NBA trade season is officially upon us. Earlier this week the deadline passed for most players signed during the offseason to be trade eligible. This opens up countless trade opportunities looking to get an edge in what is an increasingly competitive playoff race.
Parity has spread throughout the league and with the play-in games added to the system nearly every team in the league is still in contention for some shot at postseason. If everyone thinks they are in contention they are more likely to make a move to try to shore up their roster for the playoff push.
This season the NBA trade deadline falls around the exact midway point of the season, March 25. For the purposes of determining where each team will decide to go at the deadline each team will have to start by choosing between three options: add to their chase, sell while the market is hot or stand pat with the roster they have.
For each choice, there will be an explanation. For the buyers, we will determine what they need to fortify their roster and figure out a potentially available trade to do so. For the sellers, we will find a potential landing spot for the player(s) no longer part of their future plans. If a team’s best course of action is to stay the course the reason why will be explored and give a bonus prediction that is not necessarily a transaction. None of this is coming with any sources or reporting. This is just speculation, the best part of trade season.
We will be going in reverse order of the standings, starting with the current worst team in the league.
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<p>Selling would make some sense for a team this low in the standings but tanking is not as easy as it sounds. The Timberwolves owe their first-round pick to the Golden State Warriors (top-three protected) so the risk is quite high of giving up a great asset just by continuing to lose. With that information moving on from Malik Beasley makes little sense. He has been the hub of their offense with Towns out and while he is positionally blocking Edwards right now it makes sense to keep him around.</p>
<p>So until the Timberwolves are able to see their full complement of talent on the court together for any reasonable amount of time it makes sense to keep on with what they have. The one prediction for this team is that they will keep their pick this year because the record is not going to get better even when they are healthy.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Detroit Pistons </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-421358" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1297682053.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1297682053.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1297682053-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Detroit Pistons – Sell</h2>
<p>On the other end of the tanking spectrum, the Detroit Pistons have no concerns about losing their pick. They are starting off a rebuild this season so if they can get anything for some of their older players it makes sense to do so.</p>
<p>Blake Griffin is likely the one they want to trade the most but good luck with that. Derrick Rose has already been shipped out, signaling to those on the outside that the youth movement and asset accumulation remain the top priority.</p>
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<p>Wayne Ellington has been one of the best shooters in the entire league after being one of the last players signed to the roster. Getting anything of note for him would have been seen as a coup prior to the season so nabbing a second-round pick would be a nice addition for Detroit.</p>
<p>Many teams could use his level of shooting on his contract, but the Philadelphia 76ers are the choice here. Rather than pursuing a more expensive option in J.J. Redick, they could add the hometown kid in Ellington who has been markedly better than Redick this season. They could either send back this year’s pick that they have from the New York Knicks or one of the team’s two second-rounders in the 2023 draft.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Washington Wizards </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-421005" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1296624463.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1296624463.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1296624463-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Washington Wizards – Buy</h2>
<p>For better or for worse the Washington Wizards are all the way in. The moment they traded for Russell Westbrook instead of pivoting into the full rebuild buying was the only option until they pull the plug on the Bradley Beal era.</p>
<p>Given the injury to Thomas Bryant it would make some sense to rent a big man for the playoff push. Robin Lopez and Alex Len have been serviceable but the team clearly needs better than that if they are to get back in the playoff push.</p>
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<p>JaVale McGee is one of the more talked about budget big men on the roster and bringing him back to DC would be a reunion of sorts. While he would barely miss getting to play again with John Wall McGee spent the early years of his NBA career here.</p>
<p>McGee would bring championship pedigree and decent rim protection to a team sorely in need of both. Giving up equal contractual value is essential given the hard cap situation the Wizards face. Jerome Robinson finds himself as the odd man out in this scenario.</p>
<p>Robinson has shown flashes, specifically in the bubble, but will ultimately not be missed in the grand scheme of things if the Wizards are to get to the level they were projected in the preseason.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Orlando Magic </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422712" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1800,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1300043231.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="1800" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300043231.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300043231-768x432.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Orlando Magic – Sell</h2>
<p>As the injuries continue to pile up for the Orlando Magic the path to the tank has become increasingly clear. Without having to try very hard the Magic will end up with one of the worst records in the league. That is to be expected when Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac are out for the season and Aaron Gordon is slated to miss extended time.</p>
<p>Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic are the two most interesting trade targets. Fournier is an expiring contract and has scored well for years. In the right situation, he could provide a scoring spark off the bench for a playoff team with little long-term commitment. Perhaps something along the lines of James Johnson and a second-round pick from the Dallas Mavericks is enough to get it done.</p>
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<p>Vucevic is playing like an All-Star but still has two years beyond this one remaining on his contract. Surely the Magic will gauge the market but the teams that need a big man do not have the salary cap space to bring him in (looking at you, Brooklyn Nets). Aaron Gordon felt like a guaranteed trade piece (like he does every year) but his injury may have quelled the market for the time being.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Chicago Bulls </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Chicago Bulls – Buy</h2>
<p>If the trade for Lonzo Ball is on the table the Chicago Bulls should jump at it. Especially if the cost is simply second-round compensation and either Thaddeus Young or Tomas Satoransky. Ball would pair well with either <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lavinza01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Zach LaVine</a> or Coby White.</p>
<p>Ball would bring a defensive mindset that the Bulls have missed this season since the departure of Khris Dunn and Shaq Harrison in free agency. As good as LaVine and White can be offensively they give much of it back on the other end of the court. A stabilizing force on the same timeline as their other young players could go a long way.</p>
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<p>Ball also does not get his just due as a shooter. Despite all of the jokes made at his expense, he is shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc on 7.3 attempts per game. On the Bulls, the only more prolific shooter is LaVine at 41.0 percent on 8.1 attempts per game. Markkanen’s hot streak has brought him into the conversation at 39.6 percent on 7.2 attempts per game.</p>
<p>Ball would fit right into the team immediately and would make them better. Even if it costs the team Markkanen that may not be the worst thing. Waiting on him to be healthy year in and year out leaves the Bulls in limbo. Coach Billy Donovan saw reasonable success with three-guard lineups a season ago. Reinventing that with Ball, LaVine and White would be a fascinating experiment.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Cleveland Cavaliers </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422716" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1298386863.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1298386863.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1298386863-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Cleveland Cavaliers – Hold</h2>
<p>Test the market. The Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the better stories earlier this season, highlighted by back to back wins against the Brooklyn Nets. Since then injuries and regression to the mean have led to struggles. Given the youth of their key contributors, regression always felt likely.</p>
<p>The Cavs should make calls to see if there is any interest around the league with regards to Andre Drummond and Kevin Love. Drummond has been connected to the Toronto Raptors over the last week but figuring out a trade package is challenging. Love should be back from injury soon but unfortunately may have one of the most untradeable contracts in the league ($31.3 million this year, $31.3 million next year and $28.9 million in 2022-2023) and is always injured.</p>
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<p>A buyout for Drummond feels like the most likely outcome. If Drummond wants to pursue winning somewhere before testing free agency this summer he may be willing to give a little back. This would be a great outcome for the Cavaliers so they can get a look at full-time starter Jarrett Allen heading into free agency. Love is likely to be around for a little bit longer unless he can come back soon and prove to be something like the former All-Star he once was.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Miami Heat </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422717" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1300209427.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300209427.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300209427-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Miami Heat – Hold</h2>
<p>Something has to change with the Miami Heat. Even if they have been decimated by injury and pandemic issues the team is still not performing at the level they should be even with everyone in tow. Combine that with the fact that their championship window is theoretically right now then it makes sense to add wherever they can.</p>
<p>Figuring out what they can add is a little more complicated. The Heat do not own many of their own draft picks so incentivizing another team to send them back anyone of consequence could be challenging. Unless it is a move for a star-caliber player then the move will have to be on the fringes.</p>
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<p>So for now, the Miami Heat should just play the waiting game. If Bradley Beal does not change his mind on a trade the Heat would be smart to keep what little trade fodder they do have to add salary around their young players who would be essential pieces to a potential trade.</p>
<p>Keeping an eye on the rest of the All-Star trade market is the next logical option but for right now it does not make sense for the Heat to make calls about Zach LaVine or Victor Oladipo, for example. In terms of trade options for Miami, it is Bradley Beal or nothing. Getting everyone back on the same page in the meantime is the most important step. My prediction: the health will finally right itself and the Heat will get into the postseason and pull off a first-round upset because they remain a matchup nightmare.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> New York Knicks </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>New York Knicks – Sell</h2>
<p>The New York Knicks are in a surprisingly good position considering where they have been over recent seasons. On the fringe of playoff contention, the Knicks have been an above-average defense and they have already made their trade, bringing in Derrick Rose at the low cost of a second-round pick and Dennis Smith Jr.</p>
<p>Bringing in Rose clogs the lineup and means that selling off on one of the many other point guards on the roster would be addition by subtraction. Elfrid Payton feels like the odd man. Immanuel Quickley has had a fantastic rookie campaign so far and is clearly the future. Frank Ntilikina is an expiring rookie contract and his value around the league is suspect at best.</p>
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<p>Payton has struggled this season but is a worthwhile bench option for a potential playoff team. Derrick Rose is better for this team so finding a decent landing spot for Payton should be the next step. Getting the rotation in order to maximize the potential of Quickley should be the priority, alongside the possible playoff push.</p>
<p>Finding the right spot for him may be the hardest part of all of this. If the Clippers do not have the opportunity to bring in Lowry as mentioned previously then Payton is a compromise of sorts. The cost would certainly be lesser at least.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Oklahoma City Thunder </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422719" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1211701804.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1211701804.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1211701804-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Oklahoma City Thunder – Sell</h2>
<p>In case you have missed the way things have been going for the Oklahoma City Thunder since the end of last season swapping veterans for future draft compensation. Before his injury, George Hill was the most likely trade target for other teams. He is a proven bench contributor over the years and is only partially guaranteed next season.</p>
<p>That being said there are still real options to consider for trades. The two most potentially impactful would be Trevor Ariza and Al Horford. Horford may be tougher to move considering He still has two years left on his massive contract but he has bounced back this season and would be a welcome addition to a team in desperate need of defense and size.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 must watch storylines" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2020/12/15/okc-thunder-3-must-watch-storylines/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2020/12/15/okc-thunder-3-must-watch-storylines/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 must watch storylines </a> </div>
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<p>If the Brooklyn Nets decided to go all-in even more and they could convince <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duranke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kevin Durant</a> and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/irvinky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kyrie Irving</a> that a long-distance friendship with Deandre Jordan would work better they could combine his contract with the expiring Spencer Dinwiddie and one of the minimum contracts to get the deal done.</p>
<p>Outside of a blockbuster Ariza may be able to net a lower-tier second-round pick. He is on a partially guaranteed contract for the rest of the season. Ariza has been apart from the team this season, awaiting a new situation. He will find one before the trade deadline.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Dallas Mavericks </a>
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<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2017/07/15557847-1.jpeg">
<span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Dallas Mavericks: 3 ways to fix their 3-point shooting </a> </div>
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<p>A few weeks ago Victor Oladipo would have been a reasonable target but now the Houston Rockets feel like they have built an identity around their team of guys with chips on their shoulders. Finding the fit is no easy task. Because they do not have the ability to trade any first-round picks the most likely outcome for Dallas is to wait for the buyout market to take shape and try to add around the fringes. Doncic brings plenty to the table and if the team can get healthy they should be able to compete with anyone.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Houston Rockets </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422178" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1066,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1299683721.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1066" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299683721.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299683721-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Houston Rockets – Sell</h2>
<p>It has been a fun ride since the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hardeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">James Harden</a> trade, somehow resulting in the top defense in the league since the franchise-altering transaction. They have turned a land of misfit toys into a challenging scheme for any opponent to manage.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, there is one big sell that is hanging over them. PJ Tucker is destined to be moved and provides significantly more value to whichever team he would end up on than he does in Houston. He could be a defensive anchor for a team making a playoff push. The Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks make sense if they can send some sort of minimal draft compensation back. This has been the kind of break that has been needed since the end of last season. Without a contract extension, his days in Houston have been numbered for a while.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Houston Rockets: 3 questions following the Harden trade" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/16/houston-rockets-james-harden-trade-3/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/16/houston-rockets-james-harden-trade-3/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Houston Rockets: 3 questions following the Harden trade </a> </div>
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<p>If the Rockets want to get even more creative they could make some calls about moving on from Victor Oladipo. The defensive stretch has been fun but the injury to Christian Wood put things back into perspective for the Rockets. They are not a likely playoff team and Victor Oladipo is a possible flight risk this summer. Better to see what is out there right now than be blindsided in a few months.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Toronto Raptors </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422720" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2149,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1299362579.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2149" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299362579.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299362579-768x516.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NBA</p>
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<h2>Toronto Raptors – Sell</h2>
<p>This is not just a hot take. The reports around a possible Kyle Lowry trade are still rumbling. The face of the franchise is in the final season of his mega-contract and the team is seemingly worse (3-0 without him) with him in the lineup.</p>
<p>Removing that hyperbolic take from the equation, the Raptors feel poised to be heading in a new direction. They are slowly starting to rack up wins but something still feels off. It might be time to pivot into the next generation of Raptors basketball. Even as an expiring contract the return for Lowry should be quite high.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Four surprising Toronto Raptors so far" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/22/toronto-raptors-four-surprising-players-one-month-season/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/22/toronto-raptors-four-surprising-players-one-month-season/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Four surprising Toronto Raptors so far </a> </div>
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<p>If Lowry becomes available the Miami Heat and LA Clippers should be at the front of the line. Miami is monitoring the Bradley Beal situation but because Lowry is expiring he should not compromise any potential offseason maneuvering and would strengthen their push for another NBA Finals.</p>
<p>The Clippers fit is the most intriguing. They are desperate for some sort of playmaking. Starting Reggie Jackson to fill that need reeks of desperation for a team hoping to contend for a title. Lowry would take them over the top, reuniting him with his title teammates Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Memphis Grizzlies </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422721" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1230425440.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230425440.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1230425440-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Memphis Grizzlies – Sell</h2>
<p>The Memphis Grizzlies should be calling around to see if there are any takers for Jonas Valanciunas’ services. When he has been in the lineup he has put up monster numbers (like his 27 points, 20 rebound outing against the Toronto Raptors) but he is not likely to be part of the Grizzlies’ long-term future as their young core starts to coalesce.</p>
<p>Moving on from Valanciunas would pay dividends in a number of ways. Much has been made about teams needing a big man (Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics come to mind) and with a year remaining on his contract, he should have value. At $14 million next season for that production, he gives that should not be a problem for whoever takes a shot.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Memphis Grizzlies: Rookie reviews" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/27/memphis-grizzlies-rookie-reviews/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/27/memphis-grizzlies-rookie-reviews/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Memphis Grizzlies: Rookie reviews </a> </div>
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<p>For the Grizzlies this opens up the door to have Xavier Tillman in the starting lineup and to stack up the losses to get their tank on. Memphis was able to most weather the storm when Ja Morant was out of the lineup but with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Justice Winslow still nowhere to be found the record is starting to regress to the mean.</p>
<p>Tillman has shown promise when he has gotten an opportunity to start and tanking for an additional top tier talent (especially in a draft like this) is a no-brainer for a team on the rise dealing with persistent injury issues in a brutal conference.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> New Orleans Pelicans </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422722" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1292829353.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1292829353.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1292829353-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>New Orleans Pelicans – Sell</h2>
<p>The designation of buy or sell for the New Orleans Pelicans feels more arbitrary here. It comes down more to how you feel about Lonzo Ball than anything. If you like him and think he should be a part of the Pelicans’ future this feels like a sell. Should you not be a Ball believer this feels like buying.</p>
<p>A trade to the Chicago Bulls feels like a plausible outcome. They had expressed interest early on and it was been reported of late the Klutch, the agency representing Ball, considers that the preferred destination for the guard.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="3 best Lonzo Ball trade destinations" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/26/nba-trade-rumors-3-best-trade-lonzo-ball/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/26/nba-trade-rumors-3-best-trade-lonzo-ball/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> 3 best Lonzo Ball trade destinations </a> </div>
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<p>If Lauri Markkanen is involved in the deal it would feel like a win for both sides. Markkanen had been better before his recent injury and would be well-suited as a third option. He is also the perfect big man to play next to the paint-focused <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/willizi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Zion Williamson</a>.</p>
<p>If Markkanen is not involved, as I predict he would not be, this is a sell for the Pelicans. Lonzo Ball was rather good before the pause of the season last year and has not been put into a position to succeed paired with Eric Bledsoe and the organization dropping hints at favoring Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis Jr. Personally I would try to keep Ball and move on from Bledsoe but Stan Van Gundy does not seem to agree.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Atlanta Hawks </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-421930" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1299362286.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299362286.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299362286-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Atlanta Hawks – Hold</h2>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks made all their moves in the offseason. Adding Danilo Gallinari, Solomon Hill, Rajon Rondo, Tony Snell, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kris Dunn is more than enough change for one season and the Hawks have taken time to integrate all of this change into a successful roster.</p>
<p>The oddity of this season has been the strides the team has taken this year have come from players who were on the roster at the end of last season. Clint Capela has been a revelation. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/y/youngtr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Trae Young</a> is going to be an All-Star again. De’Andre Hunter was making the leap before an injury forced him out of the lineup.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Atlanta Hawks: 3 things the Hawks have done right this season" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/15/atlanta-hawks-3-things-right/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/15/atlanta-hawks-3-things-right/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Atlanta Hawks: 3 things the Hawks have done right this season </a> </div>
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<p>There is just no trade out there for the Hawks to make. It is better for them to continue working to make this roster work and fostering a culture that can lead to continued success. Letting the first-year Hawks get healthier is far more important. John Collins has played so well that taking the chance on him in restricted free agency also makes sense.</p>
<p>This is a break from the headline-grabbing plan the team enacted in the short offseason but it is for the best. The nucleus was really starting to gel. If the Hawks can tread water until Hunter is back in the lineup then they will be fine. I think they will be and even if he misses the rest of the season (should the more long-term friendly surgery be the option) the Hawks will be good enough to get into the postseason.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Charlotte Hornets </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422723" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1300236004.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300236004.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300236004-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Charlotte Hornets – Hold</h2>
<p>The Charlotte Hornets are a fun young team for the first time in a long time. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/ballla01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">LaMelo Ball</a> is a legitimately fun Rookie of the Year favorite and it is not just because of his name. He is a walking highlight reel. Miles Bridges is making noticeable strides alongside Ball. This injection of youth alongside the revitalized Gordon Hayward has led to the Hornets being interesting, if nothing else, for the first time in years.</p>
<p>Terry Rozier should be imminently tradeable. Ditto for Devonte’ Graham, who has seen his production dwindle since last season. If the right trade offer comes along the Hornets should jump on it. But there is also no reason to rush anything.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Charlotte Hornets: 3 bold predictions for the rest of the season" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/21/charlotte-hornets-3-bold-predictions/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/21/charlotte-hornets-3-bold-predictions/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Charlotte Hornets: 3 bold predictions for the rest of the season </a> </div>
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<p>No matter what the Hornets likely top out as a play-in team this season. Part of the benefit of being a fun young team is there are no expectations of yet. Embrace the wave that is the LaMelo Ball rookie campaign and only make a move if necessary.</p>
<p>Charlotte is one of many teams with meaningful cap space this summer and there is no reason to compromise that for anything available at the deadline. Unless there is a move for Andre Drummond they should wait for him until the offseason. The franchise has been connected to him for years so it is a logical match. Better to wait till this summer than do anything hasty now.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Sacramento Kings </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-411462" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1116,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1266151753.jpeg" alt="Sacramento Kings" width="1600" height="1116" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1266151753.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1266151753-768x536.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Sacramento Kings – Sell</h2>
<p>The Sacramento Kings have a winning record and are one of the best stories of the early season. Marvin Bagley has finally been healthy. Buddy Hield is playing like he did two years ago. De’Aaron Fox has taken the next step and pairs perfectly with Rookie of the Year contender Tyrese Haliburton.</p>
<p>All the positivity aside there are still plenty of opportunities to add future assets for those no longer parts of the plan to build up for later. Nemanja Bjelica has only appeared in 10 games so far this season but would be a perfect fit elsewhere. Nabbing a second-round pick for a guy only playing 15.1 minutes per game is a no-brainer.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Sacramento Kings: Player grades one month in" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/26/sacramento-kings-player-grades/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/26/sacramento-kings-player-grades/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Sacramento Kings: Player grades one month in </a> </div>
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<p>The fit with the Milwaukee Bucks is intriguing if they can get past the failed trade during the offseason. DJ Wilson was part of that ill-fated trade and could still be a worthwhile flyer for the Kings. Monte Morris has struggled to minutes so far this season and makes the money work. Throw in a second-round pick and both teams should walk away happy.</p>
<p>Morris is an intriguing rotational piece for the Kings. He would fit much better than Cory Joseph does and would help stabilize a team looking to end their playoff drought.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Indiana Pacers </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422724" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1248,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1296568006.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1248" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1296568006.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1296568006-768x599.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Indiana Pacers – Hold</h2>
<p>The Indiana Pacers made their trade for the season and it forecasted the plan to look more towards the future than to do anything in the present. Especially when there were the red flags regarding Caris LeVert’s physical this quietly became a transition year, no matter how hot of a start the Pacers got off to.</p>
<p>Instead of predicting a trade, for the Pacers, we will pick a final seeding. With the trajectory of how things are going from a health perspective, the Pacers will be forced to play in the play-in games and will be lucky if they are in the upper seeds of those games.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Ranking the Top Players: 30-21" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2020/12/08/ranking-top-50-nba-players-30-21/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2020/12/08/ranking-top-50-nba-players-30-21/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Ranking the Top Players: 30-21 </a> </div>
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<p>The injuries have just become too much to overcome for the Pacers. There is still no update on the timeline for either TJ Warren or Caris LeVert. The burden of being in the top five in minutes for the first month of the season for Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon is not sustainable.</p>
<p>There are not many trades for the team even to consider and when they are all on the court the Indiana Pacers are a real contender in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately for this year’s projections, they are unlikely to be on the court together much at all.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Golden State Warriors </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422725" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2200,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1299858943.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2200" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299858943.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299858943-768x528.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Golden State Warriors – Hold</h2>
<p>This hold will not be from a lack of trying. The prediction is the hold will be reluctant because the Golden State Warriors will be trying to use Kelly Oubre to upgrade the roster. If everything was equal the Golden State Warriors should be calling the New Orleans Pelicans daily to make the swap of Kelly Oubre for Lonzo Ball happen. Imagining Lonzo Ball alongside Stephen Curry and throwing lobs to James Wiseman when he is back in the lineup is tantalizing. The gamble on Oubre was worthwhile but it is not working as well as they would have liked. This would be a home run.</p>
<p>Given that we have pegged Ball for a different destination this is off the table. Bringing in an extra big man would make sense as Wiseman deals with injury but the rental possibilities are less than appealing. Ultimately the most likely outcome for the Golden State Warriors is not pulling off a trade.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Golden State Warriors: Grading every players first month" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/23/golden-state-warriors-grading-players/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/23/golden-state-warriors-grading-players/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Golden State Warriors: Grading every players first month </a> </div>
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<p>There is no need to be hasty. This season became something of a trial run for next year the second Klay Thompson tore his Achilles. Draymond Green has reasserted his value. Andrew Wiggins has fit seamlessly. Curry could be in the running for the MVP and is clearly having fun. With the looming lottery pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves being only top-three protected (though we have already predicted this to stay with Minnesota) the path to another dynasty starts to take shape. There is no reason to rush it.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Denver Nuggets </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422728" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1213,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1300434091.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1213" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300434091.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300434091-768x582.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Denver Nuggets – Sell</h2>
<p>In what may be the hottest take of the entire list, the Michael Porter, Jr. trade needs to happen. He is just not on the same page with his teammates and even <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jokicni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Nikola Jokic</a> is starting to get visibly frustrated with the second year potential All-Star. The budding chemistry problem combined with his history of health issues makes a potential trade suddenly more likely.</p>
<p>There will be suitors for Porter making the timing of a trade even more promising. Over the years the best return for young players of his caliber has come when a trade is unexpected so making the most of his value is a sensible choice.</p>
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<p>Listen, Porter has the potential to be an All-Star. He has shown flashes of taking over offensively but he seems unaware that he is not the best player on the floor. Sometimes this is a good thing, giving a player the confidence to take big shots and come through in the clutch for their team when they are left open. But when Porter decides to dribble endlessly instead of giving the ball back to Jokic to run the offense as it should be you find yourself on a team that thought they could be challenging for the number one seed in the conference floating around .500.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Boston Celtics </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422729" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2129,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1299692986.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2129" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299692986.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299692986-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Boston Celtics – Buy</h2>
<p>The Boston Celtics possess the much-discussed trade exception ($28.5 million) generated by the sign and trade of Gordon Hayward during the offseason and they are in a position to add a valuable player to push their playoff window back open. Bear in mind that because they are hard-capped, they can’t use that full exception.</p>
<p>The Celtics are very good and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brownja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jaylen Brown</a> has taken a leap. Jayson Tatum has recovered from COVID-19 and is cooking opponents. That being said, Boston needs something more. Adding another big man to solidify their rotation would make a lot of sense, but that is likely to come from the buyout market instead of via trade.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Boston Celtics: 3 reasons for optimism" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/25/boston-celtics-3-reasons-optimism/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/25/boston-celtics-3-reasons-optimism/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Boston Celtics: 3 reasons for optimism </a> </div>
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<p>One of the most common names found in fans’ trade machine projections over recent years is Aaron Gordon but for the Boston Celtics, the fit is perfect. Because of the trade exception, Boston would not have to match the salary and could build the package to return around future picks (they have all of their first-round picks and do not need more young talent at the moment) and young guys on their roster if any of them appeal to the hopefully rebuilding Orlando Magic.</p>
<p>Gordon is slated to miss the remainder of the first half of the schedule but slowly bringing him along in the back half could pay dividends for the Celtics. He would fit perfectly in their defensive scheme and could play a supplementary role on offense for the first time in his career.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Brooklyn Nets </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422730" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1301134392.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301134392.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301134392-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Brooklyn Nets – Buy</h2>
<p>It is no secret that the Brooklyn Nets are a bad defensive team. Checking in on basically any of their games will make that pretty clear. They have allowed 120 points or more in 11 of their last 12 games. They are on pace to be the worst defensive team of all time while also being on a historic offensive pace. Something has to give.</p>
<p>The aforementioned Al Horford trade feels like the best possible scenario for the team should they be willing to go all the way in (they should, given their starry talent and lack of future draft assets). If the choice to be a little more conservative with trade ideas James Harden’s former teammate PJ Tucker is clearly available and would bring a level of toughness the team is missing.</p>
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<p>Bruce Brown and Kevin Durant may be the only plus defenders getting minutes on this team. If the Brooklyn Nets truly want to compete in the playoffs that will have to change. They are a smart team and they will address that. They have already tried by taking shots on Norvell Pelle, Iman Shumpert and Noah Vonleh. That is all well and good but it is not enough. Expect them to take another step at the deadline.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> San Antonio Spurs </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422732" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1246,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1231070211.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1246" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1231070211.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1231070211-768x598.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>San Antonio Spurs – Sell</h2>
<p>The San Antonio Spurs have been much better this year than they have any reason to be. This is a team transitioning from decades of playoff appearances. The season has been fun but reasonable minds should prevail here.</p>
<p>Making the playoffs would only help give experience to their younger players but it would not materially help build for the future. There are three players on the roster who should be strongly marketed to the highest bidder.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Spurs: 3 takeaways from an early season loss" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/02/san-antonio-spurs-loss-lakers/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/02/san-antonio-spurs-loss-lakers/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Spurs: 3 takeaways from an early season loss </a> </div>
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<p>LaMarcus Aldridge is likely the toughest to move at the deadline. While he is on an expiring contract he has been injured often this season and the contract is still a large number to meet. If he was bought out a reunion with the Portland Trail Blazers could be a special conclusion to his run. Until then a trade could be tough.</p>
<p>DeMar DeRozan and Patty Mills, however, make for significantly more intriguing trade targets. DeRozan has been quietly very good this season. He would make sense on a number of borderline playoff teams trying to get over the hump. Like Aldridge, his salary number could be a hurdle but the production is significant. Mills should have a number of suitors. He is a sharpshooter and a beloved veteran. He would make any team better.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Portland Trail Blazers </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422733" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1301324519.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301324519.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301324519-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Portland Trail Blazers – Hold</h2>
<p>It would be very tough for the Portland Trail Blazers to pull off any sort of trade with the roster in its current state. With so many players missing significant time due to injury it would take another team being intrigued by the likes of Anfernee Simons or Nassir Little to make a trade come together.</p>
<p>For a prediction, the Blazers will get back on the right track and climb the standings. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lillada01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Damian Lillard</a> is keeping the team afloat while CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic are on the mend. Gary Trent Jr. and Carmelo Anthony have stepped up in their absence and the offense is good enough to hold until the rest of the team comes back.</p>
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<p>For context, the Blazers are currently sixth in offensive efficiency. McCollum has missed nine games and looked like an All-Star before going out of the lineup. He is slated to be reevaluated next week and if he is able to get back shortly thereafter the offense will only get better.</p>
<p>As reasonable as it was to be worried about this team as they continued to lose players to injury the team has stabilized. The Blazers are used to this kind of season and with Lillard the overarching constant carrying them through the tough times it is not hard to imagine a playoff run in their future.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Phoenix Suns </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422734" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1297285606.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1297285606.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1297285606-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Phoenix Suns – Buy</h2>
<p>The Phoenix Suns have been testing out wing shooters around their talented trio of stars to see who can best compliment them on the pursuit of home court advantage in the playoffs. Langston Galloway has been given a shot. When healthy Jae Crowder has been a reliable hand. Cam Johnson has been less consistent than a playoff contender would like but he is a solid hand.</p>
<p>All that being said a team like Phoenix cannot have too many shooters on the receiving end of open looks created by slick Chris Paul passes and the gravitational force of Devin Booker. For a team so dependent on half-court offense adding additional shooting is essential to any sort of playoff success.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Phoenix Suns: Who is most responsible for the culture shift?" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/19/phoenix-suns-culture-shift-responsible/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/19/phoenix-suns-culture-shift-responsible/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Phoenix Suns: Who is most responsible for the culture shift? </a> </div>
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<p>Wayne Ellington was a name suggested earlier and if the Philadelphia 76ers are not the team to bring him in the Suns should be making the call. J.J. Reddick makes sense alongside his former LA Clipper teammate Chris Paul. Patty Mills could be available and would be the perfect chemistry guy off the bench for this team.</p>
<p>The Suns are very close to pushing open the door into a top-four seed in the postseason and finalizing their roster will go a long way. Now is the time to make it happen.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Milwaukee Bucks </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422735" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1066,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1301114341.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1066" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301114341.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301114341-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Milwaukee Bucks – Hold</h2>
<p>Like many of the teams in the top five (spoiler alert), the Milwaukee Bucks are unlikely to make any trades unless the aforementioned Sacramento Kings trade can be completed. Their war chest of trade assets was severely depleted with the addition of Jrue Holiday, which is fine because the Bucks are rolling. It is not hyperbolic to say that they are better than last season.</p>
<p>Look for them to be in on any of the bigger potential buyout names. Only the Los Angeles Lakers should rival the Bucks in that regard and Milwaukee should be able to pick and choose the exact role they want to fill if they even want to. Beyond the soon to be mentioned miss, Milwaukee thrived operating on the fringes during the offseason. Bobby Portis and Bryn Forbes have been great additions to the bench unit.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Milwaukee Bucks: Why they have the best Big 3 in the league" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/27/milwaukee-bucks-best-big-3/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/27/milwaukee-bucks-best-big-3/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Milwaukee Bucks: Why they have the best Big 3 in the league </a> </div>
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<p>Backup point guard is one area to look at should they decide to make a change. D.J. Augustin was a highly lauded offseason acquisition but he has failed to meet expectations thus far. For a team that found themselves struggling to create offense in the postseason adding more of that behind Holiday should help to remove a previous weakness. That was the goal with Augustin and they can do better.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> LA Clippers </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422737" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1301123496.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301123496.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301123496-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>LA Clippers – Buy</h2>
<p>It is a common storyline but the LA Clippers need another ball handler. There is no offensive playmaking on the team outside of select moments from Luke Kennard. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard create shots for themselves but not much else. Lou Williams is getting better as the season goes along though his playoff resume speaks for itself.</p>
<p>Kyle Lowry is the Holy Grail in this chase and we have already predicted that to happen in the Raptors section. Making the money work is tough, however. Lou Williams and Patrick Beverly would undoubtedly be involved. Unfortunately it would still take another few million in salary to get the job done.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="LA Clippers: Point guards the team could target" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/28/la-clippers-5-point-guards-trade/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/28/la-clippers-5-point-guards-trade/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> LA Clippers: Point guards the team could target </a> </div>
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<p>Terry Rozier is a stellar consolation prize. It would still cost them both of the aforementioned guards but is well worth it. Over the two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, he has shot 41.3 percent on 6.9 long-range attempts per game. He is a creative offensive playmaker and would fit in perfectly.</p>
<p>The Clippers have succeeded so far this season getting the best out of former Charlotte Hornet Nic Batum. He was in need of rehabilitating and they have done just that. Imagine what they can do with a Hornet that is currently thriving instead.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Philadelphia 76ers </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422739" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1300736539.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300736539.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300736539-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Philadelphia 76ers – Buy</h2>
<p>The Philadelphia 76ers have been much better this season than last and are on pace to earn the top record in the Eastern Conference. Part of that is the play of <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/embiijo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Joel Embiid</a>, currently a top contender for MVP. Tobias Harris has done his part, playing at an All-Star level and making his contract look much better than it did a year ago.</p>
<p>Likely as important, there is finally shooting on this roster. Funny enough, having players shoot from beyond the arc will open up for the paint for Embiid and Ben Simmons to thrive. Seth Curry and Danny Green have been varying degrees of impressive but as the common trope goes you cannot have enough shooting.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="NBA Quarter-Pole Awards" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/27/nba-quarter-pole-awards-early-mvp/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/01/27/nba-quarter-pole-awards-early-mvp/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> NBA Quarter-Pole Awards </a> </div>
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<p>As mentioned before Wayne Ellington is a budget option akin to the Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks moves the Sixers made last year that yielded positive results. A second round pick of any sort will likely get the Pistons to bite. The JJ Reddick reunion makes some sense too but making the money work is quite challenging. Swapping Danny Green out is a clean fit from a financial perspective but does not make the team better. Unless the trade was to be expanded to bring in Lonzo Ball as well maybe then it would be interesting. Some shooter will shake loose for the Sixers though.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Los Angeles Lakers </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422740" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2132,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1301137335.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2132" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301137335.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1301137335-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NBA (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Los Angeles Lakers – Hold</h2>
<p>The Los Angeles Lakers need for nothing. Despite not being the top seed in the league at present they are widely considered to be the prohibitive favorite to repeat as champions. They have so much depth that Wes Matthews is just not finding his way back into the rotation.</p>
<p>That being said, there is nothing wrong with picking up a possible upgrade should one become available. Stowing a shooter or defender as the 15th man could pay dividends should an injury pop up down the line. While big men will be in high demand a reserve center could be interesting as well.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="NBA Early All-Star Selections" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/02/nba-early-star-selections/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/02/nba-early-star-selections/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> NBA Early All-Star Selections </a> </div>
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<p>The Lakers depended on Dwight Howard in that role last season and while Montrezl Harrell is an offensive force off the bench he was played off the court last season. If Anthony Davis continues to struggle with lingering injuries it is even more worthwhile to add some depth.</p>
<p>Like the Bucks the most likely outcome is watching the deadline come and go before taking their pick of the best possible buyout candidates. This paid dividends last season with the Lakers ending up with Markieff Morris. Striking gold like that again is a step on the path to championship banner 18 hanging in the rafters of Staples Center. And a repeat is the ultimate prediction.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Utah Jazz </a>
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<img class="size-full wp-image-422741" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/02/11/one-prediction-nba-team-trade-deadline/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1300904048.jpeg" alt="" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300904048.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1300904048-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NBA (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Utah Jazz – Hold</h2>
<p>The biggest story of the season so far is the fact that the Utah Jazz currently hold the best record in the league and they have been elite on both sides of the ball. They have five players shooting over 40.0 percent from distance on at least 4.0 attempts per game. Rudy Gobert is in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. Everything is coming up Utah.</p>
<p>The Jazz do not have to make a trade ultimately they should not. The chemistry took a while to get going last year and was the reason they underperformed their preseason expectations. That is no longer the case. Before his injury Mike Conley looked like the player who shined in Memphis. Jordan Clarkson is the no-brainer Sixth Man of the Year. The first of two predictions for the Jazz is that this will be their roster going forward.</p>
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<p>The other prediction is that the Jazz will make it to the Conference Finals. This is not a blip on the radar. They are elite at 3-point shooting. They are the only team in the league in the top five of offensive and defensive efficiency. They have had multiple seasons together to build the continuity necessary to get over the hump. This is their year.</p>
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