Basketball Buzz in Boston: Time to Make Some Moves Before the Trade Deadline

Hey there, Boston! As the holiday season rolls in, it’s time for a little NBA gossip, and if you think Santa is the only one with a wish list, think again. NBA general managers are out there jotting down their dreams too, and just like you, they want to check off those boxes ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. The NBA season has already gotten a bit steamy with every team hitting the court for nearly 30 games, so let’s dive into the who’s who of potential trades in the Atlantic Division.

Celtics: The Contenders

First up, we’ve got the Celtics, and there’s no way these guys are aiming for those ping-pong balls! They’re looking to repeat their championship run, and if a golden opportunity to upgrade presents itself, you bet they’ll jump on it. The Celtics have been playing it wise, making sure that their financial commitments are reasonable.

So, what’s on their holiday wish list? A big man who could help this season and maybe be a long-term replacement for Al Horford. It won’t be easy because salary matching is tricky territory for them—they need to send out more cash than they take on. With very few holes on their roster, any trade they do will have to be for a swap, rather than major changes. Respectfully, the likelihood of them making a trade is small.

Nets: The Sellers

On the other end of the spectrum, we’ve got the Nets who are officially in rebuilding mode. After hitting the big red ‘rebuild’ button this past summer, they should stick to their guns. With some solid veterans like Cam Johnson and Dennis Schröder, they can shop these guys around to other teams looking to bolster their playoff chances.

And let’s not forget about Ben Simmons! His $40.3 million expiring contract could attract teams looking to shed costs. The Nets are dancing just below the luxury tax line, so they have enough options to work with. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows for them, but there’s a huge likelihood we see them making trades.

Knicks: The Careful Buyers

Next on our list are the Knicks. These guys have already made some big splashy moves, adding players like OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns over the past several months. They don’t seem to be in the market for a blockbuster deal anytime soon, though. However, they definitely need some bench depth if they want to make waves in the playoffs.

Sadly, the Knicks’ finances make things tricky. They’re only a smidge below the second apron, so loading up might be tight. Their assets are few after their recent investments in big names, meaning they need to find ways to tinker rather than overhaul. They can only make a move if it means giving back less money, so consider their likelihood of trading as small.

Sixers: The Realists

Here come the Sixers with a bit of a messy situation. They went big last summer, aiming for the title, but things don’t seem to be going their way. With players like Joel Embiid and even Paul George in and out of the lineup, their season has been a rollercoaster ride.

What should they do? That’s the million-dollar question! They could make some smaller trades to optimize things, but the real focus might need to shift toward building for the future—however, that’s probably not on the table mid-season. Given their high commitments, the probability of a trade is also in the small zone.

Raptors: Stay Course

Last but not least, we have the Raptors. Their record isn’t impressive, but injuries have played a massive role in their performance. With missing stars, they’ve managed to piece together a decent lineup, but they’re not in a position to go for broke at this point.

With a focus on development and some potential lottery luck next year, they’re better off sticking to their plan. Major moves aren’t in the cards this season, making the likelihood of trade also small.

So, there you have it, Boston! A peek into what’s buzzing around town as the trade deadline approaches. Keep your eyes peeled for any surprising trades that could shake things up. Happy holidays!