As the holiday season approaches, everyone is focused on leveling up. The 14-year-old is eyeing the PS5 hookup, while the 7-year-old is set on collecting every Sonic the Hedgehog LEGO set.
Parents are no exception. They strive to have the most festive house on the block, and those cookies better be good enough to impress Santa.
NBA general managers are in the same boat. They are constantly looking to plug holes, improve their rosters, and level up to become the envy of the league.
With the trade deadline approaching on Feb. 6, let’s take a look at how teams from the Southwest Division should prepare.
Previous divisions: Atlantic | Central | Southeast | Northwest | Pacific
Dallas Mavericks
Status: Contenders
Approach: Buyers
The Mavericks, fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals, are fully committed to winning now. They have made significant additions to their roster and are looking to further improve.
With superstar Luka Dončić sidelined with an injury, Dallas is even more determined to go all-in and make another Finals run.
The biggest challenge for the Mavericks is how they will match up against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They are expected to be aggressive at the trade deadline, despite being close to the luxury tax apron.
Likelihood of trade: Significant
Houston Rockets
Status: Competitive
Approach: Buy for the right price
The Rockets have shown patience in their rebuild, but are open to making a move if the right opportunity arises. They are looking to add a top-tier star to their roster, but will not make a move just for the sake of it.
General manager Rafael Stone will be ready to pounce on any slam-dunk trade that comes their way, as they look to elevate their team to the next level.
Likelihood of trade: Small to decent
Memphis Grizzlies
Status: Competitive
Approach: Flexible
The Grizzlies are in a good position in the Western Conference, with a mix of young talent and veterans. They have the luxury of taking a step back or making a move to strengthen their team before the deadline.
With cap space to spare, Memphis is in a good position to make a significant trade and improve their roster for a playoff push.
Likelihood of trade: Significant