Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks has already poured gasoline on the 2023 NBA trade deadline fire, potentially setting us up for a lot more action.
Of course, some teams shouldn't feel pressure to make a move. Others, like the Nets (following Irving's trade request) and the Mavs (eager to add a star to pair with Luka Doncic), were very much feeling pressure to get something done.
When evaluating the panic/desperation level for all 30 NBA teams, we'll be using the following rating system once again:
Extremely High: These teams have to do something, perhaps even execute a drastic roster shake-up. Front-office jobs are likely at stake.
High: These teams have a major weakness that needs to be addressed or a veteran player that needs to be moved. Staying put is not an option.
Medium: No need to get desperate here. If the right deal is out there, great. If not, don't panic.
Low: These teams likely aren't making many phone calls. Make your best offer or don't waste their time.
Extremely Low: Trade deadline? What trade deadline? Don't expect much activity from these teams. The season's likely going just fine.
Here's where every NBA team stands on the panic meter just before the deadline, including what the franchise's deadline strategy should be when making and taking calls.
Atlanta Hawks
Panic Meter: High
Deadline Strategy: Shop John Collins, add another playmaker
Despite trading three first-round picks for Dejounte Murray last offseason, the Hawks have a nearly identical record (27-27) as they did a year ago at this time (26-28).
The offense still collapses when Trae Young sits (107.6 rating, 7th percentile overall per Cleaning the Glass) and the Hawks rank just 29th in assist percentage as a team this season.
The Hawks should be looking for a veteran point guard off the bench, one that can help spell the team when Young is out of the game.
While trading Collins is far from a must, Atlanta needs to explore the market for the athletic power forward. As well as another floor general, adding wing defenders around Young is always welcome.
Collins should have value, as he can hit threes, finish lobs and get you 20 and 10 when placed in a larger role, one that's shrunk in recent years with the Hawks.
Finishing with a top-six seed in the East and avoiding the play-in tournament should be the goal, one that may not be accomplished without some outside help.
Boston Celtics
Panic Meter: Extremely Low
Deadline Strategy: Cut luxury tax bill, check prices on frontcourt depth
Owners of the NBA's best record and sitting at the top of the East nearly all season, the Celtics don't need to do anything at the deadline.
Boston sports a top-four offense and defense, is incredibly deep in the backcourt and on the wing and has a nice mixture of youth and veterans. This is a group that knows it can win without getting reinforcements on Thursday.
A luxury bill that's projected to top $58 million could be greatly reduced if Boston can dump the injured Danilo Gallinari's $6.5 million contract on a team with cap space (Indiana Pacers?), a deal that should be of great interest to ownership.
Finding another big for some insurance behind Robert Williams III and Al Horford would be a luxury, not a necessity, but is still worth exploring for a Celtics team that should be all-in on title chasing for the next several years.
