With the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline looming, contenders are surely starting to evaluate their rosters and what moves need to be made to improve their chances at deep playoff runs.
NBA insider Jake Fischer provided updates on a number of those teams in a Thursday report, including the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
According to Fischer, New York is looking for “a depth piece” ahead of a postseason run and is hoping to move Guerschon Yabusele’s $5.5 million salary to accomplish that goal. He also noted the front office could be looking for more frontcourt help behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson and not just a veteran guard.
As for the Celtics, they are also looking for a big man with “Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring salary as a significant contract to dangle in the hunt.”
Simons isn’t the only veteran guard who could be on the move, as Fischer reported the Magic are interested in acquiring second-round draft picks for Tyus Jones. And the 76ers could look to add some depth pieces as well considering Fischer noted they have talked with the Memphis Grizzlies about “around-the-edges roster matters.”
He clarified the discussions between Philadelphia and Memphis had nothing to do with Ja Morant potentially being available.
The Eastern Conference feels wide open at this point, so it’s not surprising so many contenders are looking to bolster their rosters.
The Detroit Pistons have the best record at 28-10 but haven’t won a playoff series since the 2007-08 campaign. For as excellent as their young core appears, they surely aren’t overwhelmingly intimidating to veteran-laden teams such as the Knicks or Celtics.
New York and Boston are second and third in the standings, respectively, while Philadelphia is fifth. The story with the 76ers is always health, but they have no shortage of star power with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and even rookie VJ Edgecombe.
If they are all on the floor together, Philadelphia could beat any Eastern Conference team in a series.
With those main pieces in place, it follows the front office would be more interested in “around-the-edges roster matters” for this trade deadline. And with Embiid as a threat if he is on the floor, the Celtics and Knicks both looking for frontcourt depth to counter him also makes sense.
If nothing else, it could be a busy deadline for the East’s top contenders.
