NBA 18/19: Three teams that need to make a trade this month

The regular NBA season is now over a quarter of the way completed, and trade rumors are starting to drastically increase in frequency. The Lakers continue to be linked with almost every All-Star in the league, Carmelo Anthony is once again available, and the Rockets are desperate enough to make a move for J.R. Smith.

The chances of major trades happening are also likely to increase in the coming days. December 15th is the day that players who signed as free agents in the summer can finally change teams, and this will see an influx of players moving on due to their summer moves not working out as planned.

There have also been a number of notable underperforming teams, and the executives at these organizations will be desperate to make trades in a bid to reach the postseason. Some struggling franchises may also try to offload some of their better players, as they look to tank until the end of the season.

So here we will look at three NBA franchises, that for differing reasons, will be desperate to make a trade this month.

#3 Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards have reportedly listed every player as available for trade

The Washington Wizards' Bradley Beal and John Wall era is coming to an end, and the franchise faces a complete rebuild in the summer. Despite this, the team could move either Beal and Wall this month, as the franchise has reportedly put the entire roster on the trade list.

The Wizards clearly have little left to play for this season, as the team currently has a record of 11-16 in a weak Eastern Conference. Beal appears to be the most likely player to leave this month due to his perceived value among other teams, although ideally, the Wizards will make more than one trade in order to speed up the rebuilding process.

#2 Houston Rockets

Carmelo Anthony, the Rockets' only major summer acquisition, has already exited the franchise

The Houston Rockets were just one game away from the NBA Finals last season. However, a disastrous start to the 18/19 season has resulted in the team currently sitting in 13th place, and the Rockets are in desperate need of new additions.

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reported that the Rockets are gearing up to make a major trade. The team parted ways with 25-year-old Danuel House Jr, less than a week after promoting him from their G League affiliate.

House Jr. was impressive during his brief run on the team, averaging 8.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists-per-game, so the Rockets clearly moved the player to make room for a new addition.

The player that the Rockets are targeting appears to be J.R. Smith from the Cleveland Cavaliers, although it is debatable if adding the 33-year-old guard will be enough for the team to get back into playoff contention.

#1 New Orleans Pelicans

Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans need more help

Anthony Davis looks set to stay with the Pelicans until at least the summer, although the superstar himself has stated that he expects the franchise to make additions in the coming weeks. Davis is desperate to reach the playoffs with the team, and this will be challenging due to the fact that the Pelicans are currently 10th in the competitive Western Conference.

The Pelicans may look to target players such as Otto Porter Jr and Terry Rozier this month, although the franchise will need to work around their lack of cap space. The Pelicans as an organization is aware that they need to build on last season's playoff appearance, and a bold trade in the coming weeks may be the only way that the franchise can convince Davis to stick around next summer.

Let us know in the comments below which teams you think need to make a trade this month. Also make sure to visit our dedicated basketball section for the latest news, rumors, and analysis.