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With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, several teams are doing their due diligence to try and upgrade their roster. Deals are already starting to pour in, with many more to come.
That being said, here are five teams to watch from now until February 9th.
Five teams expected to make moves before the NBA trade deadline
1. LA Lakers
Starting things off is a team that has already made a new addition, the LA Lakers. Following their trade for Rui Hachimura, many expect that LA won't be done just yet.
Sitting at 22-25 for the year, the Lakers still have a shot at the playoffs. They are currently just one game out of a spot in the play-in tournament. With the postseason in grasp and Anthony Davis close to returning, they could certainly pull something off before the NBA trade deadline.
2. LA Clippers
Sticking with LA, the Clippers are another team to watch in the coming weeks. Armed with contracts of all sizes on their roster, they have the assets to make an upgrade or two before the deadline.
One area of need for the LA Clippers is a backup center. Seeing that Ivica Zubac is their only center, they could afford to add some frontcourt depth around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Having an extra big body could come in handy if they have to square off against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs.
3. Portland Trail Blazers
Leading up to the NBA trade deadline, the Portland Trail Blazers are definitely a team to monitor in the Western Conference. Similar to the Lakers, they are just outside the playoff picture right now.
Every year, the Trail Blazers say they are looking to build a contender around star guard Damian Lillard. They made an array of moves this offseason, but it hasn't paid off yet. Their 22-25 record has them tied for 12th place in the Western Conference.
In an effort to maximize what Lillard has left of his prime, Portland will certainly be exploring all avenues of improvement.
4. Toronto Raptors
Switching to the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors are arguably the most fascinating team heading into the NBA trade deadline. They are in a position to either blow it up or push all-in on competing for a title this year.
The Raptors are currently two games out of the play-in tournament. If they make some proper additions, they could start climbing their way up the standings. However, if they opt to go in the other direction, they could supercharge their rebuild.
With guys like Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby, Toronto is a team contenders are hoping to have a fire sale.
5. Phoenix Suns
The final team to keep an eye on before the NBA trade deadline is the Phoenix Suns. After a strong start to the year, they have plummeted in the standings.
Sitting at .500 for the year, the Suns are looking to get back in a position of contention. With Chris Paul's health becoming a growing issue, Phoenix could afford to bolster their guard depth.
Another reason why the Suns are a team to watch is because of the Jae Crowder situation. The veteran forward is yet to suit up this season, and the team needs to replace that roster spot with someone that will contribute.
Guess the Lakers players!
