How Each Team Can Solve Their Biggest Weakness at the NBA Trade Deadline

NBA All-Star Weekend 2013 is officially behind us, which means the most-anticipated part of the NBA's regular season has finally arrived: trade season.

The Feb. 21 deadline is like Christmas to most NBA fans, but for some franchises, it is a time to address the problems that have plagued them throughout the previous portion of the season. No team is perfect as-is, and the question becomes, how can they each improve before their rosters are set for the long haul?

While some teams have experienced minor blemishes, others have deficiencies that have taken them out of the playoffs. Either way, nobody wants to stand pat when they have room to grow, and now is the time for each squad to make the necessary adjustments.

Atlanta Hawks

Concern: Too Many Question Marks

Solution: Trade Josh Smith

When the 2012-13 season began, the Atlanta Hawks were a top-3 team in a top-heavy Conference. Now, more than half way through the year, it's tough to imagine them advancing more than a single round in the playoffs, and it's even tougher to predict what their roster will look like in 2014.

Lou Williams is out for the year, making their run at the Miami Heat this season improbable at best. And while they had a big offseason in 2012, the move toward the future is incomplete with Josh Smith on the roster.

The forward has made it clear that he wants to be a max-contract player, but the team doesn't seem to agree with him. ESPN's Chris Broussard has reported that Atlanta will not re-sign him before the deadline, which means it will come down to paying him the money later or accepting that he's simply not in the long-term plans.

Trading Smith has been bantered about for some time now, and it's a move that GM Danny Ferry has to be willing to make. Inquiring teams will have the leverage, but the questions surrounding the organization aren't going to help them find success.

As they stand now, this team isn't going to contend for a championship, so if they're truly dedicated to building toward the future, ridding themselves of Smith is something they have to do before he walks.

Boston Celtics

Concern: Consistency, Longevity

Solution: Trade for Size, Youth

The Boston Celtics have played surprisingly well since Rajon Rondo tore his ACL, and as a result, Danny Ainge has stated that he is not looking to make any changes at the point guard position (according to ESPN's Greg Payne).

The problem is that the team's success just might be fool's gold, as their age and troubles in the paint could force them out of the playoffs earlier than some expect.

Experience is one of the most sought-after qualities in a playoff team, but it's questionable how long this team can keep momentum in their favor. They've been guilty of following up winning streaks with extreme cold stretches, and you have to wonder how reliable they'll be in a seven-game series.

Specifically, they're struggling to defend down low. They're not rebounding the ball, they're not blocking shots and they're allowing their opponents to score at the rim.

This team has prolonged the rebuilding stage as long as it could, and it might be time to get younger and bigger before the trade deadline.

Brooklyn Nets

Concern: Power Forward Position 

Solution: Continue Pursuit of Josh Smith

Aside from the health and conditioning of Deron Williams, the biggest concern for the Brooklyn Nets has to be at the power forward position. 

The thing that the Nets having going for them at the 4-spot is the rebounding of Reggie Evans. He is averaging an impressive 19.4 rebounds per 48 minutes, and he's filling the role that was expected of him when he joined the team over the summer.

But with the disappointment of Kris Humphries and the overall lack of offense at the position, the team must look at Josh Smith, even if it seems like a long shot.

It's been reported by ESPN's Chris Broussard that the Nets are interested in acquiring the 27-year-old forward. If Smith proves to be an unrealistic target—or if he's dealt somewhere other than Brooklyn—the Nets need to switch their target to the Utah Jazz's Paul Millsap.

A minor move, such as the one rumored to bring in Ben Gordon (according to Broussard), won't help them take down the Miami Heat. It's a step in the right direction, but it's a step with a much smaller stride than the one taken with Smith or Millsap on their side.

Charlotte Bocats

Concern: Overall Direction 

Solution: Trade Ben Gordon

It goes without saying that the Charlotte Bobcats are not going to the 2013 postseason. A player like Ben Gordon was supposed to at least give the team hope of competing, night in and night out, but following a recent incident with coach Mike Dunlap (according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski), the best option is to continue starting from scratch.

Gordon has played well this season, as he's averaged 12.6 points in just 22 minutes per game. The question is, though, is it worth it to pay him $12.4 million when you know you're not a serious contender?

Gordon's contract is going to be less important to a team that could use him as the final piece to the puzzle. Charlotte's puzzle is practically blank, and his shooting doesn't make up for the team's lack of energy defending and rebounding the ball.

The incident with Dunlap seemingly sums up his desire to be on a rebuilding squad, so getting rid of him now makes more sense than hoping the team can turn around and make him happy down the road.

Chicago Bulls

Concern: Offense Without Derrick Rose

Solution: Get Rose Healthy or Address Shooting Guard Position

The Chicago Bulls are one of the best defensive teams in the league, and that fact didn't change when Derrick Rose tore his ACL in the 2012 postseason.

What did change, however, was the team's ability to put the ball in the basket, as they've fallen to 27th in the league in scoring for the 2012-13 season.

The obvious solution to the problem at hand is to get Rose back on the court as quickly as possible. He's their leader in more ways than one, and his scoring has proven to be invaluable during his absence.

Alternatively, making a move to bring in a scorer would be welcomed in Chicago, especially at the 2-guard position. But if Rose can make his comeback sooner rather than later, his offense will complement the team's stellar defense.

Unfortunately for Chicago and its fans, Rose admitted that if he's not "110 percent," he may sit out the entire year (according to ESPN's Nick Friedell). If the Bulls fear this will be the case, finding someone who can shoot may be the best way to ensure they can compete beyond the first round of the playoffs.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Concern: Low-post Defense, Still Rebuilding

Solution: Sign Greg Oden

The Cleveland Cavaliers have dug themselves into a bit of a hole throughout the 2012-13 season. They're 11 games back from the eighth spot in the East, and following a campaign that saw them push for a playoff spot, it appears as if they've regressed at this spot in their rebuilding effort.

The ironic part about a Greg Oden signing, which has been rumored according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports, would be obvious. This team is hurting because of injuries, yet they'd be bringing in a big man whose career has been as injury-riddled as it comes.

But that's why this would be a move for the future—not a move for this season.

With the possibilty of making the playoffs a long shot, at best, the Cavs should sign Oden, give him the year to rehab and get him back on the floor for 2013-14.

Oden is a risk for any team, but when it comes down to it, Cleveland signing him would be a relatively low-risk, high-reward situation for the long-term.

Dallas Mavericks

Concern: Lack of Identity

Solution: Utilize Expiring Contracts

How long ago was it that the Dallas Mavericks won an NBA championship? 

Quite frankly, it seems like it never happened.

Less than two years removed from than impressive title run, the Mavs are in the midst of a slow and uncomfortable rebuild. They've seen integral pieces from their championship squad leave for different organizations, and they've yet to bring in anybody that they're willing to commit to long-term.

This team has expiring contracts that will give them cap space in the 2013 offseason, but the truth is that they're no longer as desirable as they once were.

O.J. Mayo has played well all year, but after his hot start, he's come back down to earth. This team needs somebody who can succeed alongside Dirk Nowitzki, but they also need someone that they can trust to be ready to take over when he retires.

The Mavs aren't winning a championship in 2013, making you wonder how many of their expiring contracts they'll even retain over the summer. Parting ways with them now might be the best option, especially if they can get a player who is comfortable being a No. 1 option, both now and in the future.

Denver Nuggets

Concern: Three-point Shooting

Solution: Go After J.J. Redick

The cliché surrounding the Denver Nuggets is that they don't have a true go-to scorer. It's true that they could use a player who can take over at any moment, but what might be more important is that they increase their awful percentage from long range.

According to Sam Amico of Fox Sports, the Nuggets "woudn't mind adding Orlando guard J.J. Redick." The report goes on to say that the guard hopes to remain in Orlando, but if Denver is willing to part with some of its depth, it needs to do what it takes to intrigue the rebuilding Magic.

The Nuggets are shooting just 34.4 percent from the three-point line, which is only good enough for 24th in the league. That number is too low for a team that is trying to win with offense, and adding a player who is shooting better than 40 percent from long range would do wonders in that category.

The Nuggets score 105.1 points per game, which is surprising considering how awful they've been from beyond the three-point line. If they can add a player like Redick, who can add a consistent threat from deep, it will open up the offense and allow them to find looks in both fast-break and half-court situations.

Detroit Pistons

Concern: What Does the Future Hold?

Solution: Stand Pat, Test Current Roster

The Detroit Pistons have talent, and there's really no question about that. They're still a ways away from truly competing out East, but it's time to test what they have and remain quiet until the regular season passes.

With the move to send away Austin Daye and Tayshaun Prince, they're not likely to take part in any more major transactions this season (according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press). This should give the team time to answer some of their questions before they have the chance to make another move next summer.

Can Brandon Knight play alongside Jose Calderon? We'll only know if the Pistons give it a chance.

Are Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe the next twin towers? When Drummond returns to the floor, Detroit would be foolish not the give the big man more minutes to see what he can do next to one of the best centers in the East.

For the record, none of this should be interpreted as a concession this season. This team needs to try out different players and different lineups to see which are going to work. And when they find success, they'll be ready for either the playoffs or the offseason—whichever one comes first.

Golden State Warriors

Concern: Points Allowed

Solution: Improve Perimeter Defense

A five-game losing streak before All-Star Weekend is no reason to blow up a good thing, but giving up 118 points per game in that stretch is concerning for the long-term hopes of the Golden State Warriors.

To begin the season, the team was playing solid defense on the perimeter. However, the return of Andrew Bogut has seemingly changed something, and it's clear that he can't be used as a last-resort defender possession after possession.

The playoffs become a defensive battle, and while trading buckets is fine against the league's bottom feeders, the top-tier squads aren't going to be baited into changing their tempo.

One of two things needs to happen. Either the team needs to trade some of its young talent for a perimeter defender, or they need to get back to understanding that Bogut is a luxury in the paint—not the only defender on the team.

The safe thing to do in Golden State is keep the roster intact. They are still maturing and they're still getting better, but if they hope to advance deep into the postseason, improving their perimeter defense needs to be a priority.

Houston Rockets

Concern: Defense

Solution: Don't Stay Content

The Houston Rockets are one of the best offensive teams in the league, and it would be easy for them to keep their roster as-is throughout the late-season stretch.

But, unlike the Golden State Warriors, we really haven't seen any showing of solid defense in 2012-13.

When the playoffs come around, they'll be challenging some of the best two-way squads in the Association. If Houston manages to make the postseason, it just might find itself getting blown out of the water in a seven-game series.

Despite scoring the most points per game in the entire NBA, the Rockets are just 29th when it comes to points allowed. Playing up-tempo and outscoring opponents works against lesser-quality competition, but the elite defensive teams know how to respond in the playoffs.

If Houston wants to contend, they need a defensive stopper. Aside from a decent defensive season by Omer Asik, Houston doesn't have a lot of toughness when it comes to that side of the floor.

Standing pat shouldn't be an option moving forward, and a move to get better on defense should be the priority as they try and make the postseason.

Indiana Pacers

Concern: Scoring

Solution: Wait for a Healthy Danny Granger

The Indiana Pacers are the epitome of a defensive-minded basketball team. They protect the paint better than anyone else in the league, they allow the lowest total shooting percentage and they're the only group giving up less than 90 points per contest.

Their offense has been unimpressive at best, as they have the third-lowest points-per-game average, but when Danny Granger returns to the floor, they'll have their No. 1 option to help boost their scoring.

If this team can acquire a shooter at the deadline, it would be a deal worth considering. However, the trick would be to do it without trading away defense, which is something that is easier said than done.

When Granger returns, this team should find an offensive spark, creating the kind of two-way balance they'll need to compete deep into the postseason.

Los Angeles Clippers

Concern: Toughness Inside

Solution: Trade Eric Bledsoe for Paul Millsap

The Los Angeles Clippers have an extremely attractive trade piece in Eric Bledsoe, and with Chauncey Billups back in the rotation, the team would be foolish not to consider moving him if the right player came along.

With the struggles the team has had rebounding the ball and scoring inside (outside of Blake Griffin), Paul Millsap could be that right player.

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein, both teams have discussed a deal, in which the aforementioned players would be swapped before the deadline. For L.A., this unclogs the point guard position while adding a player who can be a more consistent offensive option than DeAndre Jordan. 

The ESPN report goes on to report that Kevin Garnett, who was formerly attached to the Clippers in trade talks, has no intention of waiving his no-trade clause. This makes Millsap the Clips' best option, and it's something they need to look at before it's too late.

Los Angeles Lakers

Concern: Defense

Solution: Find a Perimeter Defender

If defense truly wins championships, it's no wonder the Los Angeles Lakers are struggling to even make the postseason. 

L.A. is giving up 100.9 points per game. They are also in the bottom 10 in terms of field-goal percentage allowed and they force the third-fewest turnovers of any team in the NBA.

As much as people want to see this team blown up, the answer is not trading Dwight Howard. The big man may be less than 100 percent, and his rotations may still need improvement, but he is a dominant presence down low, averaging 2.3 blocks and a league-high 11.8 rebounds.

Whether or not Howard wants to be in L.A. long-term remains to be seen, but if the Lakers want to build toward the future, they need to keep him and find a perimeter defender who is going to make life easier on their franchise center.

Memphis Grizzlies

Concern: Perimeter Scoring

Solution: Pick up a Shooter

The Memphis Grizzlies made their trade-deadline splash early when they traded Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors. That doesn't mean they're in the clear, though, as they still have the three-point line to worry about moving forward.

As a defensive-minded team, shooting doesn't appear to be a concern. They're shooting just 34.5 percent from deep, which is only good enough for 22nd in the league, and they're last among all 30 teams in points off of three pointers.

They're averaging just 93.7 points per game, which is only made acceptable by their second-ranked defense.

The Grizzlies rely heavily on points in the paint, as they're eighth in the league in that category. But when playoff defenses begin to collapse, it's going to be necessary that they have a shooter to help spread the floor.

Miami Heat

Concern: Defensive Consistency

Solution: Acquire Timofey Mozgov 

The Miami Heat have not been the defensive Juggernauts that they were during their championship run in 2012. There's no need to blow up the front court, but addressing the low-post issues will be important when it comes to challenging for a second-straight title.

The recent addition of Chris Anderson was a smart move, and the big man has proven that he can provide energy and toughness, night in and night out. But whether or not Birdman is the final piece to the puzzle has yet to be determined, and another move should only help their cause.

According to Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post, the Heat are interested in Denver Nuggets big man Timofey Mozgov. A move to bring him in is the kind that would go unnoticed by most casual fans, but he's a low-risk, high-reward player, as his trade value has been reduced after playing limited minutes this season.

At 7'1", 250 pounds, Mozgov is averaging 2.48 blocks and 13.5 rebounds per 48 minutes. Miami doesn't need to play him 48 minutes, but he'd be a luxury to have as the season winds down.

Milwaukee Bucks

Concern: Questionable Ceiling

Solution: Join Hunt for Josh Smith

It's no secret that Josh Smith will be the most coveted player at the trade deadline this year, and the Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as the most recent team willing to enter the sweepstakes (according to Gery Woelfel of The Journal Times).

If the Bucks are willing to include either Monta Ellis or Brandon Jennings in a potential deal, it could be the best offer that the Atlanta Hawks will hear before Feb. 21. Ersan Ilyasova would also be appealing, and the Hawks would be forced to listen if he were offered.

For Milwaukee, a deal for Smith would be the first step toward approaching the next level. Acquiring Ellis in 2012 was an exciting move, but the combination of he and Jennings hasn't been as dynamic as some were expecting.

The future of the Bucks' backcourt is already in question, and the downside to a deal of this nature is that Smith brings in with him similar uncertainties. 

If Milwaukee is willing to gamble, this is the kind of move that could propel them to success and make the franchise a more desirable one for future free agents.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Concern: Three-point Shooting

Solution: Bring in a Shooter

The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the 2012-13 season as legitimate contenders to make the postseason. However, a 19-31 record at the All-Star break makes that a long shot at this point in the process. 

While injuries have been the No. 1 reason for their struggles, poor shooting hasn't helped the situation, either. The team is dead-last in three-point percentage, and they're dangerously close to falling below the 30-percent mark with another cold stretch.

With a bit of a logjam at the point guard position, Luke Ridnour has become expendable, and he expects a trade, according to 1500ESPN.com.

If the Timberwolves can swing a deal where they bring in a reliable shooter while clearing minutes for Alexey Shved and Ricky Rubio, it will be ideal going forward.

This team has the talent to push for the playoffs, but a three-point percentage of 30.1 percent makes it tough to compete without Kevin Love in the lineup.

New Orleans Hornets

Concern: Lack of Production From Eric Gordon

Solution: Trade Eric Gordon

If Eric Gordon were to stay healthy and play to his full potential, he'd be hands-down the best player on the New Orleans Hornets.

Unfortunately for the team and its fans, the 2-guard has yet to show that he can do either, and the time may have come for him to be dealt away.

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the Hornets have begun calling teams to see what Gordon's value is at this time. Broussard makes it clear that a deal isn't likely, but the fact that they've looked into moving him shows that they recognize what needs to be done.

Gordon attempted to sign with the Phoenix Suns this past offseason, but was ultimately retained by New Orleans, despite his desire to leave.

New York Knicks

Concern: Toughness Rebounding

Solution: Trade for DeJuan Blair

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard (via Twitter), the San Antonio Spurs could be trying to deal DeJuan Blair before the Feb. 21 deadline.

If the New York Knicks are smart, they'll look to take the forward off their hands.

Rebounding has been a problem for the Knicks this season. Aside from Tyson Chandler pulling down an impressive 11.1 boards per game, the next-highest number on the team is Carmelo Anthony at 6.5. 

They're 22nd in rebounding, and they just aren't getting the production or toughness that is necessary to be a championship-caliber team.

Blair hasn't had his best season to date, but that's largely because he's seen his minutes decrease to just 13.8 per game. Having averaged only 3.9 rebounds per contest, the Knicks might be able to get him at a cheap price, and if they can, it would help bolster their frontcourt in a deep playoff run.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Concern: Offensive Limitations at Center

Solution: Trade Kendrick Perkins

When the Oklahoma City Thunder first traded for Kendrick Perkins, he was exactly what the organization needed. He brought toughness, intensity and championship experience to an aspiring franchise, and he helped officially get the team to the next level.

Now, the team has become one of the favorites out West, and a better option down low—a more athletic option—would do wonders for both their half-court and transition game.

One route would be to move Serge Ibaka to center and trade for a stretch-4. Ibaka has the jumper to at least help spread the floor, but the problem could be in one-on-one situations, where he's still adapting on both ends of the floor.

Putting together a package for a true, back-down big man should be the strategy this team uses with so many fours and fives available on the market.

Perkins is the same player he was when he first arrived, which is a problem for a team that has continued to grow without him. The Thunder are, once again, ready to move on to the next level, and they're ready to do it without Perkins in the middle.

Orlando Magic

Concern: Lack of Leadership

Solution: Acquire a Superstar

The Orlando Magic don't look like a team that is trying to win games, so acquiring a superstar at the trade deadline is about as unlikely as it comes.

That being said, the long-term goal of this rebuilding squad has to be to form an identity, and that starts with establishing a new face of the franchise.

When this team traded Dwight Howard, we knew that it was going to get ugly before it got good. That has been the case in their first season without the big man, and a flurry of young role players aren't going to get it done—at least not right away.

If this team truly wants to lose and build through the draft, they're off to a solid start. But if they want to return to relevancy sooner rather than later, getting a player they can build around has to become the No. 1 goal.

Philadelphia 76ers

Concern: Points Per Game

Solution: Get Jrue Holiday Some Help

When the Philadelphia 76ers traded away Andre Iguodala, they had visions of making Andrew Bynum their No. 1 option on the offensive side of the floor.

The problem is that Bynum has yet to play a single game in a Sixers uniform, which means that the team hasn't made up for the scoring they lost when Iguodala was sent to the Denver Nuggets.

Philadelphia went into All-Star Weekend 4.5 games behind the eighth spot in the East, and if it wants to make the late-season push to get into the playoffs, it will need another player on whom it can rely when it comes to collecting points.

If Bynum can come back healthy, the problem could be addressed without making a move at the deadline. If he can't, though, or if he struggles out of the gate, this team will need somebody who can take the pressure off of Jrue Holiday. 

Phoenix Suns

Concern: No True Identity

Solution: Acquire a Star Player

When the Phoenix Suns traded Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Lakers, we knew that the rebuilding process would take some time. 

A number of free-agent acquisitions gave the team hope, but the Suns now find themselves in last place out West with the All-Star break officially behind us.

If the Suns are able to bring in a franchise player, whether at the trade deadline or next summer, it's going to be a huge step when it comes to simply staying relevant. They don't have anybody on their roster who can be the face of the franchise, and they lack a player who can step up and take over on both ends of the floor.

This team needs someone who can help them shape their identity, and they must be willing to make the big move necessary to get them back into the postseason.

Portland Trail Blazers

Concern: Bench Production

Solution: Trade Expiring Contracts

The Portland Trail Blazers have proven that they have one of the best starting lineups in the NBA. Their starting five are averaging a combined 82 points per game, and they're the reason this team is in the hunt for a spot in the postseason.

The problem comes when those starters head to the bench, as the team's reserves have been the worst that the league has seen all year.

If the Blazers are hoping to make a push at the playoffs, a mid-season trade would be ideal. The top prospect to be dealt is J.J. Hickson, but there are other options such as Luke Babbitt, Elliot Williams and Nolan smith who could be thrown in as well.

The snag in the plan is that Hickson has a no-trade clause that could make it tough for Portland to trade him. He's also the team's leading rebounder, which would be a huge loss if the playoffs became a reality.

The Blazers' other expiring contracts aren't the most desirable, but if there are teams out there looking to trade talent for cap flexibility, Portland would be foolish to ignore any chance it had to bolster its bench.

Sacramento Kings

Concern: Too Many Questions

Solution: Commit to Future

There are very few players in this league who could make the Sacramento Kings a playoff team this season, which means that the organization must decide which players they're willing to commit to before the year comes to an end.

There are a number of intriguing players on this roster. The two most talked about might be DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans, and how long both will remain on the team is a major question mark.

Evans has yet to live up to the expectations he set for himself in his rookie season, and Cousins hasn't proven that he can be trusted, on or off the court. Trading away both has become an option, but Sacramento has to make that decision sooner rather than later.

If a move to Seattle is truly around the corner, the Kings need to know which direction they're moving on the court and which players are going to be a part of their future.

San Antonio Spurs

Concern: Rebounding

Solution: Trade for Al Jefferson

If the San Antonio Spurs can snag Al Jefferson from the Utah Jazz, they'll simply add to the notion that they are the favorites to come out of a tough Western Conference.

According to Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com, San Antonio is the most likely team to land the 28-year-old center. It doesn't need a move of this significance to be considered a threat, but with Jefferson's low-post presence, it would do wonders for resting Tim Duncan down the stretch.

Despite strong play from Duncan, the Spurs are just 25th in the NBA when it comes to rebounding. Jefferson is averaging nearly 10 boards per game to go with his 17.5 points and 1.2 blocks, and his production on the court is represented well by his PER of 21.13.

Having the big man in the middle would allow Duncan to focus on playing the 4-spot for the rest of the year, and it would give the team their best chance of taking down the reigning Western Conference champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Toronto Raptors

Concern: Rebounding

Solution: Trade Andrea Bargnani

The Toronto Raptors made it clear that they're not afraid of midseason rebuilding when they made the trade that brought in Rudy Gay from the Memphis Grizzlies.

Now they need to take it one step further and finally make the move that will allow them to part ways with former No. 1 pick Andrea Bargnani.

Per Ric Bucher (via Sulia), Bargnani is likely to be dealt before the deadline. The best deal on the table appears to be the one sending Carlos Boozer and Nate Robinson to Toronto, and according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, it's up to the Raptors to choose if they want to do it.

Boozer's inconsistencies have been clear throughout the years, but he's also shown—especially as of late—that he can dominate the glass. Bargnani went into All-Star Weekend averaging just 3.9 rebounds per game, and the team, as a whole, is ranked just 28th in the league.

Since acquiring Gay, Toronto has gone 5-2, and they have put themselves in position to fight for a playoff spot with a strong finish. Both the team and Bargnani could use a fresh start from one another, and it's better to do it now as the team continues to build toward the future.

Utah Jazz

Concern: Imbalance of Depth

Solution: Trade for Eric Bledsoe

Having a plethora of solid big men should never be considered a weakness in the NBA. However, when contract situations are looming—and you need to improve perimeter scoring and defense—it becomes time to make a change.

The Utah Jazz have arguably the best four-man rotation at the power forward and center positions, which ironically means that Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors have all become expendable.

If you're a fan of the Jazz, you don't want to see any of them leave. But, if it means bringing in Eric Bledsoe before the deadline (as rumored by ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Marc Stein), it would be a move worth making.

The Los Angeles Clippers have gotten solid play out of Bledsoe, but with the potential of having Chauncey Billups for a deep playoff run, adding a big body would be more beneficial than having a log jam at point guard.

A deal involving Bledsoe and the Jazz would benefit both teams, and with the question marks surrounding Jefferson and Millsap's futures, shedding one and retaining the other appears to be the best option.

Washington Wizards

Concern: Efficiency

Solution: Trade Jordan Crawford

With John Wall back in the lineup and Bradley Beal playing great basketball, the Washington Wizards need to see what is available for Jordan Crawford.

Efficiency has been a problem for the Wizards this season, and it's possible that Crawford may be more valuable as trade bait than he is on the court. 

The team has shot the second-worst field-goal percentage throughout the 2012-13 season, and while Crawford has the ability to create his own shots, his inconsistencies have kept his own percentage around the 40-percent mark throughout the year.

Washington shoots the ball nearly four percent better with Crawford on the bench (according to 82games.com), and it also assists on 63 percent of its makes compared to just 58 percent when he's on the floor.

The Wizards are ranked 20th in the league in assists, and its becoming clear that they're better off with Wall controlling the offense and Beal growing alongside the point guard.