A guide for Celtics fans ahead of the trade deadline

The Boston Celtics have stumbled over the previous two months, but the highest remains to be properly inside attain. After going 13-10 since December seventh, they’re nonetheless inside 4.5 video games of the Cavs, who maintain one of the best document within the East. They’re just one further sport behind the Thunder, who now have one of the best document throughout the league. We’re over half method by way of the season, however there’s nonetheless loads of basketball to be performed.

You’d suppose that every staff’s tier assignments can be roughly set at this level within the season, however with the commerce deadline looming, issues could also be as unstable as ever. Right here’s a have a look at the place issues stand as of at the moment.

*Information and standings as of January 27, 2024*

Prime Threats:

Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder – 1st in West (37-8, 1-0 vs Cs): OKC’s excellence has continued, at the same time as they continue to be short-handed. They’re actually the favorites to return out of the West, and will even be the general favorites. They maintain one of the best document within the league, whereas doubtlessly with the ability to deliver their 7’1” unicorn again into the combo inside the subsequent month. If Nikola Jokic didn’t exist, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might need had a agency grip on that MVP trophy. He’s really reached super-stardom, and OKC has constructed a really well-rounded roster round him. I don’t anticipate them to be energetic on the commerce deadline, however they do have an abundance of picks, in addition to various younger gamers who might command bigger contracts within the close to future. Perhaps Sam Presti leverages these to solidify this staff as title favorites. Regardless, they’re at worst top-2.

New York Knicks – third in East (36-16 || 0-1 vs Cs): The Knicks have continued to prepare dinner. Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Cities had been each named All-Star starters, and deservedly so. They’re presently main New York to the #2 ranked offensive score. Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart have been complimenting them completely, whereas additionally heading the staff’s defensive efforts. Mitchell Robinson needs to be making his season debut inside the subsequent month, which is able to present some much-needed aid to this staff as they attempt to get to the playoffs rested and wholesome. They don’t should make any strikes on the deadline – they’re comfortably in the direction of the highest of the contender conversations.

Denver Nuggets – 4th in West (28-17 || 0-1 vs Cs): After a sluggish begin to the season, the Nuggets have began to place the items collectively. It helps understanding that they’ll all the time have one of the best participant on the ground. Nikola Jokic is having one other unreal season, and I wholeheartedly anticipate him to deliver residence one other MVP trophy. Jamal Murray has appeared significantly better over the previous month than he did earlier within the season. Aaron Gordon missed important time, however he’s additionally again within the lineup for them now. Denver is constructing momentum, and will very properly make a push again to the finals. I wouldn’t anticipate them to be particularly energetic on the commerce market, however I additionally wouldn’t be shocked in the event that they tried to make some minor trades to shore up their bench.

Different Potential Challengers:

Cleveland Cavaliers – 1st in East (36-9 || 1-1 vs Cs): Cleveland has hit their first tough patch of the season, slowing down their historic win-pace. They’re on a three-game shedding streak, and have a document of 4-5 of their final 9 video games. A part of that could be them coming again right down to actuality, whereas a part of it may be attributed to absences from guys like Evan Mobley, Caris Levert, Isaac Okoro, and Dean Wade. They nonetheless stand 4.5 video games above the Celtics for the highest seed within the East, however they now fall 1 sport behind OKC for one of the best total document. They’re elite, however have proven indicators of weak spot. We’ll should see how they reply to this skid, however for now they’re nonetheless firmly thought-about contenders.

Dallas Mavericks – ninth in West (24-22 || 0-1 vs Cs): Luka Doncic has missed over half the season, but the Mavericks are nonetheless above .500. Their offseason strikes all appear to have been hits, and Kyrie has been enjoying at a really excessive stage once more. Regardless of their document, it’s onerous to not say they give the impression of being higher than final yr. Luka is anticipated to return earlier than the All-Star break, so it’ll be onerous to move a reliable judgement on this staff till after then. As for deadline strikes, they had been rumored to be buying Daniel Gafford, however with Derrick Full of life sidelined for an prolonged time period their plans might need shifted. Given their success final yr, they might simply be thought-about the favorites to return out of the West this yr with out having to make any new strikes.

Houston Rockets – 2nd in West (30-14 || 0-1 vs Cs): Houston, you’ve got shocked me. I didn’t anticipate this staff to steadily keep pretty much as good as they’ve been all season. They overcame their offensive struggles at first of the yr by anchoring themselves on protection, and now their offense is catching up. Their roster may be very properly rounded, however I strongly consider their greatest X-Issue has been Amen Thompson. He will not be an ideal shooter, however exterior of that it seems like there’s nothing he can’t do at a excessive stage. He’s an distinctive defender, slasher, and rebounder, and for my part wants much more love within the Most Improved dialog. Houston undoubtedly doesn’t should make any strikes to stay in competition, so I anticipate them to have a quiet deadline.

Milwaukee Bucks – 4th in East (25-18 || 0-3 vs Cs): Milwaukee has been steadily trending up. Giannis and Dame have been enjoying like the celebs they’re, and guys like Gary Trent Jr., A.J. Inexperienced, and Taurean Prince have all been giving the Bucks a pleasant elevate. The Bucks are seemingly within the contender dialog, however solely on the fringes. They’ve been rumored to have curiosity in buying Jimmy Butler, and have additionally reportedly been buying Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton to clear up wage whereas chasing a 3rd star to play alongside Giannis and Dame. I anticipate them to be energetic on the deadline, and if they’re, they may simply be swinging for the fences once more.

Memphis Grizzlies – third in West (31-15 || 1-0 vs Cs): The Grizzlies may be the deepest staff within the league. It seems like they legitimately have 15 strong rotation guys on their roster. A clear damage report nonetheless eludes them, however they’ve stacked up the wins, positioning themselves properly to get a high seed within the West. They could be in essentially the most distinctive spot the place it seems like they should make a transfer, not as a result of they’re not adequate, however as a result of they’ve too many good gamers who can’t all play each sport. I’d be shocked in the event that they didn’t make an effort to consolidate a few of their expertise and up their star energy, sending out a number of guys to herald somebody like Cameron Johnson, who they’ve been linked to for a while now. Regardless, Memphis is in an ideal spot to compete.

Los Angeles Lakers – fifth in West (25-18 || 1-0 vs Cs): The Lakers are virtually at full energy, not too long ago welcoming Jarred Vanderbilt again from his prolonged absence. Together with his return to the lineup, Los Angeles’s protection simply acquired extra dynamic. It’s been one in all their greatest weaknesses this yr, but when Vando is ready to persistently make the affect they anticipate him to, it might actually flip issues round for the Lakers. They’re nonetheless positive to be concerned within the commerce market on the request of Anthony Davis and LeBron. Count on names like Rui Hachimura, Christian Wooden, and Jalen Hood-Schifino to be tossed round in rumors as LA tries to strengthen their roster.

Sneaky Groups to Watch:

Los Angeles Clippers – sixth in West (26-19 || 0-2 vs Cs): I’ll give it to the Clippers – I didn’t anticipate them to be the place they’re at this level within the season. They’ve hung their hats on the defensive finish, and that’s sure to get higher with Kawhi Leonard again within the lineup. He’s been on a minutes restriction, and is prone to keep away from back-to-backs doubtlessly for the remainder of his profession, however that doesn’t matter to LAC so long as he’s wholesome. At this level, they only want to offer him and the staff extra time to seek out their rhythm collectively. I can simply see them staying pat on the deadline, letting this staff experience the season out.

Indiana Pacers – fifth in East (25-20 || 2-1 vs Cs): The Pacers are slowly getting again to the staff we noticed final yr. Tyrese Haliburton’s capturing has significantly improved from the beginning of the season, and so they’ve been getting strong contributions throughout the board. Truthfully, I don’t suppose they’ve the star energy to be thought-about a contender simply but, however they’re knocking on the door. They may not even should make a giant transfer to get there, as an alternative merely permitting their guys proceed to develop of their roles. They should tighten issues up on protection, however they’re getting their tempo again up, and their offense is beginning to look lethal once more.

Minnesota Timberwolves – seventh in West (24-21 || 0-2 vs Cs): In the event you’re evaluating this season to final season, the Timberwolves have undoubtedly been a disappointment – but, you continue to can’t depend them out. Anthony Edwards has some maturing to do. He’s nonetheless excellent at placing the ball within the basket. When the Wolves are clicking, they’ll actually get issues going. They nonetheless have a number of months to determine how to do this persistently. Rob Dillingham has lastly been getting appreciable enjoying time, and is taking advantage of it. Donte DiVincenzo was discovering his shot earlier than being sidelined with a toe damage, too. If Minnesota is seeking to make a transfer, it’ll seemingly be one thing minor to enhance their depth, however they’re not in a foul spot proper now.

Orlando Magic – seventh in East (24-23 || 1-1 vs Cs): After an electrical begin to the season, Orlando was hit with a slew of accidents which made the waters murky. Fortunate for them, they haven’t been beating opposing groups on star energy, relatively by outworking them. Regardless of struggling on offense for a lot of the season, the Magic have a particularly bodily, top-ranked protection which retains them in video games. With Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero again now, they’ve a superb likelihood to start out trending again up. I’m unsure in the event that they’ll be patrons simply but, however they might attempt to up their offensive firepower if the fitting offers come round.

Phoenix Suns – eighth in West (23-21): Phoenix is on the point of implosion, however they can salvage issues earlier than it reaches the breaking level. They’ve very overtly and actively making an attempt to herald Jimmy Butler from the Warmth. The problem is that might require transferring Bradley Beal, who inexplicably has a no-trade clause. Not many groups need his contract, together with Miami, and he’s not prepared to waive his NTC to most groups in any case. It appears to have harm the connection between Beal and the Suns, and to make issues worse, Jusuf Nurkic appears to have a strained relationship with the staff too. Given the disagreeable setting, Phoenix’s season might hinge on their skill to get this Jimmy deal accomplished, although there’s no assure that might be an answer both.

Atlanta Hawks – ninth in East (22-23 || 2-1 vs Cs): Atlanta has the potential to make issues fascinating if they’ll handle a playoff spot. They’ve already proven that they’ll problem and beat a number of the high groups. Jalen Johnson, when wholesome, is a rising star. Trae Younger is without doubt one of the most neglected gamers after we speak about stars as properly. Add within the tenacity of Dyson Daniels, and the elevated reliability of Onyeka Okongwu and De’Andre Hunter, and you’ve got one thing to work with. I anticipate Atlanta to be patrons this yr, testing the worth of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Clint Capela to see if they’ll handle to develop into a extra well-rounded staff. They will not be a high staff, however they’re not a staff I might overlook both.

Wouldn’t Fear:

Sacramento Kings – tenth in West (23-22 || 1-0 vs Cs): After signing him to a three-year extension over the offseason, Sacramento didn’t like what they noticed from their head coach, Mike Brown, and determined to chop ties. They promoted Doug Christie to interim head coach, and since taking up, Sacramento has turned their season round. In that point, they’re 10-4, and now maintain the ultimate play-in spot. I anticipate them to make an effort to enhance their bench, nonetheless I don’t understand how a lot success they’ll have with that. They nonetheless have a little bit of floor to cowl earlier than they’ll contend, however issues aren’t practically as grim as they had been in December.

Detroit Pistons – sixth in East (23-22 || 0-3 vs Cs): I really like what Detroit is doing this yr. For all you baseball followers studying this, it’s barely harking back to a Moneyball season. Detroit has the bottom wage within the league, partly as a result of they drafted most of their guys, and partly as a result of they took an opportunity on a number of guys who didn’t have very team-friendly contracts only a season in the past, every one in all them panning out in some capability. The largest distinction has been the supply and ascension of Cade Cunningham, somebody who I consider needs to be a lock for the East’s All-Star staff this yr. With Detroit presently within the playoff image, I might be shocked in the event that they didn’t develop into patrons, assuming that the fitting gamers are made obtainable. They’re nonetheless a bit away from being contenders, however this can be a big step ahead from the place they had been final yr, and is certainly one thing they’ll construct on.

Miami Warmth – eighth in East (22-22 || 0-1 vs Cs): Issues are getting ugly in Miami. Tyler Herro has been having a stellar season, and Miami’s first-round decide, Kel’el Ware appears to be breaking out. Sadly, these efforts are being over shadowed by Jimmy Butler’s intent on imploding the staff earlier than leaping ship. It doesn’t assist that Bam Adebayo and Terry Rozier have been having underwhelming seasons. I’d be extraordinarily shocked if Jimmy remains to be on the roster post-deadline. Pat Riley desires to get win-now gamers again in return, however till that occurs, Miami simply doesn’t have a complete lot of firepower, and the vibes are horrendous. In the event that they handle to get the deal accomplished, they might nonetheless make one thing of this season, although.

Golden State Warriors – eleventh in West (22-23 || 1-1 vs Cs): We may very well be seeing the official finish of the Warriors dynasty this yr. Steph Curry remains to be unimaginable, however not as dominant anymore. His supporting solid isn’t giving him a lot help both. He appears to be very clear about his need for the staff to make some strikes, however possession goes to should determine whether or not they need to sacrifice their younger gamers and picks for one more shot at extending Steph’s profession with them. I don’t suppose they develop into sellers till subsequent season on the earliest, however I’m prepared to guess groups have been inquiring about Steph and Draymond’s availability. We’ll have to attend to see if they’ll handle to maneuver the needle, however as issues stand, the Warriors most likely don’t have the juice this yr.

Philadelphia 76ers – eleventh in East (17-27 || 1-0 vs Cs): Let’s be actual, we would not have recognized it was going to be this dangerous, however all of us noticed one thing like this coming. Joel Embiid and Paul George have by no means been recognized for his or her availability. Tyrese Maxey is a stud, although, and it’s been good to see ex-Celtic Guerschon Yabusele profit from his alternatives on this staff. Philly is in limbo this season, and will legitimately miss the playoffs. They owe their decide to OKC (after all), however it’s top-6 protected, so in the event that they determine to name this season, they’re going to should commit onerous to shedding to allow them to retain that decide. In any other case, I feel they make an effort to bolster up their roster and see if they’ll salvage it in some way. If wholesome, they might have sufficient expertise to compete, however that’s a HUGE if with this staff.

San Antonio Spurs – twelfth in West (20-23): This Spurs staff may not make the play-in, however they’re constructing one thing particular right here. In the event you haven’t purchased in to the Wemby hype but, what are you doing? Bringing in Chris Paul and drafting Stephon Fort has solely unlocked him additional, and we are able to’t low cost the steps ahead that Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, and Julian Champagnie have additionally taken. I personally suppose that San Antonio ought to let this season play out and permit their younger gamers to develop. I wouldn’t be shocked in the event that they turned patrons to make a playoff push with the fitting market, although.

Pritchard Takeover Nights:

New Orleans Pelicans – 14th in West (12-34 || 0-1 vs Cs): It’s been a season from hell for New Orleans. The lone shiny spot has been Yves Missi, who they chose with the twenty first decide on this previous draft. They personal their very own decide this yr, and at this fee, they might need to do all the things they’ll to extend its inventory. There have been rumors early on that they needed to maneuver Brandon Ingram by the commerce deadline. At this level, the one three guys I might say needs to be untouchable for them (until they get an excellent provide, clearly) are Yves, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy. New Orleans has been seeing barely shorter damage studies, which has considerably satisfied them to maintain making an attempt, however I feel it’s time to tug the plug on this season.

Portland Path Blazers – thirteenth in West (17-29): Portland has probably been essentially the most intriguing dangerous staff this yr, and so they’ve been doing it beneath the radar. Till going through off in opposition to the top-seeded Thunder yesterday, they had been on a 4-game win streak. They’ve various younger guys who’ve been displaying their upside – Anfernee Simons, Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, and Dalano Banton main that cost. I wouldn’t anticipate them to be patrons but, however they do have a strong core to develop and construct round now. Guys like Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, and Robert Williams might deliver Portland an honest return in the event that they determined they needed to open up their rotations whereas bringing in future belongings, however I don’t suppose the Blazers can be upset in the event that they caught round both. They appear to be on the rise, though they aren’t wherever close to competition with this present roster building.

Toronto Raptors – thirteenth in East (13-32 || 1-2 vs Cs): The Raptors have an honest thought about their franchise cornerstones proper now, however they’re nonetheless a staff that’s removed from being constructed for achievement. RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Gradey Dick are main the pack, however they don’t have any actual chemistry but. Between Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji, Davion Mitchell, Chris Boucher, and Immanuel Quickley they’ve an fascinating supporting solid, however nothing eye popping, particularly when Quickley has barely been obtainable this season. It’s been reported that Toronto desires to be concerned as a facilitating staff in any Jimmy Butler commerce. In addition they have been actively buying Bruce Brown, and will discover different groups excited by Kelly Olynyk as properly. I anticipate them to be energetic out there, however I don’t see them doing something important sufficient to bump up their rank within the tier checklist. If something, they is likely to be sellers taking over dangerous contracts in trade for picks.

Chicago Bulls – tenth in East (19-27 || 1-2 vs Cs): There’s not a complete lot occurring in Chicago. They’ve various respectable gamers, however they by no means appear to have the ability to string collectively consecutive good video games. The Bulls are trending down, and are anticipated to develop into sellers to allow them to decide to a greater future. Names like Zach Lavine, Nikola Vucevic, Torey Craig, Lonzo Ball, and Talen Horton-Tucker have all been thrown round in commerce rumors. It’s to be seen whether or not the Bulls discover a deal to their liking by the deadline, although. They’ve a historical past of holding out for too lengthy, which is a part of the rationale they’re on this spot.

Charlotte Hornets – twelfth in East (12-30 || 0-2 vs Cs): Previous to the beginning of the season, I assumed this is likely to be the yr the place the Hornets lastly begin on course. I used to be mistaken. LaMelo Ball has nice numbers on paper, and is definitely one of many high guards within the East. It’s onerous to see that worth when you think about Charlotte’s lack of success and have a look at the amount he shoots with. They’ve one thing to construct round between him, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams, however the three have a tough time staying wholesome. The Hornets don’t have way more to promote at this level, however I wouldn’t be shocked to see them tackle a foul contract or two to facilitate different groups’ trades.

Brooklyn Nets – 14th in East (14-32 || 0-2 vs Cs): Brooklyn has been very energetic in commerce talks all through the season. They already shipped out Dennis Schroeder to Golden State and Dorian Finney Smith to Los Angeles. Groups have additionally steadily been making an attempt to pry away Cameron Johnson, and guys like Cam Thomas, Nic Claxton, and Day’Ron Sharpe have additionally had their names thrown round as potential commerce targets. As of now, D’Angelo Russell appears to be the one main this staff, which could have been saying one thing again in 2019, however doesn’t quantity to a lot as of late. They’ll be staying out of competition for the foreseeable future.

Utah Jazz – 14th in West (10-33): Utah presently holds the second worst document within the NBA. There’s actually not a lot to it. They’re seemingly going to be sellers on the deadline, with groups anticipated to make calls about Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson. Lauri Markkanen inked a long-term deal previous to the beginning of the season, so he’s sticking round for no. Relying on who and what Utah has previous the commerce deadline, we must always get a greater thought of what sort of timeline they’re on. They’re firmly on the backside of the West this yr, although.

Washington Wizards – fifteenth in East (6-38 || 0-3 vs Cs): The Wizards are presently on tempo to have the seventh worst win share in league historical past. That ought to let you know sufficient. They’ve some enjoyable younger gamers who may very well be on the rise like Bilal Coulibaly, and rookies Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington. That’s about it. Count on them to attempt to promote gamers like Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma, Malcom Brogdon, and Jonas Valanciunas on the deadline, and don’t be shocked in the event that they tackle a number of different dangerous contracts in return. They’re not profitable something anytime quickly.