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NBA Power Rankings: Every Team From Worst to First
We’re just a day ahead of the trade deadline and things are already going bonkers. Zach LaVine is now a King. De’Aaron Fox is now a Spur. The Warriors want Kevin Durant back. And the internet cannot stop talking about the trade that sent Jalen Hood-Schifino to the Utah Jazz.
Sure, the chatter may be revolved more around Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis but my statement is correct! As are our power rankings which I am certain you will enjoy. So read on and see where your favorite team is ranked this week as we focus on the latest trade rumors just a day before the trade deadline.
30. Washington Wizards (8-41)
Last Week: 30
You’re not going to believe this but, and this is real, the Wizards have won two games in a row. Two! One more and then we officially have a winning streak. It’s a nice boost headed into the trade deadline. Rumors have started to pick up revolving around the Bucks’ interest in Kyle Kuzma. That rumored trade package would net the Wizards longtime Bucks veteran Khris Middleton. Rumors around a Jordan Poole trade have seemingly cooled down, but their roster may look different by the end of the day on Thursday.
29. Utah Jazz (11-37)
Last Week: 29
A win on Saturday over the Orlando Magic broke an eight game losing streak for the Jazz, something their injury-riddled roster desperately needed. And hours later they were the third wheel in the Luka Doncic – Anthony Davis trade. So they’ve already been involved in the biggest shake up we’ll likely see this week. But are they planning to deal other veterans on their roster like Jordan Clarkson and John Collins? We’ll find out shortly. A roster shakeup would, at the very least, make things a little more interesting in Salt Lake City.
28. Charlotte Hornets (12-35)
Last Week: 28
Speaking of those Wizards wins, one came in a surprisingly high-scoring game against the Hornets. That loss was without LaMelo Ball (sprained ankle) or Brandon Miller who’s out for the season, but it had to sting nonetheless. As it relates to the trade deadline, Charlotte may not be a team that’s expected to make any big splashes after already sending Nick Richards to Phoenix a few weeks ago. They’ll have to fight through the rest of the season behind players like Miles Bridges, who’s averaging 24.3 PPG over his last six games.
27. Brooklyn Nets (17-33)
Last Week: 27
The Nets are still waiting on Cam Thomas to suit up again as he’s missed the last 16 games with a hamstring strain. They’re 4-12 in that span, though after Tuesday’s win over Houston they’ve now won three in a row. With the trade deadline approaching they’ll mainly field requests from teams about Cameron Johnson, but word around the league is his asking price is pretty high. With Brooklyn facing a rebuild scenario for the rest of the season it’s likely they’ll want to get what they can for Johnson, but we’ll have to wait and see if their asking price comes down.
26. New Orleans Pelicans (12-38)
Last Week: 26
Right as New Orleans was just about healthy they lost Dejounte Murray for the season. Brandon Ingram is still working his way back from an ankle sprain that’s held him out of New Orleans’ last 26 games. Yet he’s going to be the Pelicans’ top trade chip. The main question will be just how much leverage the Pelicans can have with an injured Ingram. Rumors have linked him to Golden State and Toronto. With him not providing much value to New Orleans this season in the last year of his contract, one has to wonder if we’ve seen the last of Ingram in a Pelicans uniform.
25. Toronto Raptors (16-34)
Last Week: 25
Another interesting team to watch at the trade deadline, Toronto is at a bit of a crossroads with what they want to try and do this season. They’re withing range of snagging a play-in spot but they need to turn it up. Acquiring pieces via trade would certainly help. But at the same time, they won’t be expected to do anything if they did make the play-in. So is tanking the better route to choose? The Raptors, who had won eight of their last 10 games going into Tuesday’s matchup with the Knicks, have decisions to make in the coming days.
24. Chicago Bulls (22-29)
Last Week: 23
Already active on the trade market, Chicago sent Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings. LaVine had long been rumored to be on the trade market, for multiple seasons in fact, so the Bulls’ willingness to finally pull the trigger make be an indicator of their plans this season. Next up for their trade chips is center Nikola Vucevic. The teams currently showing the most interest are the Warriors and the Lakers who are both missing a big man presence, especially LA after trading Anthony Davis. Chicago may not hold onto the final play-in spot for much longer.
23. Portland Trail Blazers (22-29)
Last Week: 24
Dare I say that one of the hottest teams in the NBA is the Portland Trail Blazers? With an 8-2 record in their last ten games prior to Tuesday’s win against the Pacers, Portland is starting to show some real fight. They’ve worked their way to a four game deficit for the final play-in spot. That may be a tough ask with the Suns and Warriors currently tied and the Spurs right behind them. Phoenix and Golden State are expected to be active in the trade market while San Antonio just landed De’Aaron Fox. At the very least, basketball is becoming fun again in Portland.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (20-29)
Last Week: 22
The trade deadline may not mean a ton to Philadelphia this season, rather their biggest acquisition may simply be a healthy Joel Embiid. The big man returned to action on Tuesday night and posted a triple-double. If he’s healthy then Philadelphia simply reached another level. So the Sixers may simply be happy not making moves if he’s going to be healthy. That hasn’t stopped teams like the Warriors from checking in on newly acquired Paul George’s availability. One wouldn’t expect that Philly would part ways with PG13 that quickly, but given the events from this past weekend you can never say never.
21. Atlanta Hawks (23-27)
Last Week: 19
Atlanta’s injuries have started to catch up to them. Prior to their win against Detroit on Monday, Atlanta was losers of eight straight. After sitting in a pretty good position for most of the season, they’re now in the 9-seed in the East. They’ve been mentioned often in trade rumors this season with teams having interest in De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic. There have been more conversations revolving around Bogdanovic and rumors are that the Hawks have been delaying a Bogdanovic trade to try and work out a bigger deal. They’ll be an interesting team to watch in the coming days to see just what they decide to do with their roster.
20. Miami Heat (24-24)
Last Week: 20
Remember when the biggest trade rumors were simply involving Jimmy Butler? Ahh, the good ol’ days! The suspended superstar still looks to be aiming for a trade to Phoenix, but that’s appeared to be complicated for weeks now. Golden State has also shown interest but Butler’s stated he won’t sign there in the offseason if he’s traded to them. Any trade for Butler appears to be complicated. Yet the Heat are 3-3 in the last six games that he’s been suspended and they’re sitting in the six seed. Amidst the drama they’re holding in there, at least for now.
19. Golden State Warriors (25-24)
Last Week: 21
With a 6-4 record in their last 10 games, Golden State may have gotten out of their funk that’s held them back the past couple months. But they’ve clearly recognized that they still need help in order to compete in the West. And they seem dead set on making a move at the deadline by acquiring an All-Star caliber playing according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The latest rumor has been that they’re wanting to reunite with a familiar face in Kevin Durant. The Warriors seem desperate to add talent, something we’ve mentioned multiple times in these rankings as something they need to do to improve. Golden State should look different once the deadline passes.
18. Phoenix Suns (25-24)
Last Week: 17
Speaking of those Suns, they’re in the midst of quite a few big trade rumors right now. The Jimmy Butler rumor has been hot for months now. The Warriors’ interest in Kevin Durant has appeared out of nowhere. And with Phoenix tied for the final play-in spot with Golden State, things may get contentious if the right moves aren’t made. Expect the Suns to make at least one big move before Thursday’s deadline passes.
17. San Antonio Spurs (21-26)
Last Week: 18
The Spurs have a new weapon in town as they landed De’Aaron Fox over the weekend. He’d long been rumored to want to go to San Antonio and should make a solid pairing with Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs needed a boost too after going 3-10 in their last 13 games. That drop has moved them to a three game deficit for the final play-in spot. And with Golden State and Phoenix tied for that final spot, and both expected to be active at the trade deadline, it will be a lot of competition for the Spurs if Fox isn’t able to help turn things around.
16. Orlando Magic (24-27)
Last Week: 14
Orlando hasn’t been a team that’s popped up much in recent trade rumors, but they probably should be. Even with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner back in action the Magic are 1-9 in their last 10 games with a -16.5 net rating. They were a great story being able to survive the injuries but they’re not playing up to their abilities right now. Their 100.1 offensive rating in that span ranks as worst in the league, something that their normally stellar defense can’t even help. Without much expectation to make moves in the coming days, Orlando needs to turn things around or risk falling further in the play-in picture.
15. Detroit Pistons (25-25)
Last Week: 16
Another team not expected to make many moves, Detroit is in a bit of a different boat than Orlando. They’re in a bit of a slump, going 4-6 in their last 10, but they’re not struggling to a crazy degree. They’re currently in the six seed, tied with the Miami Heat, and in a much better position than many had expected them to be this season. The team is meshing well and may still get Jaden Ivey back at some point in March. If all goes well the Pistons may make the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-2019 season and could notch their first playoff win of any kind since the 2007-2008 season.
14. Sacramento Kings (25-24)
Last Week: 13
It may have been tough for some Kings fans to see them part ways with De’Aaron Fox, but the return they got in Zach LaVine isn’t too shabby. And after all, many doubted them after they fired Mike Brown and they’ve since gone 12-6. Now the last six games haven’t gone well for Sacramento, but they’re still in the play-in mix as one of four teams tied for the eight seed. With Fox on his way out, LaVine is likely to overtake his scoring role and Malik Monk may take over more facilitating duties. Sacramento shouldn’t be written off after trading their homegrown star.
13. Dallas Mavericks (26-25)
Last Week: 12
So uh, you all saw the news, right? After essentially swapping Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, nearly everyone on social media is confused as to why the trade happened. It’s understandable for many to be down on the Mavericks after the trade, and they haven’t helped themselves in the two games since it went down. We’ll get a real idea of who they’ll be going forward once Anthony Davis finally suits up, which is expected to be later this week. In the near term the Mavericks are still formidable and clearly want to be a defensive minded team. How well AD will mesh with Kyrie Irving and the rest of the remaining Mavs is yet to be seen.
12. Los Angeles Lakers (29-19)
Last Week: 15
From a long term perspective it’s pretty clear the Lakers are the likely winner of the Luka-AD trade. In the near term they essentially created a big hole on their roster that’s in need of a big man. Mix that in with the Lakers’ history of never being shy about trades and acquisitions and it’s pretty clear they’re not done making moves quite yet. One name that’s been linked to them that would fit their big man need is Nikola Vucevic who could replace much of AD’s scoring and rebounding abilities, though he isn’t the same level of defender. If LA can land the 34-year-old from Montenegro they’ll have a very, very solid starting five once Doncic is healthy.
11. Los Angeles Clippers (28-22)
Last Week: 11
Still hanging in there quietly, the Clippers hold onto the 6-seed currently. With all the movement in the West expected to happen at the deadline, the Clippers haven’t popped up in many rumors. They may be looking to add more complimentary pieces, such as Toronto’s Chris Boucher or New York’s Jericho Sims. But for the most part it appears they may be quiet. A 6-4 record in their last 10 games with a +6.3 net rating says things are going alright. But there’s a lot of competition in the West. So if LA doesn’t make many moves, they’ll have to continue playing at a high level to avoid the play-in.
10. Indiana Pacers (28-21)
Last Week: 10
In terms of trade rumors, Indiana hasn’t exactly been in the spotlight much. Some rumors have popped up about the Lakers’ interest in Myles Turner to fill their big man role, but outside of that it’d appear that things are relatively quiet. Turner is a free agent at the end of the year so the want the Pacers may have to get something for him before he potentially leaves is something to keep an eye on. But at the same time, Indiana’s currently the 4-seed in the East and doesn’t appear to be in danger of falling into the play-in. A Myles Turner trade may not help Indiana this season when they’re in great position to make the playoffs and potentially be a sneaky dark horse.
9. Minnesota Timberwolves (27-23)
Last Week: 9
Originators of the “trade that shocks the world” this season, at least in October, Minnesota may have already gotten their big moves out of the way. They’re still in the market for role players though and have been linked to Lonzo Ball of the Bulls. Adding Ball would give Minnesota more of a three point threat on offense, something they already excel at as they make the fifth most threes per game in the league with the third highest three-point percentage. Though they’re currently sitting in the play-in at the 7-seed, they’re a team that can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.
8. Milwaukee Bucks (26-22)
Last Week: 8
After a nice run in January, the Bucks have lost four straight games. The concerning part for Milwaukee fans has to be that three of those losses came with Giannis and Dame both healthy and in spots they should have done better in, such as their losses to Portland and San Antonio. Their team runs off the success of simply those two which is why they’re looking for a third additional threat. As of now the biggest name associated with the Bucks in the trade market is Kyle Kuzma, though a deal with the Wizards would mean departing with Khris Middleton. That may be painful for Bucks fans, but Milwaukee is looking for a way to get things kickstarted again.
7. Denver Nuggets (31-19)
Last Week: 7
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone put a lot of trade rumors to rest after Monday’s victory over the Pelicans by stating that the Nuggets would not be trading forward Michael Porter Jr. MPJ has been having another resilient year for the Nuggets as Denver’s #3 offensive weapon as was rumored to be a potential trade piece for a Zach LaVine trade, which obviously won’t happen now, or potentially a swap to Atlanta with De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic as pieces coming back to Denver. With MPJ’s name removed, Denver looks to be a bit quieter at the trade deadline though they’ve also been linked to Toronto’s Chris Boucher, who could be a solid contributor off the bench for Denver.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (34-16)
Last Week: 6
Even though Jimmy Butler has stated that he doesn’t want to play for Memphis it hasn’t stopped conversations regarding a trade that puts him in a Grizzlies uniform. That may be more of a fault of Miami not being able to find potential suitors and scrambling for a destination to send the 35-year-old but it’s affecting the Grizzlies right now. Outside of a potential Butler trade, Memphis looks like they’ll be quiet at the deadline. Which may be fine as their young roster is sitting at the 2-seed in the West. They’re set to be a threat in the West and breaking up a young roster that’s clicking may not be the best idea.
5. New York Knicks (34-17)
Last Week: 5
As far as trades go, the Knicks and Timberwolves got their big moves out of the way early and as such shouldn’t be expected to make many big splashes. As Mitchell Robinson starts to work his way back to the court, there’s still a need for size for the Knicks. This has led to rumors that New York is interested in Washington’s Jonas Valanciunas and Philadelphia’s Guerschon Yabusele. Both would help provide size for the Knicks while their offensive styles are much different. New York is solidly in the 3-seed in the East, though, and the need for a big move doesn’t appear to be huge. They’re set for a playoff run and any depth they can add, to supplement health, will be the goal for New York.
4. Houston Rockets (32-18)
Last Week: 3
After having what’s arguably the best week of any NBA team this season, the Rockets have since lost four straight games including two to the Brooklyn Nets. You can excuse the losses to New York and Memphis, but two to a tanking Brooklyn team aren’t a great look for this young squad. They need more determination to be taken seriously in the playoffs. As such, they’re still linked to potential trades for veterans like Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler. Whether a trade for an aging vet to break up a young squad making progress will be a smart move is a whole different question we may not get the answer to.
3. Boston Celtics (36-15)
Last Week: 4
Boston’s starting to heat up again, handling the Cavaliers on Tuesday for the second time this season to increase their winning streak to four games. As one of the few teams that has shown they can handle Cleveland, there may not be many moves the reigning champs need to make. One intriguing move is a reunion with Guerschon Yabusele, a move rumored in recent days that would land Yabusele on the last NBA team he played for prior to making Philly’s squad this season. Any additional depth will be helpful for the Celtics as Boston’s starters have been relatively healthy though the bench has struggled more recently. Yabusele would certainly help if Boston makes a move for him.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers (40-10)
Last Week: 2
Cleveland may not currently be viewed as the incredibly dynamic threat that they were to start the season but the Cavs are still cooking. Outside of Boston, Houston and OKC there may not be a team that can stop them. Still, they would be smart to address some issues that they have on their wings. As such, they’ve been linked to Brooklyn’s Cameron Johnson and Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter as potential targets. Both would be solid 3-and-D options for the Cavs who are positioned to make a deep run in the East.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (39-9)
Last Week: 1
Sitting atop the West without much resistance in sight, the Thunder are in the best position of any team headed into the trade deadline. Their young roster has meshed over the past few seasons and is clicking. Their best acquisition they could make is simply to get Chet Holmgren healthy, which may be an overlooked piece of things as we’ve still yet to see Holmgren play side-by-side with Isaiah Hartenstein. That defensive presence will give OKC the size they’ve been missing in past seasons. For trade rumors, the Thunder aren’t linked to any big trades as of now. Which should be fine as they’re not in a spot where a big trade will catapult them. They’re in a fantastic spot and continue to be in the league’s driver seat.
