Playoff outcome for this Lakers team. The amount needed to acquire Murray would put even more stress on an already devoid-of-talent bench, spreading the Lakers even more thin than they already are.
Murray would be a great addition to this team and I think if the asking price permits them to punch it, the Lakers should send it all the way. Bring Murray into the fold. However, it would be foolish to jump to the conclusion that Murray is the single solution to all of the Lakers' problems. They need more. Another serviceable, ball-handling guard would be great. A big off-the-bench who can give the Lakers quality Davis-less minutes off the bench would do wonders for this team too.
All of this is to say that the Lakers should be looking to cash in on one of the last (maybe the last) seasons of LeBron's career. They should look to target All-star level talent. The caveat here is that expectations should not soar out of hand due to one acquisition. This is a team that needs a lot of help to get back into the playoff race in general, let alone in the conversation for a deep playoff run.
A player like Murray is a great start, but other moves need to be made. With a new big three locked in, the Lakers can use whatever assets they have left to make one or two more moves to put this proud franchise in a better spot to contend than the one they're currently in.
The New York Knicks solidify their spot as an East contender
For fans of Parks and Rec, cue Jerry Gergich's infamous, "Oh, Jeez" Anunoby..? Not sure if that reference landed or not, regardless, OG Anunoby is a Knick and it is (Call of Duty, kill) confirmed the Knicks are far better off with him on the team. Kudos to the Knicks for making a big move, but acquiring Anunoby alone does not make the New York Knicks the team to beat in the East.
Even after the Anunoby trade, the Knicks still have a very decent amount of tradeable assets to throw around. There seems to be a glaring need left at the center position since Mitchell Robinson's season is likely over. Since the Anunoby trade, the Knicks are a blistering 10-2. They are surging up the Eastern Conference and are looking to lock in a first-round, homecourt, playoff series.
Why stop there though? Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and OG Anunoby are a very fair "big three," but the Knicks can afford to dream bigger. The Celtics, Bucks, and 76ers still look to be better built for Playoff success even after the trade. Now is not the time to sit back and wait. Now is the time for the Knicks to further put pressure on the East's best by making another move or two.
These Knicks are feisty. These Knicks are dangerous. This team is a move or two away from being true Championship contenders. Strike now while the kettle is hot. Adding a veteran wing like Alec Burks could make a big difference. Adding a starting caliber center like Wendell Carter Jr. or Clint Capela would be great additions.
The Knicks are a good team. The move for Anunoby was a great start. However, in order to be genuinely feared, they could afford to make another move or two.
The Philadelphia 76ers make moves to get back to ECF
The fact that the Philadelphia 76ers haven't been to an Eastern Conference Finals in over 20 years is actually pretty insane. The James Harden-less 76ers look much better without him than with him, which honestly leads me to believe that this team doesn't need another star.
While the team may not need another star to join the team, the Sixers could afford to make some decent-sized moves that reinforce the team's playoff chances. The team could use a new starting power forward, Bojan Bogdanovic anyone?? He's not a star, but he's very good at what he does and he won't eat away at the possessions meant for Embiid or Tyrese Maxey.
Along with an upgrade at the starting forward position, this team could use some flavor off the bench. Kelly Oubre Jr. has done an admirable job this season, but after him, things get shaky. Marcus Morris, Patrick Beverly, and Paul Reed are fine bench pieces, but none of them scream, "threat," when they come off the bench.
The 76ers have great contracts that match well with some of the more intriguing trade deadline favorites. Kelly Olynyk would be a great fit on this team. Dennis Schroder would also be a very interesting addition.
The Sixers currently lack consistent firepower. Joel Embiid is having the best season of his career and Maxey is proving that he can be a star in this league. While that might be enough to get the Sixers a homecourt playoff series or two, they need more oomph.
Philly's got something special cooking here, and in order to further cement them as true championship contenders, they should look to make a couple of moves.