NBA Trade Deadline: 5 Teams likely to be most active in the market

The 2020 NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and teams around the league now have just one week to pull off a potentially season-changing deal. While the 2019 offseason was among the most exciting in history, the trade front has since been incredibly quiet over the past five months, with Jeff Teague's move to the Hawks and Willie-Cauley Stein's trade to the Dallas Mavericks among only a handful of notable deals.

Nevertheless, with playoff spots up for grabs in both conferences, teams have plenty of reason to be active ahead of the deadline next week, and several contending teams could also look to enforce their title prospects. So, as we head towards the Feb. 6 trade deadline, here are five teams that are likely to make moves

#5 Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers could look to add another ball handler alongside LeBron James

While they were among the favorites entering the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have surpassed expectations over the first half of the season. It was believed that the superstar pairing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis would need time to click - although the two have quickly struck up the NBA's best partnership to propel the Lakers to a 36-10 record.

The Lakers' roster is also among the deepest in the league as Frank Vogel can call upon the likes of Dwight Howard, Alex Caruso, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, recent reports have suggested the front office remains eager to add a wing or additional ball-handler, with Robert Covington and Derrick Rose among the players thought to be on LA's wishlist.

Due to a lack of cap space, the Lakers will face obstacles to add another player ahead of the deadline, although the front office will be encouraged by what they have seen over the first half of the season, and it is likely that the Lakers will find a way to add someone like Rose.

#4 Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets face a battle to secure homecourt advantage for the playoffs

When the Houston Rockets obtained Russell Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder last summer it appeared that they were in a strong position to compete for a top 2 seed in the West. However, while Westbrook has performed well, the Rockets haven't improved - and currently sit 5th in the standings with a 29-17 record.

While not disastrous by any means, the Rockets front office remains intent on winning a title, and the current roster appears to have no chance of doing that. Houston has a first-round pick that they could use to land a quality wing - although Daryl Morey is known for his ability to make huge deals - and it would be foolish to rule out the Rockets trading away one of their starters ahead of the deadline.

#3 Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks remain short on depth and talent around Luka Doncic

At 29-18, the Dallas Mavericks are well ahead of where they thought they would be at this stage of the season. Luka Doncic's incredible sophomore season has been enough to put the Mavericks in the mix to secure homecourt advantage, although, with Kristaps Porzingis struggling, the Mavs would benefit by adding more talent around the 20-year-old superstar.

The front office moved quickly to sign Willie-Cauley Stein following Dwight Powell's season-ending injury, and the Mavs also remain the most likely destination for Andre Iguodala. Danilo Gallinari has also been linked with a move to Dallas, and Mavs fans have plenty to excited about heading into the deadline.

#2 Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks want to build around Trae Young

Unlike the other teams on this list, the Atlanta Hawks are already well out of the race to qualify for the postseason, although there is an urgency to build a competitive team around Trae Young. With Young signed to his rookie-scale contract, the Hawks have plenty of room to move, and the team completed a surprise move for Jeff Teague earlier this month.

The Hawks have also registered interest in Steven Adams and Andre Drummond - two All-Star caliber bigs that offer a considerable upgrade over Atlanta's existing options. Admittedly, the Hawks may opt to wait until the summer to make a huge move, although they are sure to make at least one or two smaller moves as they continue to build a competitive roster for the 2020-21 campaign.

#1 LA Clippers

The Clippers are looking to put more talent around their All-Star duo

Heading into the season, the LA Clippers were the heavy favorites to advance from the West. However, while they have recently moved up to the second spot thanks to an excellent run of form since the turn of the year, the Clippers face plenty of competition in a stacked conference - and upgrades seem to be a must ahead of the deadline.

Marc Stein of the New York Times has reported that the Clippers want to add a big in addition to a reliable wing - and Andre Iguodala and Kendrick Nunn have been mentioned as potential targets. With Maurice Harkless and Montrezl Harrell both on expiring deals, the Clippers have the resources to make a big move, and they are the team to watch over the next week.