Explore the strategic aspirations of every NBA team as they eye the top three potential player targets.
The 2023–24 season is under way, and it gives us a clear idea of which teams will stand out from the competition both now and in the future. That doesn’t mean the NBA’s top teams will sit back and take it easy; rather, they’ll keep adding players to their rosters in an effort to contend for the league title.
It’s time to rank the top three players for each NBA team as the trade deadline approaches each week.
Even though it is unlikely that any of these players will become available anytime soon, it is intriguing to note how much latitude each NBA team has in terms of dealing players and developing their own players. Here are the top goals for each NBA franchise, without further ado.
With Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, the Atlanta Hawks have a good enough team in the East this year to make the playoffs. Averaging 26.5 points and 10.4 assists per game, All-Star Trae Young is among the NBA’s finest point guards right now. Even with a strong backcourt on paper, Atlanta lacks depth in the frontcourt.
One of the best power forwards in the world, Pascal Siakam can also play center, while O.G. Anunoby can play three positions when needed. Given that he is almost thirty years old and would be more suited on a contending club than a rebuilding one, Jerami Grant may be on the outs in Portland. Atlanta may re-enter the conference as a top-four or top-five team if any of these three players perform well.
The Boston Celtics, who have one of the league’s top starting lineups and a fantastic big man in Al Horford as a backup, are strong contenders for the NBA championship this season. Nonetheless, it is preferable if they have greater depth. Horford is 37 years old and counting, and Kristaps Porzingis is known to be prone to injuries, so a backup big man is required. Anticipate the Celtics to pursue players such as 28-year-old Trey Lyles, a contemporary big man.
Otherwise, despite losing guys like Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon in recent seasons in an attempt to add size, extra defense is always helpful. While Brad Stevens might pull off an extraordinary money squeeze by pursuing Dorian Finney-Smith, McConnell is a seasoned player who can fill a similar position to Payton Pritchard. If not, anticipate that the Celtics will continue as they are now designed.
Brooklyn Nets
Although Brooklyn began reconstruction in the Mikal Bridges neighborhood, they may eventually become purchasers. With Bridges and an improved Ben Simmons (6.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game), Brooklyn is currently competitive. Though they might be seen as sellers, Brooklyn might try to acquire a guy like Zach LaVine in order to stay in the race. In the same vein, they might even try to get double-double machine Nikola Vucevic.
But, if things don’t improve by the trade deadline, the Nets may even think about surrendering everything in order to obtain picks. Many teams will be interested in Bridges because he is their main trade asset, and the Nets may also ask for young players. It might be reasonable to trade for fillers and selections like De’Andre Hunter, as the Hawks might need a player like Bridges.
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