The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching and every team is looking for ways to bolster their roster. Whether a team is a contender or not, each team is always on the lookout for players who would be an ideal fit. In particular, teams in the Western Conference are looking to improve. Let’s take a look at what each Western Conference team needs as the NBA trade deadline gets closer and closer.
NBA Trade Deadline: Western Conference
Los Angeles Lakers: Young Talent
The Lakers had a hiccup in the month of December. But, they are still considered a title favorite. However, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are not getting any younger. The Lakers could give teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers a call and maybe get some young players with potential. While the Lakers may be in the driver seat along with the Milwaukee Bucks for the title so far, they should be looking for ways to improve their roster just like every other team in the league.
Denver Nuggets: A Player with Length
If the Nuggets are going to compete with any team from Los Angeles in a seven-game series, they need another post player to match up size-wise with Davis, Dwight Howard and JaVale McGeeThe Nuggets have defeated the Lakers once this season, but LeBron was out for that game. The Nuggets have talent, but both Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee are considered a bit undersized for their respective positions. Not to mention, the length will come in handy on the defensive end as well providing some much-needed rim protection.
Los Angeles Clippers: A Solid Wing Player for the Bench
It is no secret the Clippers have arguably the deadliest bench in the league led by Lou Williams. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have led the Clippers to a high seed already as expected, but like the Lakers, there are always ways to improve. For the Clippers, a player like J.J. Redick could bolster the second unit and even be the difference in a seven-game series against a team like the Lakers.
Houston Rockets: A Big Man for the Bench
Coming into the season, one question for the Rockets was the depth. After trading for Russell Westbrook, the Rockets seemed a little thin on the second unit. While the team is doing great being led by the offensive juggernaut in James Harden, the bench does leave something to be desired. Especially in the low post. Trying to get a guy like Steven Adams and bringing him off the bench could increase the Rockets’ chances at a title incrementally.
Dallas Mavericks: A Third Star
Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis have both led the Mavericks to a surprise start to the season. However, a third star could easily put the Mavericks into title contention. There are rumors swirling that Jrue Holiday is on the trade block and a player like him could be a solid fit with the Dallas Mavericks. Holiday is an underrated defender who also boasts an All-Star Game appearance on his resume, so him finding a new home could possibly rejuvenate him as a player as well.
Utah Jazz: A Spark off the Bench
The Jazz has somewhat recovered after a rocky start to the season. They are back in the postseason picture, but they can use a punch for their second unit. They need a player to take the pressure off of Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, and Mike Conley. It does not matter what position, the Jazz simply need an electric player for their second unit.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Assets for Chris Paul
As surprising as a start the Thunder has under the leadership of Chris Paul, the Thunder may want to explore trading the veteran point guard and giving the keys to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Surrounding him with another young talent will be beneficial in the long run and help solidify the future. Not to mention, draft picks are always handy to have in possession, especially for a team that traded away their best two players during the past summer.
Portland Trail Blazers: Kevin Love
Kevin Love grew up in Portland. The Blazers could use a post player like Love. They have enough big men to package in a deal for the Cleveland All-Star. Not to mention, it would be an offensive nightmare for opposing defenses trying to guard a stacked lineup consisting of Love, Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, and a rejuvenated Carmelo Anthony.
San Antonio Spurs: Young Talent
The Spurs are desperately trying to claw back into the postseason picture. If they miss the playoffs this season, it will be the first postseason without the Spurs since 1997! That is simply amazing. However, all good things must come to an end. It may be best to package both DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge in a deal to get young players and other assets back to start the rebuild. Sometimes you just have to rip off the bandaid and get it over with.
Sacramento Kings: A Veteran Wing Player
The Kings have been somewhat of a disappointment this year. Sure, they could still sneak into the playoffs, but after finishing as the nine seed last year, many expected them to take the next step. That has not happened. However, targeting another reliable wing comparable to Wesley Matthews could take some of the pressure off the young core.
Memphis Grizzlies: A Back Court Mate for Ja Morant
Ja Morant is the Rookie of the Year front runner right now. There really is no arguing about it either. However, having another reliable player in the backcourt could do wonders not just for Morant, but for the team as a whole. The Grizzlies have a bright future led by the rookie and it is up to the front office to surround him with the necessary talent.
Phoenix Suns: A Bolster to the Bench
The Suns have crashed back down to Earth after their hot start to the season. A big part of this is that they need an extra spark off the bench to ensure Devin Booker and the starters can get adequate rest. The Suns seem to be destined for the lottery again, however, trading for some bench help could give this team at least a sliver of hope.
Minnesota Timberwolves: A Play Making Point Guard
The Timberwolves need a point guard who can find ways to get Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins open looks. Jeff Teague is a solid scoring point guard but does not seem to fit with this Timberwolves team. The funny thing is, the Timberwolves had a point guard like this in Ricky Rubio. Now, the team is in need of a player like this more than ever.
New Orleans Pelicans: Assets for Jrue Holiday
Despite the team denying, it seems as if the team is going to part ways with Holiday eventually. Getting more young players and draft picks to add to the youth movement will help move the rebuild process along. Holiday will benefit a contender and the Pelicans will have extra cap space to work with as they look to the future.
Golden State Warriors: A Reliable Big Man off the Bench
The Warriors have been injury-plagued all year long. Without Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, they are a lottery team this year. However, they will be back in the mix come next season. With that being said, the Warriors could use a big man for their second unit. Eric Paschall will most likely remain in the starting lineup making up a formidable front-court of him and Draymond Green. However, the Warriors could target the sixth man as a center and look to the draft to make up for other needs.
Main Photo: