NBA Power Rankings: New York Knicks and More Teams That Desperately Need a Trade

It’s obvious at this point in the season that some teams simply cannot be considered legitimate contenders for a championship unless they make a deal.

Here’s a look at three teams that could easily move up in the power rankings and become a threat if they swing the right trade.

No. 20: New York Knicks

The Knicks have more problems than anyone could have imagined going into the 2011-12 campaign.

When they added Tyson Chandler, it was widely assumed his defensive presence would allow for Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire to wreak havoc offensively.

If anything, the opposite happened, and the Knicks have taken a step backwards on offense from last season while still not being able to guard anyone.

Look for them to explore a few deals before the trade deadline to try and repair this roster.

No. 16: Orlando Magic

Team chemistry is an important aspect of a winning team, and the Magic completely lost theirs.

Dwight Howard, with his incessant trade demands and ironic call-outs of teammates, needs to find his way out of town before the situation in Orlando gets worse.

They had a good start, but the team is imploding and their superstar is the main culprit.

No. 10: Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles is going to be able to make the postseason with Kobe Bryant jacking shots like a maniac, but they aren’t a real team anymore.

They get little production from the point guard and small forward position and barely any depth on the bench.

The Lakers must figure out a way to change things up, even if that means shipping out Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum or both big men.

Alex Kay’s Power Rankings: Jan. 31, 2012

No. 1: Oklahoma City Thunder

No. 2: Chicago Bulls

No. 3: Miami Heat

No. 4: Indiana Pacers

No. 5: Denver Nuggets

No. 6: Philadelphia 76ers

No. 7: Atlanta Hawks

No. 8: Los Angeles Clippers

No. 9: Dallas Mavericks

No. 10: Los Angeles Lakers

No. 11: Portland Trail Blazers

No. 12: Houston Rockets

No. 13: San Antonio Spurs

No. 14: Minnesota Timberwolves

No. 15: Boston Celtics

No. 16: Orlando Magic

No. 17: Memphis Grizzlies

No. 18: Utah Jazz

No. 19: Cleveland Cavaliers

No. 20: New York Knicks

No. 21: Milwaukee Bucks

No. 22: Golden State Warriors

No. 23: Phoenix Suns

No. 24: Toronto Raptors

No. 25: New Jersey Nets

No. 26: Sacramento Kings

No. 27: New Orleans Hornets

No. 28: Washington Wizards

No. 29: Detroit Pistons

No. 30: Charlotte Bobcats