NBA Trade Deadline: 5 Teams Guaranteed to Make Deals
We're closing in on the trade deadline and moves will certainly be made. Certain teams are interested in making moves, but aren't necessarily desperate to upgrade their roster.
However, there are teams who will surely make a deadline deal, because their playoff hopes and future are contingent upon how they handle the next 24 hours.
Here are five teams that are guaranteed to make deals before the deadline alarm sounds tomorrow.
Orlando Magic
1 of 5The Magic will either cast off Dwight Howard or bring somebody in to appease him.
Howard has now indicated he'd like to remain in Orlando for the rest of the season, but this doesn't rule out the chance they'll still trade him. They'd hate to see "Superman" leave Orlando for nothing come the offseason (they've already witnessed this with Shaquille O'Neal).
If Howard is not traded, then the Magic must make a move to enhance their roster. With Monta Ellis now off the market (traded to Milwaukee), the Magic better get creative to strike a different deal.
This is not the time for the Magic to stand pat, because if they do, Howard will likely leave this summer and the Magic will receive no compensation for him.
Therefore, they should either get busy seeking to acquire a wealth of young talent for Howard, or seek to add a piece (or two) to placate him.
Expect them to do one or the other in the next 24 hours.
Houston Rockets
2 of 5The Houston Rockets have a host of young players and some of them have grown expendable. There's every reason to think they'll make some sort of move(s) prior to the deadline.
There's a chance they'll even piece together a blockbuster deal involving either Luis Scola or Kyle Lowry (or both), but that would only be for a superstar-caliber player. They've actually indicated that they're not willing to part with Lowry to land Lakers big man Pau Gasol.
If they don't find the right blockbuster deal, then expect them to make a minor move or two. Kevin Martin, Courtney Lee, Samuel Dalembert and Goran Dragic are all players who intrigue numerous teams.
Expect the Rockets to be active, the question is simply who they'll choose to deal.
Los Angeles Lakers
3 of 5The Pau Gasol rumors continue to buzz, as the Bulls have reportedly entered the mix of teams interested in Gasol.
But even if Gasol stays put in Los Angeles, the Lakers will be active. They'll like explore other minor deals to upgrade the point guard position, potentially to acquire a player like Ramon Sessions or Kirk Hinrich.
The Lakers will do something. If they don't, it's clear they don't have the depth and firepower to contend for the title.
Thus, expect a move or two, and they may even swing a blockbuster move that sends shockwaves throughout the NBA landscape.
Portland Trail Blazers
4 of 5The Blazers have endured much disappointment this year.
Brandon Roy had to retire due to lingering knee issues, there's the continued saga involving Greg Oden's injuries and Portland has simply underachieved and are currently not in position to make the playoffs out West.
Because of these negative factors, it's clear the Blazers should alter the roster. The time has come for this.
One player who will almost undoubtedly be dealt is point guard Raymond Felton, as there's apparently tension between he and coach Nate McMillan.
Gerald Wallace is another player who could be dealt, as he's a cause for intrigue for teams looking for a versatile, slashing forward.
The Blazers have some quality young players, mainly LaMarcus Aldridge, but the rest of their roster is average. They'll almost definitely tweak the roster prior to the deadline, and don't be surprised if they're the most active team in the next 24 hours.
Boston Celtics
5 of 5Will they blow the whole thing up in Boston and trade their core players?
This is unlikely, but don't be shocked if the Celtics do part ways with one of their pieces, most likely Ray Allen.
General manager Danny Ainge is not afraid to mess with chemistry, verified by last year's deal that sent Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City.
And even if he doesn't pull off a blockbuster move involving one of their "core four" (Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo), expect some type of deal to be done. Perhaps a trade to acquire a big man to bolster their frontcourt depth, or a move to land an offensive weapon off the bench.
No matter what, the Celtics have no reason to stand pat. They might as well either blow the team up or seek a couple upgrades in their roster, because their current squad is going nowhere special come playoff time.
