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The 2021 NBA season has raced by thus far, with some teams, like the Utah Jazz and Philadelphia 76ers, thriving, and others, like the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves, floundering. But as we move past the All-Star break, and quickly approach the trade deadline, every team has a chance to improve, whether it is for now, or for the future. The trade deadline is Thursday, March 25th, and there are a bunch of big names that could be playing for new teams.
The trade deadline is the last chance NBA teams have to make trades before they are barred for the rest of the season. Past trade deadlines have seen NBA legends traded, from Carmelo Anthony to Pau Gasol. Even if all-star players aren’t traded, it is a time of action and excitement as teams look to build on what they have or tear it all down. Predicting the deadline is tough, as it is an inherently unpredictable time, but we will still endeavour to try. Below, we will give a breakdown of what we think is going to happen this year.
It is well known that the trades are an essential part of the team development and improvement. By choosing the right players the teams can get themselves to the top of the NBA predictions and enhance the odds that bookies provide for their games. Of course, it also means increasing their chances of winning the next matches to come and holding their position on the table strongly.
After all, it’s important to remember that if a bookie decided to increase the odds on a certain team, there’s a reason for that. Same goes for the sports experts that predict that the team will win. All those also boost the confidence of the players as often those odds and predictions are part of a psychological war between the sides playing. This is one of the many reasons why the trades are so crucial for the team development.
For the 2021 trade deadline, certain teams appear poised to make a move. While every contender will be making calls to try and improve their team for the playoff race, there are a couple of teams that appear most likely to be buyers this deadline, and some that look like sellers. Here is a quick breakdown of some buyers, and sellers.
Buyers
The Celtics are one team that appears almost certain to be making a move for the deadline. While the Celtics are consistently linked to every name that is floated around before the deadline, this year, the Celtics have been a middling team. They are still in the playoff picture, but at 21-21 at the time of writing, they’re not where they want to be. They lack size in the middle and have been linked to multiple wings. With a ton of draft capital and young players, the Celtics have the ammo to make a move.
The Miami Heat is another team that looks likely to be hunting for upgrades. Coming off their 2020 finals run, the Heat started the year slowly. But with Jimmy Butler back, the wins have started coming. This is an aggressive management team, that has assets in young players like Precious Achiuwa, Kendrick Nunn, KZ Okpala, and if a big trade is swung, Tyler Herro. They could upgrade particularly at the point guard spot.
Sellers
the Orlando Magic have limped throughout the season after briefly starting hot. With Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac both out for the year with an injury, this team is out of the playoff picture entirely. Recently, Power Forward Aaron Gordon demanded a trade, and it looks likely this is his last week in Orlando. Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross could both be dealt to teams in need of a scoring guard, and if the Magic want to tank, all-star center Nikola Vucevic could be gone.
Just two years removed from their championship win, the Toronto Raptors have struggled. Currently, they are on a losing streak of 8 games, and team president Masai Ujiri has a lot of choices to make. Two of the Raptor’s best players, franchise legend Kyle Lowry and breakout scorer Norman Powell have expiring contracts, and the Raptors don’t look like they can contend this year. There is a very real likelihood either of those players could be on the move if the Raptors decide to look to the future.
While both these teams look poised to sell off some assets, here is a breakdown of a few other players who could be available for the right price:
NBA trade deadline predictions
Andre Drummond: Drummond is available to be had, and the Cavaliers center is in the last year of a massive contract. Any team that could use rebounding and athleticism upfront could make a move.
Potential fits: Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers
Kelly Oubre Jr.: With Steph Curry now sidelined, it seems likely the Warriors might move some assets. The primary contender to be moved on that team is Kelly Oubre Jr., who is going to hit free agency this summer and might not be a fit for the offense.
Potential fits: Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Boston Celtics
Victor Oladipo: At this point, the Rockets should look into all options. They’ve lost 20 straight, and have nothing to play for. Oladipo is an upcoming free agent and is unlikely to tether himself to what looks like a long rebuild. The Rockets should get what they can.
Potential Fits: Golden State Warrior, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers
Lonzo Ball: The Pelicans have not performed up to expectations this year. Although Lonzo is playing well recently, he is a restricted free agent this summer and might demand top pay. The Pelicans might be smart to see what they could get for the mercurial point guard, maybe to a team like the Clippers or Bulls who could use a savvy table-setter.
Potential fits: Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat
With mere days remaining until the window closes for NBA teams to make significant moves, anything is possible. While all the talk around Bradley Beal has quieted, and Magic center Nikola Vucevic appearing unlikely to be moved unless there is a massive offer, it doesn’t seem any All-Stars will be playing for new teams. However, with the trade deadline, always expect the unexpected.
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