What these NBA championship contenders need ahead of the trade deadline

The NBA trade deadline is just around the corner. This is usually a time for teams to look to buy into or sell on their current roster. This article goes into what we think the top nine contenders for the NBA championship need to do ahead of the deadline to improve their current roster. Detroit Pistons Needs - Consistent second scoring option/spark plug off the bench. Targets - Trey Murphy, Michael Porter Jr, Lauri Markkanen, Malik Monk, Coby White. The Pistons currently sit at the top of the East, but the one thing that they need is a second consistent scoring option behind star Cade Cunningham. I've always believed that they should pull the trigger on one of the big forwards listed above, no matter what it takes. They might not want to pull the trigger on one of the big guns, but they still need a scoring punch off the bench, which could make them go for a Monk/White type, which wouldn't cost too much to get. If they can get either Murphy, Porter or Markkanen, I think they would definitely be favourites to win the East. Oklahoma City Thunder Needs - Perimeter shooting/extra depth. Targets - Ayo Dosunmu, Naji Marshall, Aj Green, Malik Monk, Kevon Looney. When you're the defending champions and have started this season as the best team in the league, there is not much they should change among their roster, but there are still problems that can arise. They currently rank 14th in the NBA in three point percentage, so adding a shooter like Monk, Green, or Dosunmu would be a perfect addition to create spacing in the playoffs. They have also been very banged up with injuries throughout the season so far, so adding just some extra depth would be very helpful. If they can find a way to snag Dosunmu without giving much up, I believe that would be the perfect scenario. New York Knicks Needs - Perimeter defence, bench additions. Targets - Jrue Holiday, Naji Marshall, Jose Alvarado, Ayo Dosunmu. The Knicks' offence is certainly not the problem, as they rank third in offensive rating. Defence is where they need to step up, especially in the guard area, to help out Jalen Brunson. Jrue Holiday seems the perfect fit as he has championship expertise, elite defender and extra ballhandler, but it may be too difficult to get him. Denver Nuggets Needs - Forward Depth, Extra ball handler. Targets - Ayo Dosunmu, Jose Alvarado, Jalen Smith. To be fair, I don't think the Nuggets need to do much to improve their roster, they mainly just need their players to be healthy. If they need to add anything, it would just be a little depth. Any depth in the guard/forward area would be perfect that why Ayo Dosunmu would be an ideal target, as they wouldn't have to trade too much for him. Boston Celtics Need - Center position and frontcourt depth. Targets - Nic Claxton, Daniel Gafford, Yves Missi, Day'Ron Sharpe. The Celtics' only problem, it seems, is their frontcourt; in particular, they are in desperate need of a centre if they want to win a championship. An obvious choice would be Nic Claxton, but I think the Nets might want to hold on to him for longer. A more realistic choice would be Gafford if they can find a way to secure him for cheap. San Antonio Spurs Needs - Power forward depth. Targets - Michael Porter Jr, Bobby Portis Jrn, Jalen Smith. Spurs are a step in the right direction and have suddenly become a contender in the league. I believe that they will keep their current young roster, but if they need to do anything, it is depth in the forward position. Michael Porter Jr would be the crazy deal that is unlikely to happen, but if they can get someone like Bobby Portis Jr or Jalen Smith to just add to the depth to help Wembanyama. It could work out perfectly. Cleveland Cavaliers Needs - Forward depth, more scoring. Targets - James Harden, Ayo Dosunmu, Bobby Portis Jrn, Herb Jones. The Cavaliers have already done a trade, trading DeAndre Hunter for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, but I don't think they are done just yet. We just got news that a swap could be in play involving Garland and Harden. If they can secure Harden, I believe that would be the perfect fit for them, and it would make them instant favourites to win the East. Houston Rockets Needs - A true point guard, more shooting and another big. Targets - Ryan Rollins, Cam Spencer, Simone Fontecchio, Nick Richards. Since Fred Van Vleet got injured was a need for a true point guard. Thompson is good, but he isn't enough, while Sheppard isn't ready to be a starting point guard. There are a few guards they can acquire for a cheap deal, like Rollins and Spencer. Shooting would help in some playoff games, along with another big after the Steven Adams injury. Interesting to see what moves they will make. Minnesota Timberwolves Needs - Scoring punch off bench and more playmaking. Targets - Coby White, Malik Monk, Tre Jones. It is obvious what the Wolves need to try help them get over the hump, and that is more playmaking and scoring to help out star Anthony Edwards. They have been heavily linked to Coby White, and I think that would be ideal for them, as he would boost both of their needs. If they want to get someone without spending as much, Monk and Jones seem like the right fit.

What these NBA championship contenders need ahead of the trade deadline

Breaking down who these franchises can target ahead of the trade deadline 👇

Houston Rockets

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