When it approaches end of the transfer market or trade deadline everyone is watching the top contenders in the ring waiting to see what they do. More often than not, top franchises don’t move, don’t make moves and, at best, add a shooter or veteran to help them in the Playoffs.
However, anything can happen and in this closing of the transfer window which looks very calm and “boring” there is room for madness.
What will the title contenders do? What options do they have? And above all, what could they improve? It’s time to look at the candidates in search of players to help them put the finishing touches on their squad.
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Boston Celtics
The Eastern Conference champions are running like a well-oiled machine despite the changes they’ve undergone in recent months. They are one of the best attacks and one of the best defenses, ranked 3rd and 5th respectively. Joe Mazulla’s men seem to be doing everything right as they allow a low hit at the rim, don’t take too many turnovers and are generally solid. However, there is always room for improvement, and these Celtics can profit from their current situation.
The main thing they need to watch out for in Boston isn’t so much the playoffs, which they already had covered with Brogdon, but the normal phase. Al Horford can’t average 30 minutes if he aspires to be a postseason starter, while Robert Williams is still picking up the pace. Hence the big one “need” Become a inside solvent enough to may be an owner when both leave or give minutes from quality in the absence of either.
They have names like Payton Pritchard or Justin Jackson who should I move to put the finishing touches on a list of names almost perfect. Although the big contender is Danilo Gallinari, injured for the rest of the course, and with a salary of 6.4 million. This earnings range includes items such as Rudy Gay (6.1 million), PJ Washington (5.8 million) or JaVale McGee (5.4 million).
Denver Nuggets
It was clear that the Nuggets only needed to get their injured stars back and add two secondaries to be contenders for everything again. Add to that a Nikola Jokic who is steadily on his way to his third MVP, and Denver has the odds stacked against them to complete a good run.
He said there was one area where Michael Malone’s didn’t fall short: defense. The departure of assistants like Wes Unseld or Jordi Fernández has weakened a technical staff that has previously been different when it came to building a more than optimal defensive system. The Nuggets rank 16th in defensive efficiency. Among the top four ranked in each Conference, only the Kings (23rd) are worse in that regard.
The big problem is protecting the rim, which is the responsibility of Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, two figures who don’t particularly shine in their mastery on that side of the court. However, thinking about a change in this area involves reformulating the question, viz boost the outer line so that the margin of error is smaller.
In order to look for transfers, they do not have valuable assets to get much in return, highlighting Zeke Nnaji (2.4 million) or Vlatko Cancar (2.3 million). With that in mind and a second rounder, they could look to land Hamidou Diallo, who has done a solid job for the Pistons, or Justise Winslow, whose contribution goes beyond defense.
Memphis Grizzlies
With the Grizzlies, it’s easy to find the problem, although solving it isn’t as simple as trading chips as if it were NBA 2K. In Memphis they have a foreign hitting problemleading them to rank 21st in that sense, tying it 34.9% of his shotswhich translates to a 56.1% of real shot (27th). Only Desmond Bane (42.8%) is shooting over 40% while figures averaging more than 15 minutes such as Dillon Brooks (32.5%), Ja Morant (31.8%), David Roddy (28.6%) or Brandon Clarke (16.7%). it does not even exceed 33%.
Memphis needs 3-pointers and ASAP, given their vertical style where transition is so important to their scoring ability, a scorer capable of producing from long range is essential to succeed. Yes, Aldama, Konchar or LaRavia are performing well, but it is not expected that they will be able to stay there in the Playoffs.
The ideal figure to fit into Taylor Jenkins’ squad would be Alec Burks, one of the few who manages to shoot 44.4% on threes with 62.2% TS. His salary would match Danny Green’s in a trade and provide seniority and creation in the playoffs. In the backfield would be Corey Kispert of the Wizards or AJ Griffin of the Hawks, whose options to leave are almost non-existent.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers have both the blessing and the problem of having a high salary player like Tobias Harris (37.6 cm). This gives them the option to assume one or more at deadline and thus improve their choices by diversifying the campus. The problem is that the outsider’s preeminence in the group turns him into an active balancer whose absence could throw everything out of balance.
In that sense, it would be best in Philly’s best interest to add a defensive forward who can also score from distance, which is what everyone is looking for these days. The point is that the market does not offer many alternatives in this sense beyond names outside of discussions within their respective groups.
Looking for options with a certain consistency, the shape that would fit best would be Gary Trent Jr., although to make it possible Daryl Morey had to work hard in the salary and assets department of the Draft. The outside would provide the perfect combination of defensive and offensive input while also improving the 76ers’ financial ability to maneuver.
In case Philadelphia kept Harris it would be Korkmaz, Springer and above all Thybulle the calls to leave, receiving lower value pieces in return. Combining these and some early rounds with protection should be the best targets Alex Caruso, Grayson Allen or Nicolas Batum.
Milwaukee Bucks
They may not look like the prettiest team to look at, even hard to measure at times, but the Bucks will be a danger in the playoffs. Not just because they have Giannis Antetokounmpo, but because the combination of Lopez, Middleton and Holiday is difficult for opponents to match and is a quintet that operates on automatic mode.
The problems appear when you look at your second drive. While it’s true that Budenholzer isn’t too fond of rotations, especially in the Playoffs, they’ll need support from the bench if they want to contend for a ring. Right now Milwaukee is making just 34.5% of their 3-pointers and barely going to the rim (9.8, 28th average).
Arguably what the 2021 champions lack is a microwave, a scorer capable of making the difference from the second unit and changing everything. In other words, They need Jordan Clarkson.
The Utah Jazz guard is aspiring to be a free agent, so his value will increase as the deadline approaches. deadline. While defense isn’t his thing, it’s clear that when it comes to changing a game on offense he’s one of the best substitutes. With a salary of 13.3 million they would send the bills Grayson Allen, Jordan Nwora and two second rounders (2023 and 2024 via Portland).
Clarkson is the missing piece to become champions again.
brooklyn nets
After an unexpected backlash, the New Yorkers once again put themselves in position to be a contender. And they’ve done it amazingly thanks to their defense. A circumstance that caused the players who were previously mainstays in Steve Nash’s system to lose some weight. With Irving full time and the arrival of Royce O’Neale, the importance of names like Joe Harris, Cam Thomas or Patty Mills has decreased significantly.
The upside for the Nets’ interests is that these three guys have interesting market value and could provide them with much-needed upgrade opportunities.
Without a doubt, what Brooklyn needs most for the Playoffs is a guaranteed interior replacement. The rotation between Claxton, Sharpe, Morris and, occasionally, Durant has worked well so far, but it won’t be enough in the playoffs. They need something more and above all they need experience. An antiquity which Daniel Theis and his 8.6 million salary would make a perfect trade for Thomas and Mills. The German is versatile, an underrated defender, adapts to any scenario and helped Boston a lot in the Playoffs. The thing with him is that It’s been out since November due to a right knee problem, although according to Carlisle he is close to a return.
In the background, names like Thaddeus Young (8M), Taurean Prince (7.2M) or Khem Birch (6.6M).
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
