Devin Booker is injured again. (Photo by Christian Petersen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFPEven when the Suns has been near full-strength, they have still not looked like the title contenders they were back in 2021. If anything can save Phoenix at this point, it still centres around trading Jae Crowder.
The 32-year-old remains away from the team after both parties agreed to part ways before the season began.
Every year that passes is another year of Paul’s prime wasted and while the ‘Point God’ has regressed this season, the title window is still open, particularly with the state of the Western Conference.
The return of Cam Johnson will help but you get the sense the Suns need to take an even bigger swing that initially expected to chase that elusive title.
Put Phoenix down as one of the most intriguing teams to monitor ahead of the deadline.
2. RAPTORS MAKE A BIG MOVE BEFORE THE DEADLINE
While plenty of the candidates in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes are as expected, the Raptors could be a surprise addition to the race if they choose to blow it up.
It has been an underwhelming start to the season for Toronto, who sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 16-20 record. The Raptors could continue to fight for a spot in the playoffs or play-in tournament but are they really going to turn it around that quickly to be a genuine contender?
Or is it worth accepting now that the better decision would be to build towards the future and around Scottie Barnes? In Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby, Fred VanVleet, Precious Achiuwa and Gary Trent Jr. Toronto has plenty of pieces that would be attractive to rival teams.
Scottie Barnes is one player that would be untouchable in trades. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesESPN reporter Zach Lowe even reported on his podcast in December that Anunoby alone could command a serious haul if Toronto was interested in retooling its roster.
“The entire league wants O.G. Anunoby,” Lowe said.
“Everybody wants O.G. Anunoby. If he ever gets traded, the price and picks are going to surprise people because it might be on par almost with what the Cavs gave up for Donovan Mitchell.”
Whether it is Anunoby or another one of the five players previously mentioned, look for the Raptors to move on one core piece before the deadline as they plan ahead.
3. NO SILVER BULLET FOR CHICAGO AT THE TRADE DEADLINE
Like the Raptors, expectations of the Bulls were high this season and they too have fallen well short of those. Naturally, the question is what moves Chicago could make to remedy that.
Well, while the Bulls could be tempted to blow it up and start again, it is hard to see Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan or Lonzo Ball being moved on before the deadline.
Starting with LaVine, he signed a five-year, $215 million max contract this offseason and given his lingering knee issues, the Bulls aren’t going to get real value for him just yet.
As for DeRozan, he has the most value of any player on the Bulls’ roster right now but is a more appealing trade target next season, when he would be on an expiring contract.
It has been a tough season for the Bulls. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFPLike LaVine, Ball has also been hampered by injury as of late, meaning again Chicago is unlikely to get true value for the 28-year-old.
If there is any player moved before the deadline it would be Nikola Vucevic, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season and is at this stage unlikely to agree to an extension.
Should results not improve on the court, the Bulls may try at least get something for Vucevic if they believe they will not be able to re-sign him on a deal that works for them.
Of course, Alex Caruso is also a strong chance of being moved given his salary is tradeable and he would make a valuable addition to any contender.
But don’t expect a silver bullet that either saves their season or makes the roster make-up for the upcoming summer any clearer.
4. NO BLOCKBUSTER TRADE AS BEAL STAYS PUT IN WASHINGTON
The Wizards have a big decision to make by the trade deadline. But by the sounds of it, there will be no seismic shift, no blockbuster Bradley Beal move to shake up the league.
There is certainly a case that can be made for Washington trading Beal away, even if it means a little bit of pain in the short term.
Really, right now the Wizards don’t seem to headed in any specific direction. Before winning two of their last three, they had dropped 10-straight games to plummet down the standings in the Eastern Conference.
In their current form, the Wizards are at best a team that could make it to the first round of the playoffs and that’s about it.
It begs the question. With the 29-year-old Beal still in his prime, could Washington make a move before the deadline to start retooling its roster and building towards the future?
Could Bradley Beal be traded? (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesWell, complicating any potential move is the fact Beal has a no-trade clause, which gives him serious leverage in determining where he would end up, should a trade eventuate.
With that in mind and no other clear contenders for Beal, we’re tipping the question marks over his future to drag into the off-season as the Wizards opt against pulling the trigger.
5. KYLE KUZMA MOVED BEFORE THE DEADLINE
If there is one player Washington may move on though it is Kyle Kuzma, with reports he may become a free agent after this season instead of picking up his $13 million player option.
Kuzma would be a handy pick-up for several contenders and it would make sense to get something in return instead of just letting him walk out the door for free.
“Based on the rumbles I’ve heard, I struggle to envision Kuzma wanting to stay in the nation’s capital beyond this season,” wrote NBA insider Marc Stein late last month in his Substack.
Put down the Phoenix Suns and even former team the Los Angeles Lakers down as possible landing spots should Kuzma be traded, with the former the more likely.
6. GIDDEY WILL FINISH SEASON SHOOTING 35 PER CENT FROM DEEP
Josh Giddey never needed to be a lights-out shooter to lift his game in his sophomore season. All the Australian had to do be respectable from beyond the arc and he’s starting to show signs of doing just that recently.
Having only shot 26 per cent from deep last season, Giddey has lifted that number to 33 per cent so far.
“I think last year I fell into the trap of trying to prove to people that I could shoot the ball whereas now I take the right shots,” Giddey said recently.
“[Shooting coach] Chip [Engelland] was the big one in talking to me about this. He said, ‘You don’t need to prove to anyone that you can shoot it. You take the right ones and the percentages will slowly increase’ and that is kind of where we’re at.”
Josh Giddey has improved his shooting this season. (Photo by Rob Carr / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFPThe 20-year-old is already a gifted passer and continuing to grow more confident driving towards the rim. The 3-point shooting was the biggest area of improvement and with the way he’s going, Giddey could end his second season in the NBA shooting at a 35 per cent clip.
If he does that, Giddey will only become that harder to defend and that in turn will open up more opportunities for new running mate Chet Holmgren in the post next season.
7. THE PELICANS WILL MAKE THE CONFERENCE FINALS… AT LEAST
There was already a feeling before a ball had been tipped that the Pelicans could be a serious contender this season.
With Zion Williamson finally healthy, this was a team to be feared on both sides of the ball and already the 22-year-old has even entered the MVP discussion with his dominant play.
Averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game, Williamson is looking fitter than ever before and it’s showing on the court, where he is a menace in the paint.
But it is their depth in particular that makes the Pelicans particularly dangerous in a relatively wide-open Western Conference. Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones have all spent stretches on the sideline but a next-man up mentality has kept New Orleans afloat.
The Pelicans are firing. Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFPYou only have to look at Australian first-round rookie Dyson Daniels, who has constantly shown flashes on both ends of the floor to prove he is ready for the NBA.
The Bendigo product would be seeing more minutes at another team but didn’t see consistent playing time early in the season when the Pelicans were at full-strength.
Once Daniels got his opportunity though he left coach Willie Green with no choice but to keep giving him minutes.
Add in other reserves like Trey Murphy III, Jose Alvarado and Naji Marshall along with key starters C.J. McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas and the Pelicans have the depth to go all the way.
8. BEN BANISHES PLAYOFF DEMONS FOR NETS
The Nets have been consistent in their message for both journalists and Nets fans this season. All Ben Simmons needs is time.
Sometimes that can just seem like words but when you’re talking about a three-time All-Star that had been out of the game as long as Simmons, it really is just that simple.
Unfortunately it hasn’t been that simple for Simmons, who has hit a few walls this season, most recently injuring his calf in what the Australian described as a “super frustrating” setback.
Once Simmons is up to full health though, he shapes as a genuine difference-maker for the Nets on both ends of the floor.
On offence, the 26-year-old was starting to gain more confidence in being more aggressive and assertive driving towards the rim before his latest injury.
Ben Simmons is starting to look like his old self. (Photo by Cole Burston / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFPMeanwhile, getting back to his elite defensive best will be key for a Brooklyn that has no problems scoring points but needs Simmons to get stops on the other end. Those stops in turn will only open up more chances for Simmons to operate in transition, where he is particularly lethal.
Right now Simmons is emerging as a strong role player for Brooklyn but come post-season the Nets need him to be more. With more time on the court under his belt and less of a burden on the offensive end, look for Simmons to bury his demons from his last playoffs appearance and write a new chapter in his career.
9. GIANNIS MVP ONCE MORE
Nikola Jokic continues to rewrite record books and carry the Nuggets on his back but with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back he doesn’t always have to shoulder the load.
Add in the fact that voter fatigue is a real thing and even if he continues to dominate, Jokic may just miss out on a third-straight MVP title.
Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant have built quite the case too but put Antetokounmpo down for his third MVP crown.
He is the best player on the best team in the league and sometimes it is as simple as that, even if Doncic and Jokic in particular continue to also put up absurd numbers.
This may be the tightest MVP race in recent years but the Greek Freak will erupt down the stretch to collect the honours.
Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are contenders again. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images10. BUCKS CROWNED CHAMPIONS AGAIN
Put the Bucks down for the title too. Sure, things haven’t looked great recently in Milwaukee but we’re banking on them getting it together when it matters.
A healthy Brook Lopez has helped anchored an elite Milwaukee defence which ranks third in the league for defensive rating (109.1) and is a nightmare to score on with the size advantage he, Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Bobby Portis offer.
The offence is not quite firing yet, with the Bucks rating 21sr in the league for offensive rating (111.5) but that does not matter much yet given how they are defending.
Getting Khris Middleton back on the court will only help in that regard too, with the 31-year-old having played just seven games this season after battling multiple injury setbacks.
The Bucks have experience in the big games and are playing at such a consistent level at the moment and yet still seem like they have another gear or two in them for the post-season.
Of course, the likes of Brooklyn and Boston have more offensive firepower at the moment, so key to any chance of Milwaukee winning the title will be how it defends those two teams.
11. GOLDEN STATE WON’T MAKE IT PAST CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
Losing Steph Curry to a shoulder injury is obviously hardly ideal. At this point in Golden State’s season it is about staying alive more than anything else.
That in itself presents the likes of Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins, when he returns from injury, with an opportunity to stand up and ease the pressure on Curry when he does return.
To his credit, Poole has started to do just that recently, most notably including a 41-point explosion against the Trail Blazers.
Steph Curry’s injury certainly won’t help. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesIt will also need Klay Thompson and Draymond Green to be at their absolute best while the young core the Warriors are building around must live up to the hype and promise.
Put simply, there are lots of question marks around the Warriors this season and no guarantee of definitive answers to them.
Golden State is still capable of giving the playoffs a shake, should it even make it that far, but going deep may be a step too far even with Curry playing the way he was before the injury.
12. ANOTHER UNDERWHELMING TRADE DEADLINE FOR LAKERS
Be prepared for microanalysis of every word and every social post from LeBron James after the trade deadline.
Chris Haynes of Bleacher Sports reported last month that the Lakers have been reluctant to part ways with their future first-round picks, a stance which James and “other core players” do not agree with.
Unfortunately for James and those players, it is looking highly unlikely at this point that the Lakers will parting ways with the picks, particularly after the Anthony Davis injury.
Anthony Davis’ injury will influence how the Lakers operate at the trade deadline. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesThe foot injury is expected to keep Davis out for at least a month — if not longer — and with so much uncertainty surrounding his availability, it makes sense not make any major moves right now.
It is a tricky balancing act for the Lakers, who would also need to make sure that if they did trade their future first-round picks it was for a genuine difference-maker.
At this stage none of those players are available of the trade table, with the likes of Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard Kevin Durant reportedly part of the Lakers’ dream scenario.
That though will remain just a dream and if the Lakers make any moves before the deadline it will be a smaller one, reportedly for a 3-and-D wing who fits well next to Davis and James.
13.KYRIE AND LEBRON REUNITE AT LAKERS
With that in mind and another disappointing season on the board, LeBron James may soon force his way out if he no longer believes in the direction the franchise is going.
James has made it clear that “winning” is his top priority and proven on the court that he is still capable of doing it even if he doesn’t have the right pieces around him.
Obviously some of the fault for the current state of the Lakers’ roster falls on James’ shoulders given the role he has in roster decisions, including the Russell Westbrook trade.
But if the Lakers’ best chance of winning is to keep James, they will need to keep him happy and the best way to do that would be to sign Irving.
Could a reunion be on the cards? (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)Source: News Regional MediaThe Nets could well go on a deep playoff run but with all the chaos Irving has caused off the court, it certainly is not hard to see Brooklyn deciding to cut ties with him.
Irving is in the final year of his contract and will become a free agent this upcoming offseason while the Lakers are projected to have around $30 to $35 million in cap space.
A report from The Athletic in November claimed that a move for Irving in free agency was not part of the Lakers’ plans but a disenfranchised James could change that.
14. JOSH GREEN WILL GET PAID
We haven’t seen the Australian on the court for the Mavericks for a while now, still sidelined with a sprained elbow that has kept Green out since the 10th of December.
But before the injury Green was showing enough on both ends of the floor to earn a big payday, like coach Jason Kidd predicted after the guard’s big performance against the Suns.
Green is in the third year of his four-year, $13.6 million rookie contract and is eligible for an extension in the upcoming offseason. Should he not reach a new agreement with Dallas, Green will become a restricted free agent in 2024.
Josh Green has been sidelined with injury. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesDallas needs all the help it can get to ease the playmaking pressure on Luka Doncic and would be smart to keep Green, who was already making an impression in the preseason.
Regardless of whether he stays put, Green will be rewarded for his hard work. It won’t be the four-year, $104 million deal Jalen Brunson got but the Australian will get paid handsomely.
15. TYRESE HALIBURTON WILL BE AN ALL-STAR
Former NBA player turned pundit Wally Szczerbiak apologised for calling Haliburton a “wannabe fake All-Star” earlier in the year. Well, he’ll be apologising again because Haliburton will be an All-Star soon enough.
Haliburton made one of his biggest statements this season as he took over late for the Pacers, inspiring Indiana to a win over Paul George and Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers.
The 22-year-old is averaging a league-leading 10.2 assists to go with 20.9 points, also a career-high number, and has emerged as a genuine star since being traded by Sacramento.
Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton celebrate. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images16. NO HELP FOR LUKA AT THE DEADLINE
After Luka Doncic’s latest 50-point effort, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said what everyone else is thinking.
“We’ve got to get healthy here soon, we’re asking too much of Luka,” he told reporters.
Unfortunately for Dallas fans, we’re predicting there won’t be any real help coming at the trade deadline, although it may be the better move in the long term.
Until the Mavericks get all of their own picks back they won’t be able to compete with rival teams on the open market. That changes after June’s draft, when Dallas will finally have all their future picks available.
That will give the Mavericks more bargaining power when some bigger names may also come on the market, depending how things develop at some underperforming franchises.
The more likely result is that the Mavericks make a similar move to the one they did last season when they traded away Kristaps Porzingis for either picks or more cap flexibility.
Tim Hardaway Jr. was mentioned in potential trades at the last deadline and shapes as one of the more likely players to be moved should Dallas take that approach.
Luka lands buzzer beater, triple double! | 00:47
17. CLIPPERS WILL BE A FORCE IN THE PLAYOFFS
The Pelicans have the depth to go far. The Nuggets are more well-balanced, if fully fit and the Grizzlies will be thereabouts once again. The Suns and Warriors could still be dangerous too if they get it all together.
But when it comes to the Clippers, it doesn’t matter too much where they finish, just as long as they make the playoffs. If they do, L.A. has the potential to go all the way should Paul George and Kawhi Leonard stay on the court together.
The Clippers have already done well to keep a winning record even with key players out injured. It is frightening to think of just how good they could be at full-strength.
18. KINGS FINALLY END THEIR PLAYOFF DROUGHT
It’s been a long time coming. Sacramento last made the playoffs in 2006 and in trading away Tyrese Haliburton, it didn’t seem like the Kings would be any closer to ending that this season.
But first-year coach Mike Brown has transformed Sacramento’s defence while De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis have formed a lethal duo — and not just on the offensive end.
The Nuggets had been rolling until they ran into the Kings recently, with Sabonis and Fox both scoring 31 points while Malik Monk had 32.
Sacramento pushed Denver in its earlier meeting the day before too, only further proving that this is no fluke and that the Kings are capable of pushing the league’s best all the way.
Lock it in, the curse will end this season and while they may not get past the first round, there is finally reason to believe in what Sacramento is building.
Zion soars to career high, wins game! | 00:47
19. PISTONS LAND VICTOR WEMBANYAMA IN THE DRAFT
The rest of the NBA better watch out because the Pistons will be scary good in a few years.
Jaden Ivey (No. 5 pick) is the perfect complement to Cade Cunningham (No. 1 pick) and with the worst record in the league, Detroit will once again be in the hunt for another game-changing talent.
Well, fortunately for them there is a guy called Victor Wembanyama up for grabs in the upcoming draft. Heard of him? He’s apparently good? So good that teams will not-so-subtlety tank in a bid to get him.
A once-in-a-generation prospect that we’re predicting the Pistons will be lucky enough to land and, in the process, put the entire league on notice.
Everyone wants a piece of Victor Wembanyama. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)Source: AFP20. JAMAL MURRAY TO EXPLODE IN SECOND HALF OF SEASON
The Nuggets have always been thereabouts in recent years as NBA contenders but the key to make the leap to being genuine title threats was simple. Well, if only it was that easy to stay healthy.
Unfortunately for Denver, both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. have struggled to stay on the court. Nikola Jokic kept the team afloat with back-to-back MVP seasons but now one of the league’s more dangerous trios has been united.
And if there is any candidate to well and truly explode in the second half of the season it is Murray, who is only growing in confidence with more time on the court.
There have been periods where Murray has struggled to find his range and rhythm, like the 119-115 win over Charlotte where he shot 0-for-6 from deep and scored just six points.
But Murray has hit double figures in points in Denver’s four wins since and even if he makes slow starts to games he is also starting to hit clutch shots late when the Nuggets need it most.
Look for Murray to really make some noise as the post-season draws closer.
Jamal Murray could heat up. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images21. SGA WINS MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
As already mentioned, Haliburton has taken a significant step in his first season with the Pacers to put himself in All-Star contention. Lauri Markkanen has been a surprise success story while Bol Bol was taking the league by storm earlier in the season.
It may not be particularly bold given he’s the favourite for the award but there is little doubting SGA deserves recognition for the way he has lifted his game in OKC.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s field goal, 3-point and free-throw percentages have all lifted while he is also constantly showing an ability to come up with clutch shots late for the Thunder.
Sure, they’re not winning many games but Gilgeous-Alexander is keeping OKC in more games than they should be in. His defence is also underrated.
22. MATHURIN TO WIN SIXTH MAN AND ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Mathurin has a shot at history this season, with a genuine chance of becoming the first NBA player to win both Rookie and Sixth Man of the Year awards.
The 20-year-old has already been at an immediate disadvantage when it comes to his ROTY credentials given he comes off the bench, meaning he averages 28.1 minutes compared to leading contender Paolo Banchero’s 34.1.
As a result, Mathurin’s 17.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists don’t look quite as impressive as Banchero’s 20.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
But even still, Mathurin is clearly making a winning impact for the Pacers off the bench, providing an immediate spark on the offensive end and may have more opportunities to close in on Banchero as the Pacers’ playoff push continues.
Bennedict Mathurin has impressed in his rookie season. (Photo by ANDY LYONS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFPAs for the Sixth Man of the Year race, Russell Westbrook has reinvigorated his play from the bench for the Lakers while Jordan Poole and Malcolm Brogdon are also strong contenders.
Westbrook probably has the advantage given he dominates the national conversation, even though admittedly that is for all the wrong reasons sometimes.
But again Mathurin is well and truly in the mix and we’re going to make the bold call that he continues to fire down the stretch and does the double.
23. JAMES HARDEN WILL BE THE STORY OF THE PLAYOFFS
There will be plenty of intriguing stories to follow in the post-season, from whether the Celtics can go one better with a new coach to how Brooklyn’s big three performs.
But amid reports Harden could go back to Houston in free agency, look for the Sixers superstar to dominate the headlines in the post-season.
Now, of course, the key word in that report was ‘if’ — “if he decides against a new deal with the Philadelphia 76ers”. So, there is every chance nothing comes of it and Harden extends with the Sixers.
All eyes will be on James Harden. (Photo by Dustin Satloff / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFPBut that only adds an extra element of intrigue to the playoffs for Harden given eyes will already been on the all-star guard to see if he can really deliver for Philly in the post-season.
The contract drama will be bubbling away in the background too and how Harden navigates those external distractions will be key to see how far Philadelphia progresses.
