TRADE DEADLINE PREMIUM- CONTENDERS, BUYERS, SELLERS, REBUILDERS AND WILD CARDS

 

 

 

The trade deadline is a bit over a fortnight away in NSL land and already we�re seeing GMs jump the gun to close deals. It�s no secret that a transaction can often lead to another transaction meaning we might be in store a juicy and action-packed NSL trade deadline this year. The big dogs in the East all seem intent of trading with one another to give the second-best Conference its first shot at a title while the West seems to have a clear front runner with teams like Memphis emerging as a potential threat to the defending champs- Portland. Looking at the landscape, the league is wide open and the title still there to be taken, all it takes is a savvy deadline from one of the contending GMs to change our reality as we know it.

 

Atlanta Hawks- Wild card

New GM Bulldog appears to not really know what he�s walked into when taking the top job in Atlanta. In his possession is a talented roster, capable of winning now and well into the future. His posts on the trade block insinuate �sell� especially of big names such as Damian Lillard (next year) and Pascal Siakam but perhaps there�s a move that pushes this franchise into the play-in, giving them a shot at a deep playoff run. The have the combination of young guys, picks and handy rotation players that could be packaged to acquire a star should they want to close the gap between themselves and Detroit who sit in the playoff picture, just 4 wins ahead.

 

Boston Celtics- Wild card, likely consolidating

The Celtics have continued the slow build and have found themselves clearly in 6^th place in the Eastern Conference. They have two stars, Tatum being one of the best in the game and they have a young and versatile supporting cast. It might not be their time yet but it�s not far away. GM Toby doesn�t strike me as an �all-in� type but perhaps he�s just waiting for the time to strike. He could sell freshly acquired Terry Rozier and keep the wheels turning or could put that salary to work to find a 3^rd star. The ball is in his court.

 

Brooklyn Nets- Buying

Without a choice, the Brooklyn Nets must buy. Coming off a lottery season, GM Breece had hope he had found enough talent to support his young stars to attain a winning record. That hasn�t been the case and the Nets currently have the 3^rd worst record without their pick in hand. Who will they be able to find to get them on the right path? Is it possible to get to the play-ins still, even though they sit 7 games back?

 

Charlotte Hornets- Buying

Having just found a little mojo the Hornets had some minor hiccups around the NBA deadline with Dedmon being waived. He has since found a contract and will be available for a back end of season push with Luka, Vooch and the gang. GM Craig wants to win and will likely shop Vanvleet and whatever assets left to make the end of season as exciting as possible for a currently disenfranchised fanbase.

 

Chicago Bulls- Wild card

Sitting 7^th in the standing while running in autopilot, the Bulls might have what it takes to contend in the East. It�s genuinely hard to tell as their GM has been on a leave of hiatus. They could shake the league up and sell Anthony Davis and the supporting cast or they could chase another win-now guy. They could also just continue moving through the deadline with no signs of life, which would be deflating for the league.

 

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Cleveland Cavaliers- Contending

It seems GM Shams only needed the endorsement of reigning champ GM Jmac to realise he and his franchise are in it up to their eyeballs. Since being tipped to win the East, the Cavs have moved young star Dejounte Murray to bring in one of the games best in Jimmy Buckets. Bridges has also landed in a great situation in the NBA meaning more ratings could be coming his way. They will no doubt look to find more win-now vets to build their stable as the deadline approaches.

 

Dallas Mavericks- Selling

With only one move left to make, the Mavs will likely sell (though they don�t really have any reason to) and send out Bobby Portis. It�s been a season to forget for Dallas and they will be happy to move on from 2022-23 as soon as the season ends.

 

Denver Nuggets- Buying

The Nuggets are pretty good but haven�t really seen as much evidence as they would�ve liked as Curry rides the injury train in between putting up just alright numbers. Denver are in the window, they have multiple stars and assets they can combine to get better. If they believe in Curry returning with a vengeance their management might further push chips in to go-for-it while they have one of the best players in the game.

 

Detroit Pistons- Selling/consolidating

GM Sheed has achieved what he wanted from this season, he�s acquired multiple potential lottery bound 2023 firsts, made his team younger and found young stars to build around. It�s hard to see what their next move would be as they await the lottery balls to bounce. They don�t need to tank, they will try to win and hit playoffs but their finals will be the draft this season.

 

Golden State Warriors- Wild card

With no GM it�s really hard to see what happens here. They legitimately could go either way but they�re probably better suited to try to buy. Their picks aren�t good (and they�re stepiened anyway) and their support cast is pretty bare. Maybe there�s a deal where they become better with a couple of savvy acquisitions, who knows?

 

Houston Rockets- Consolidating, sneakily buying

The Rockets are in the mix in the West, no doubt, they have Nikola Jokic, the best player in the world who is likely to win another NBA MVP and a plethora of young guns and big wings but they might not be ready just yet? Or they�re waiting on one more deal to put them over the top. All I know is that whatever they�re doing, there is bound to be a rule attached to it�

 

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Indiana Pacers- Selling

New GM Kain has a bit to play with in Indiana but likely won�t be gunning for the play-in tournament. With Russell expiring and in a new scene in NBA LA, he will explore all options to move him, otherwise it�s likely a sit and wait game in Indy.

 

Los Angeles Clippers- Consolidating

Clippers GM Andrew has hinted at buying a player with his multiple picks and big contracts but when it comes to the punch he�s probably looking for a young star, one that will rarely be made available. It�s more of a wait and see type situation for this young franchise who would be thrilled with their performance through the first half of the season.

 

Los Angeles Lakers- Rebuilding

Don�t be fooled by their posts about buying, this team will be keen to do the trade dance and back out at the last moment as they reach true rebuilding status. They don�t know what they want at this stage and should probably sit the next few plays out while the big boys close the deals. Their eyes will be on the lottery balls this off season.

 

Memphis Grizzlies- Contending

They�re really good and just getting their guys on the court as we speak. Boasting the deepest roster in terms of 80+ guys and still quite young, the Grizzlies will be right there come winning time in the West. They might want a top tier guy to keep up with the upper West but as is the Grizzlies are damn scary. They�ll be looking for stars.

 

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Miami Heat- Rebuilding

Possibly selling, the rebuilding heat will just be stoked to see some of their key guys return before the deadline. They�ve hinted at moving a point guard but don�t necessarily need to do anything just yet. They�re not out of reach with play-in teams but they�re guaranteed a look in if they go for it.

 

Milwaukee Bucks- Contending

It�s no secret that Derozan is on the way out and another big wing on the way in, meaning the Bucks are all in on their young core. It could push them a little down the contenders list but will make them a threat for many years to come, while giving their GM a chance to see just how good SGA is. They�ll be active at the deadline but not desperate.

 

Minnesota Timberwolves- Buying/Contending

The wolves love simming and they�re just getting a look at their full squad now as all pieces return from injury. They have a wonderful roster but lack the umph of a genuine superstar squad (this year). Perhaps it�s because their stars are young, I�m not sure. They�ll be active around the deadline trying to find the perfect balance and could make a wave if GM Ethan gets his pulse up.

 

New Orleans Pelicans- Selling

Thanks to PG being a genuine disappointment, we have a seller in one conference and contender in the other. The Pels decided it wasn�t to be this season and will explore all options for stars, role players and whatever they possess that holds value. Next year is their year.

 

New York Knicks- Contending

Derozan is coming to town and this squad is looking dangerous, really dangerous. A Smokey if you will. The Knicks have at least 9 good-to-great players which make them a threat, though they will have to wait til right on the deadline to package some of them. Watch out for them circling the sellers with stars come week 15.

 

Oklahoma City Thunder- Wild card

Not really sure what this busy GM is up to other than working over 100 hours a week in real life (no joke). They�ve got a weird roster with no clear direction, they�ve got picks and assets and they�re in the conversation for the 6^th seed. It�s an interesting spot to be. It would be a shame if they didn�t try to do something come trade deadline.

 

Orlando Magic- Buying

The 8^th seed in the East is where Mialo finds her squad near the half way point of the season. The Magic roster is good, getting better and will be expecting playoffs come the end of the regular season. There are a few buyers behind them so their spot isn�t guaranteed, they will need to remain active to stay ahead of the pack.

 

Philadelphia 76ers- Selling/Consolidating

Philly find themselves out of the play-in picture (just) in the 11^th seed at the time of writing. They have had a string of bad form and just don�t really seem to have �it� this season. They�re kind of old but kind of young from a star point of view- it�s a weird roster. Which is why GM Nenjamin might consider a sell should their form continue to slide.

 

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Phoenix Suns- Buying

Brandan Ingram comes to town and the long boi Suns have a star! GM Laddas will tell you they already had one (Bol Bol) but they now look sneaky as a play-in dark horse. You gotta love the way this gm goes about it, chasing actual talent vs picks and promises. His mission will be play-in and if they land there they will be my pick for the 7^th or 8^th seed.

 

Portland Trail Blazers- Contending

The Blazers will be slithering into all dms pitching Cam Reddish as the deadline approaches, they might even be looking for a third star for shits and gigs. It�s go-time with Lebron and KD and they will never be shy when it comes to trading. This GM is evidence that titles are won at the deadline so it will be scary to follow his antics over the coming weeks.

 

Sacramento Kings- Buying as always

This man is a big spender and will buy his way into play-in contention. As is tradition. His Kings have some �f*%# you� about them and should receive an uptick once CP3 starts averaging 15 assists with KD in town. They�re not going to win the title but they�re going to play their hand, and it�s going to be awesome.

 

San Antonio Spurs- Contending

This franchise will be looking to stop Portland at all costs and then will think about the title. The hatred they feel for that franchise will probably force them into buying at the deadline, which will no doubt continue to be played on by 90% of the sellers in the league. The Spurs will probably look to fine tune with no significant structural changes happening unless it makes sense for the long run.

 

Toronto Raptors- Buying/Contending

The Raptors have been labelled as contenders based on Zion�s health. GM Dylan recently moved off of Jimmy buckets to get a bit younger and bolster the depth and he now has a nice looking big-3 of Murray, Ayton and Zion though it came at the cost of a ton of re-trade gm points. They�re probably the 3-4^th best in the East but I trust this GM at the controls. Let�s see what they do.

 

Utah Jazz- Rebuilding

The Jazz will try to sell off a couple of expiring guys like Danny Green and then will wait for the lottery balls. That�s all they have to do as their young guys get their reps up through a 22-2023 season without a focus on winning.

 

Washington Wizards- Contending

The favourite in the East has been seen swinging his piece around the discord threads, spouting �EASTSIDE� on a regular basis since acquiring PG13 for 2cents in the dollar. And boy do they look good and well-endowered. Booker is still yet to return to this stacked squad and we are all on noticed that the Wizards are good enough right now. I could see them making another deal as they were remarkably left with assets after the PG trade, I wonder what they�ll do and if they actually need to do anything more?