We’re less than a month away from this season’s trade deadline.
Now that the league has returned to a normal schedule, the last day teams can make changes this season is February 10. The breaking point? 3:00 pm, although news from some exchanges could be reported after that deadline.
There hasn’t been much activity on the trade front yet, but with two big dates (Dec. 15 and Jan. 15) now in the rearview mirror, most players in the league are eligible to be traded, giving teams less restrictions. when proposing agreements.
We recently looked at the 10 players who are most likely to be traded this season. Today, let’s take a closer look at six teams in particular to keep an eye on as we approach the trade deadline, in no particular order.
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The most interesting teams before the 2023 NBA trade deadline
golden state warriors
The Warriors have been going back and forth with the Suns to this point in the season for the best record in the NBA, and that was before they welcomed Klay Thompson back into the lineup. It’s going to take time for the second member of the Splash Brothers to regain his footing, but Golden State clearly has what it takes to win it all this season, which is what makes them such a fascinating team to watch before the deadline. of changes. .
For one thing, the Warriors don’t Really you need to do anything. They have one of the best players in the league in Stephen Curry, arguably the second-best shooter of all time in Thompson, the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year in Draymond Green and more depth than most contenders. On the other hand, they are in a unique position where they can could chase another star without breaking the core that helped them win three championships.
As important as he has been to the team’s success, Andrew Wiggins, who is on the books for $31.6 million this season and $33.6 million next, would help match salary in a deal for another star. Then the Warriors could sweeten it with a combination of Jonathan Kuminga, Jordan Poole and James Wiseman, three young players with an intriguing amount of upside, plus draft picks.
The safe bet might be that the Warriors hold their own at this season’s trade deadline (they’re among the favorites, after all, and still building well for the future), but the chance they’ll go all out to get the most out of your title. window is enough for them to land on this list.
MORE: Should the Warriors trade for Ben Simmons?
Indiana Pacers
It’s no secret that the Pacers could be sellers at the trade deadline.
On December 7, Shams Charania and Bob Kravitz of The Athletic reported that the Pacers are “receptive in business dialogue with rival teams regarding multiple veteran players,” a list that includes Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, and Caris LeVert.
A two-time All-Star who racks up double-doubles in his sleep, Sabonis is the best player in the group by a decent margin, but Charania reported a month before the trade deadline that the Pacers have “extremely high value.” on him, making it a “most unlikely” trade for him. Meanwhile, teams are reportedly “increasing conversations” for both LeVert and Turner.
MORE: Could Sabonis be the best player traded this season?
LeVert’s numbers have dipped a bit this season, but he’s proven to be a talented scorer when he’s healthy, averaging 19.5 points in .433/.343/.759 shooting splits the past two seasons. Turner is on pace to lead the league in blocks for the third time in his career and provides valuable space as a fifth leg. As smart as he is, it’s no big surprise that teams like the Mavericks, Lakers and Hornets are said to have expressed interest in Turner.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Pacers are asking for a first-round pick and a “good young player” for LeVert. For Turner, the same package or two first-round picks.
kings of sacrament
Another team that could be a seller at the trade deadline.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, Sacramento’s “internal plan” is still to build around De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, but neither is considered untouchable. In fact, no one on the list is. In addition to Fox and Haliburton, who Haynes says are getting an “abundance of interest” in the league, we’ve heard Marvin Bagley III, Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes mentioned in trade rumors already this season.
Time will tell what happens with Fox, Haliburton and Bagley, but NBA insider Marc Stein reported that there is a “growing belief” in the league that both Barnes and Hield will be traded before the trade deadline.
There are no surprises there. Barnes and Hield are no strangers to the rumor mill and both have skill sets that are in high demand. While Barnes can do a bit of everything on both ends of the floor, Hield is one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. Any of them could make the difference in a contender.
Los Angeles Lakers
This season hasn’t exactly gone according to plan for the Lakers. Anthony Davis missing extension time with a sprained MCL certainly hasn’t helped, but the Lakers continue to hover around .500 despite LeBron James going Super Saiyan. They currently rank in the bottom half of the league in both offensive and defensive efficiency, and Russell Westbrook, who was signed to be their third star, is still trying to figure it out.
As TSN’s Jordan Greer detailed not long ago, the Lakers will have a hard time updating their roster, but that won’t stop them from trying.
In addition to Turner, the Lakers have been linked to Jerami Grant and Gary Trent Jr. in recent weeks. (Grant, in particular, will be a hot name come the trade deadline.) They also reportedly offered two second-round picks to the Hawks for Cam Reddish, who is now a member of the Knicks.
As limited as they are, let’s see if Rob Pelinka can work some magic.
Philadelphia 76ers
One name: Ben Simmons.
The 76ers have made it clear that they are comfortable taking their time as they seek to get the best possible performance for Simmons, but will this really extend into the offseason? The 76ers have been able to stay competitive even without Simmons this season, currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference standings thanks to another dominant season from Joel Embiid.
Depending on the return, a Simmons trade could increase Philadelphia’s title odds this season. And depending on where he lands, a Simmons trade could create another contender in the Eastern Conference or Western Conference.
MORE: How the 76ers can continue to build around Embiid through potential Simmons trade
There is no shortage of interest in Simmons around the league. The holdup has been Philly’s “high” asking price, which could be rising, not falling. Perhaps the 76ers will lower their asking price as we approach the trade deadline or a team looking to shake things up will meet their demands.
Either way, all eyes will be on Simmons at this season’s trade deadline.
atlanta falcons
Speaking of teams that might be looking to turn things around…
Coming off a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Hawks are currently looking from the sidelines in the Play-In picture. They’ve been dynamite offensively but a disaster defensively, with only the Rockets and Trail Blazers ranked below them in defensive efficiency.
The Hawks have already made a move before the trade deadline by trading Reddish to the Knicks. Is there more to come?
MORE: Reddish trade rankings for Knicks and Hawks
One player the Hawks have recently been linked with is Simmons. They were reportedly not among the first wave of teams in the mix, but have become an “emerging potential landing point” for the three-time All-Star. It wouldn’t be too hard for Atlanta to match Simmons’ salary now that John Collins is trade eligible, and it has an interesting mix of young and veteran players it could offer teams.
Even if they don’t finish Simmons, it looks like the Hawks will be active in trade talks at this season’s trade deadline.
