NBA Trade Deadline: Teams and Players to Watch as Clock Ticks
The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams across the league are feeling the pressure. This deadline can make or break a team’s season, and the clock is ticking. With just 48 hours left, the next few days could see some serious wheeling and dealing as teams look to make moves that will either push them into championship contention or set them up for future success.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams with the most to lose heading into the trade deadline. Despite winning the inaugural In-Season Tournament, the Lakers have underachieved this season, going 12-16 since their tournament victory. While James has continued to play at an elite level, he can’t hold off Father Time forever. The Lakers need to add some scoring help if they want to capitalize on James’ remaining years.
The Milwaukee Bucks are another team with championship aspirations that have yet to be realized. After acquiring All-Star Damian Lillard and signing Giannis Antetokounmpo to an extension, the Bucks made it clear that they are in win-now mode. However, their 19th-highest defensive rating in the league is holding them back. To contend for a title, the Bucks desperately need to improve defensively.
Jordan Poole of the Golden State Warriors is a player to watch as the trade deadline approaches. Poole had a breakout season in 2021-22, winning an NBA title and leading the league in free-throw percentage. However, an altercation with Draymond Green led to his trade to the Washington Wizards in 2023. Now, the Wizards may be looking to move Poole, but his on-court antics have affected his trade value. If he doesn’t start playing better, he could be stuck with a rebuilding team.
The Philadelphia 76ers, currently sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, are in need of help to stay competitive. Reigning MVP Joel Embiid has been dominant when healthy, but injuries have kept him out of the lineup for 15 games this season. With Embiid expected to miss more time due to a corrective procedure on his knee, the Sixers need another scorer to step up and keep them afloat in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Damian Lillard finally got his wish and forced his way out of Portland to join the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard is a bonafide scorer, but there is pressure on him to prove that he can win when it matters most. During his 11-year stint in Portland, Lillard only made it to the Conference Finals once. The Bucks gave up a key defensive player in Jrue Holiday to acquire Lillard, so the pressure is on for him to deliver.
The Phoenix Suns made it to the NBA Finals in 2021 but have struggled to replicate that success in the playoffs since then. Despite acquiring Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to join Devin Booker, the Suns have dealt with injuries throughout the season. When their starters aren’t scoring, the Suns rank last in the league in bench points per game. To make a deep playoff run, the Suns need to add depth to their bench.
As the trade deadline approaches, teams and players are feeling the pressure. The next 48 hours could see some major moves that will shape the rest of the season and beyond. Will teams make the right moves to push themselves into championship contention? Only time will tell.
Contributing: Jeff Zillgitt