2016 Trade Deadline Preview

With the trade deadline approaching quickly, teams will be looking to add to their roster to improve their chances of winning the championship, or rebuild and focus on the future. Here are some players that might be wearing a different uniform by tomorrow afternoon:

Jeff Teague and Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
Neither Jeff Teague nor Al Horford are superstar players, but both are very good and can contribute a lot to a contender. The Hawks have reportedly been thinking about trading them. Kyle Korver might also be traded, but he has regressed this season and other teams might not want him as much. The Hawks have a replacement for Teague in Dennis Schroder, but replacing Horford would be much harder. The Hawks should try to get a backup point guard and a versatile wing player in exchange for Teague if they trade him. For the right return, they could upgrade their roster and become a serious threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers and Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
This is one strange rumor, with the Boston Celtics being mentioned. The Celtics have needed another go-to scorer, but why would they trade for Love? They already have several offensive-minded power forwards who struggle on defense, so why would they need to sacrifice depth for a player that does similar things to many players on their roster already? From Cleveland's side, trading for Carmelo Anthony could help the team slightly. He won't hurt them on defense much more than Love, and he would fit better in the offense, as he can score better from outside. It might cause the Cavs to slump if they shake up the roster, but adding Anthony might pay off in the postseason. The Knicks are in an awkward situation, with a star player on the roster but little help to surround him. They could choose to focus on the future and build around Kristaps Porzingis, but that could take a while and their fanbase probably wouldn't like that. It could be hard to trade Anthony and get a return that would help the Knicks improve quickly.

Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets
It might be time for the Rockets to start focusing more on James Harden and finding the best second option to play along with him. Dwight Howard currently fills that role, but he is no longer needed on the roster with Clint Capela ready to replace him. The Rockets need to get another playmaker or two to help out Harden, and trading Howard could get them the right players they need.

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Blake Griffin is easily one of the best players in the NBA, but the Clippers should trade him if a team offers up a good package. Because of Chris Paul, the Clippers do fine without Griffin. They aren't quite at the level where they can beat the Spurs, Warriors, or Cavaliers, but trading Griffin would make their depth much better.

Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls
If the Bulls believe that they won't be able to get very far in the playoffs and that Pau Gasol might leave the team as a free agent, they should move him. They are reportedly looking to trade him. The Bulls should try to get draft picks or young wing players in exchange for Pau.

Teams to Watch:

Boston Celtics
The Celtics need another star, and Horford and Howard are good fits with the Celtics because both players are good defensive players. Horford would fit better because he is a much better offensive player and can even shoot three-pointers.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Even if Kevin Love isn't traded, the Cavaliers could still make a more minor deal. The Cavs are reportedly willing to trade Iman Shumpert and should move him to whatever team is willing to take on his fat contract.

Philadelphia 76ers
I have a feeling someone is going to be traded for picks and the 76ers will prepare for the 2050 NBA season.

Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers have played surprisingly well, and should trade for a veteran under contract for a couple more years if they can.

Toronto Raptors
If the Raptors can make a move to bring them closer to the Cavs, it would be worth making, especially if it puts pressure on Cleveland. The Raptors need an upgrade at power forward, and should look to address their weakness.

If there's one thing about the trade deadline that is predictable, it's that you never know what to expect. It will be fun to watch and see what happens.