5 NBA Contenders That MUST Make A Trade Before The Deadline
Which of the NBA's contenders are destined to fall short without making a big change now?
During any NBA regular season we as fans are treated to a roller coaster ride riddled with shock results, teams under or over performing, social media drama and a multitude of organic narratives. It is during the opening 82 games that we discover which of the teams touted for success just can't cut it and which teams need to assemble in their respective war rooms to reconsider their current course.
The half way stage brings with it the trade deadline. The final time teams can approach others in the hopes of swindling a rival and winning a lopsided deal which may propel them to their desired destination, or perhaps giving themselves the freedom of cap space moving into the summer months.
Here we take a look at which 5 teams with championship aspirations are in danger of falling short with a thud, and therefore need some roster reshuffling in order to stop the slide. Some may taken some cap gymnastics to accomplish, but if we have learn't anything from our time as NBA fans, we know that no deal, is impossible.
So, which teams need to make a move?
5. Miami Heat
A pleasant surprise, the Heat find themselves in the upper echelon of the eastern conference. A ferocious home record and a hard working culture, it's time to strike while the iron is hot and ship some of their older salary cap eaters, and commit to a win now mode.
Bringing in Jimmy Butler this past offseason seemed a match made in heaven. Butler is a stickler for good old fashioned hard work and Erik Spoelstra is a coach who religiously upholds the philosophy where playing time is earned, not given.
Making the decision to finally rid themselves of troublesome big man Hassan Whiteside, the Heat have seen a resurgence from young emerging star Bam Adebayo. Bam is averaging a stellar stat line of 16 points per game, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, and has thrived in his new role.
At present the Heat stand in a rare position; they have a sufficient number of expiring contracts, most of which are large enough to package together in a deal to bring in a leader like Chris Paul. They also have a definitive identity going forward. Butler signed for a multi-year max contract and alongside Bam, breakout rookies such as Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn, and enough complimentary pieces already ingratiated into the culture, so now is the time to capitalise on their opportunity to please their superstar.
If the Heat can manufacture a deal for a CP3, whilst keeping hold of both rookies, they should. The eastern conference sees Milwaukee as their only definite pace setter, so who’s next? That’s there for the taking. Wait too long, and their expiring deals may see an unwanted turnover of players next season. Not to mention that other teams such as the Celtics, 76ers or Pacers may beat them to the punch. Strike now, and the Heat can add veteran leadership to their fearless young fire crackers, and we could see a new force in the weak Eastern Conference.
A potential deal?
OKC gets: Dragic, James Johnson, Elie Okobo
Phoenix gets: Chris Silva
Miami gets: CP3