NBA: One trade to better the contenders

NBA season is in full swing and approaching all-star break., Which also brings us closer to the trade deadline. In the past few seasons, we have seen teams that are contending for the title make a deal to address their needs and teak their roster to improve their chances.

Each team will look into the trade market to get some player that will fulfill their need and strength their roster going forward. Some of them have already made the trade and made their roster better by getting rid of some of the players. Houston Rockets quietly got rid of the out of favor Carmelo Anthony to get some secondary rim protector in Kenneth Faried. Dallas Mavericks made the headline by making a blockbuster trade for Kristaps Porziņgis and securing their future.

With the news of Anthony Davis – former number 1 overall pick and current soul searching for MVP candidate - wanting a trade from New Orleans. There are hopes for teams that need another or a single superstar to help them get to the finals of the NBA.

The trade request by Antony Davis will change the whole landscape of the NBA, with a 5 headed monster in Golden State warrior, people who want to compete will want to have him. That a conversation for another day.

Even the teams that look promising right now have a need which they can fulfill in the trade market before the trade deadline. Also after trades are made, they still have a chance to make some addition to their roster by looking at the players that are bought out.

Today let’s have a look at the one need of all the contenders who can make it to the championship round this year. We are excluding teams that already have made a trade or are in wild western conference. Its way too close for any team to make it.

Boston Celtics: No Trade

Boston at the start of the season was an up-and-coming team. They had one of the complete rosters to take on the Golden State Warriors. The talent on both ends of the floor and youth to compete in the fast-paced offense. Coupled with a talented coach in Brad Stevens.

So far, they have been underperforming with the ridiculous amount of talent they on their roster. Gordan Hayward has not been the same since the return from the injury and has struggled to put up All-Star numbers. Boston is facing some leadership issues in the locker room, Kyrie Irving has not the leader that he had hoped to be. Can a trade fix their problems? No, they only have issues with chemistry and changing the roster will not help them in any way. Danny Ainge needs to stay put and look for the answers in the upcoming free agency.

Even with Anthony Davis wanting out of New Orleans, Boston can’t trade for him as per the league rules. So, It will be wise for them to hold on to their asset and wait for the team to click and have a deep run and take a shot at the championship game. With the hope that they will get to sign Kavin Durant or Kawhi Leonard.

Milwaukee Bucks: Add more shooting

We all can agree on one thing before we talk about Milwaukee. What a find has the Greek freak been! With LeBron gone out west, Milwaukee has been one of the few teams that have taken advantage of the situation. With Giannis Antetokounmpo putting up MVP like points, he definitely can use some shooters around him to help propel their team past other contenders in the east.

Milwaukee lacks some perimeter shooting this season. With all the 3-pointers that they have been taking they haven’t been efficient enough to compete against best shooting team in the league. They use some efficient shooter on their roster to help them strengthen their championship run.

Shooter on the team which is on a rebuild can be a target for the Bucks to get. They will help create some more space for the Greek Freak to the rim. Along with some much-needed perimeter shooting to challenge the Raptors, Celtics or the 79ers.

Toronto Raptors: More 3 and D players

Toronto need to make most of this season with Kawhi — Toronto

When Raptors added one of the best two-way player to their roster in the off-season, they were expected to contend for the championship. Toronto Raptors have one of the deepest roster this season. With the addition of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, they acquired not one but two players who can play on both ends of the floor.

Team President Masai Ujiri took a calculated risk which is paying off. With the trade deadline approaching fast all he needs to do is to add players who are good at making 3-pointers along with good defensive ability.

With leadership problems in Boston, Toronto Raptors looks like a team ready and built to take on the Golden State Warriors. They have a very efficient team that can take on any team in the NBA. And the addition of some more defensive minded player will improve their odds to win Toronto’s first championship.

Golden State Warriors: Watch out for the buyout market

No one can argue about the starting lineup of Golden State Warriors, they have 5 All-stars as the starters. They are the team to beat for the championship. The only question we have to ask when it comes to Golden State Warriors is, Can they 3 peat?

However, their bench is not as deep as it used to be. They lost some of the bench players this off-season to make space for the DeMarcus Cousins. Which at the time have left them vulnerable. General manager Bob Myers will have to deal with the much-needed depth to the bench in the players buy out the market.

Former Player agent turned General Manager is known for his ability to manure roster with low cap space. He has time and time again proved that he can work around some of the obstacles in front of him to put together a team which is very capable of winning the Championship.

Denver Nuggets: Sharpshooters

Denver has the second-best offense this season. Behind Nikola Jokic, Isaiah Thomas and Paul Millsap, Denver is just half a game behind Golden state warriors in the standings. Coach Michael Malone has done exceptional this season to give Denver a lethal offense.

Give them a shooter and their already difficult offense looks even lethal. Maybe they can get a trade worked out for a shooter from Miami who’s a season is not going as planned. With a shooter in their line-up, then they can look to add depth to their line-up.

To maintain their current form deep into the playoffs and take on the like of Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Oklahoma Thunders, Denver will need to have a deep bench which coach can use for the mismatch.

With little role players added to this Denver team, they look to make a long run in the heavily loaded western conference.

Los Angeles Lakers: Go all in on Anthony Davis

Lakers Need to get second Superstar for LeBron — Lakers Need to get

When you have the best player of the NBA, you surely do everything to provide him with all the help he needs. It has been evident during Lebron James’ injury period that Lakers without him cannot be a contender. Even though the young stars are talented and learning fast, they still need time.

With Anthony Davis asking for a trade from New Orleans, Lakers should do anything in their power to get him to join LeBron James. The will not only give their current season a destination but will also prove to be one for the future. Who wouldn’t want to join two dominant players on a historic franchise? Maybe in the free agency, they both can recruit Kevin Durant or perhaps Kawhi Leonard.

To save this season, Magic Johnson will have to work with Rob Pelinka will have to work a trade deal with New Orleans at any coast. With Lebron James on your team, you have a responsibility to get players to help him win the championship. They will need to do as much as they can to get Lakers back to the glory.