With the 2013 NBA Trade Deadline approaching and the All-Star Game happening this weekend in Houston, it's getting closer and closer to crunch time for general managers and other front office execs all over the league. Some contenders will be tinkering and adding role players, others will make a big splash, and the teams furthest out of the playoff race will try to dump long-term salary to re-build. We're offering up one team in each of those categories that might be the first one you'll hear about.
The best team in the NBA right now might also be the one in the best position to make a splash. The San Antonio Spurs may be in good position to land Al Jefferson, taking one of the two big-money big-men off of the Utah Jazz' hands. With the Spurs prepped for another deep playoff run, Jefferson's presence would give them much more depth up front, covering up the team's biggest weakness.
The Atlanta Hawks are in a precarious situation as a team that will probably make the playoffs but won't last very long in them. They're not necessarily in complete re-build mode, but need to get something for Josh Smith. They'll be dumping his salary somewhere if possible if they want what's best for the long-term future of the club. Smith is looking for a max contract at the end of the year, and won't be getting close to that amount in any offer Atlanta has for him. The question becomes who trades for him, and how much are they willing to offer, knowing he wants a big deal?
The Brooklyn Nets are in a great position to make the playoffs, but don't have a lot of assets they can move without sacrificing the quality of their current team. The most logical move seems to be to swap Kris Humphries for the Charlotte Bobcats' Ben Gordon to increase their scoring capability and not take on too much additional salary.