Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives on Josh Richardson and Rodney McGruder of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on December 27, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo : Getty Images/Mike Ehrmann)
The National Basketball Association 2016-2017 season is approaching its second half and NBA teams are looking for mid-season acquisitions to solidify their chances of not going into an early vacation once the playoffs start. Here are five NBA teams who need to make moves before the NBA trade deadline to bolster their playoff bids:
1. Sacramento Kings
For the first time in recent years, the Sacramento Kings are in the playoff picture at eighth place in the tough Western Conference. But they are barely holding up and need someone to help them in the backcourt. Goran Dragic and Brandon Knight are two guards reportedly in the trading block and either one of them might find himself in Sac Town, Forbes reported.
2. Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls look good on paper with Dwayne Wade, Jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo at the helm but expectations have not translated to reality as they reside at 10th place in the East with a 16-18 win-loss record. Brook Lopez could provide the firepower the Bulls need and the Brooklyn Nets might possibly ship him after another dismal season to acquire some assets.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
With the departure of Kevin Durant, a huge void in the OKC lineup was left. Russell Westbrook may be delivering triple-doubles game after game but the Thunder, which is currently at fifth place in the West, need help. The Kings are definitely open into giving way for Rudy Gay to pursue greener pastures and the Thunder are showing interest in the multi-faceted forward, CBS Sports reported. Gay could help Westbrook carry the scoring load and his acquisition could mean more veteran presence once they enter the semifinals.
4. New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis is already one of the best players in the league but the Pelicans are on the bottom half of the West. New Orleans, which only has established names in Davis and Jrue Holiday, are in need for someone who could help the defense and add scoring punch. Per reports, the Pelicans are interested in Will Barton 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
5. Boston Celtics
The Celtics have shrugged off a bad start to become one of the top teams in the NBA. Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford are leading the C's but they could use more firepower in the frontcourt to conquer the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors. Nikola Vucevic and Nerlens Noel are reported to be on the trading block as they face a frontcourt logjam in their respective teams and Beantown could be their next destination.
Watch the video below for other NBA teams who could pursue trades:
