The NBA trade deadline can serve as an opportunity for teams to bolster their rosters or help further a rebuilding process. While it doesn’t always make sense for a team to make a move mid-season, there are some teams that choose not to that probably should have done something.
Some teams chose to make more notable changes to their rosters such as the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves by engaging in a D’Angelo Russell for Andrew Wiggins swap. While others made supporting cast changes like the Philadelphia 76ers and their additions of Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks.
There are two NBA teams that should have looked to make a trade ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.
2. San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are in a tough situation as a franchise right now where they are aiming to compete for an NBA playoff spot but face a real risk of that not being a success. It would have been ideal for them to pursue a rebuild at the trade deadline with players like DeMar DeRozan or LaMarcus Aldridge.
There is a risk that holding onto DeRozan heading into the offseason could result in losing him for nothing. If he opts out of his player option and the Spurs are not willing to give him a full four-year extension, it seems like he could depart for another NBA team.
Meanwhile, Aldridge’s contract is approaching its end in the relative near future as well, but instead after the 2020-21 season. Regardless of when it ends, he is still already going to be turning 35 years old in July and is not young enough to be part of a rebuild.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
There is clearly an arms race going on in Los Angeles between the Clippers and Lakers. There have been upgrades made by the Clippers with their additions of veteran depth pieces such as Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson.
There is certainly still time for the Lakers to bolster their supporting cast through the buyout market. However, the Clippers’ signing of Jackson occurred at a position of need for their rival across the hall and will be the best available.
Perhaps one piece that could have been moved to help maximize the Lakers’ title chances for the 2019-20 season is Kyle Kuzma. It’s still possible that Los Angeles could pursue this route in the summer but that wouldn’t contribute towards an immediate title run for this season.
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