The Athletic NBA Daily What teams NEED to make a trade | Morning Shoot Around
Jan 28, 2026
They rank all 30 teams into tiers based on who must make trades before the deadline. They dissect Giannis rumors and what Milwaukee might do. They debate which contenders should push now and which clubs should tank or reset. Specific teams discussed include nets, knicks, lakers, warriors, nuggets, rockets, and rebuilding squads.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rockets Should Prioritize Young Core Growth
- Rockets’ core of young players means they can be patient and focus on internal development rather than desperate deadline splash moves.
- Adding a veteran star fast-forwards development but risks blocking the young core's timeline.
Pelicans’ Role Players Are Tradeable
- The Pelicans have desirable individual assets despite their poor record, making them likely trade participants.
- Players like Yves Mesey and Trey Murphy can be useful to contenders as role additions or developmental pieces.
Lakers Likely Tinker, Not Overhaul
- Lakers' deadline strategy historically centers on swapping role players around LeBron to stay competitive.
- Limited movable assets and LeBron's no-trade influence constrains blockbuster possibilities.