With the 2026-27 NBA regular season underway and the Feb. 11 trade deadline just over the horizon, several playoff contenders need to decide whether to keep their options open and add talent over the next three months. Injuries have already hit the league hard, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves both losing major cornerstones for an extended stretch. Those Western Conference contenders must decide whether to fill out their rotations or survive without their stars until the postseason. Meanwhile, the defending champion New York Knicks have started shakily, which raises the question of whether they need roster moves to keep their run back to the Finals on track.
Our NBA insiders broke down what 10 playoff contenders lack, the constraints shaping their trade options and what lies ahead as the deadline approaches. The teams are ordered by their ranking in the Basketball Power Index (BPI) as of Tuesday, Nov. 10.
1. San Antonio Spurs (10-2)
Projected record: 62-20. Chances to make the conference finals: 58.5%
What they’re missing: The Spurs keep winning even without Tobias Harris, their big offseason acquisition. It is hard to find a hole in one of the league’s most complete rosters. Their depth, however, could use improvement. San Antonio cannot afford to rely on Jordan McLaughlin as the bench option if one of its three guards goes down, as happened in the playoffs last year.
What they can pull off: The Spurs have the draft assets to swing a deal, but general manager Brian Wright may not look to be aggressive. After posting one of the best records last year, San Antonio chose to stand pat. If the Spurs do move, they hold an unprotected 2027 first-round pick from Atlanta and three additional tradeable first-rounders. They also have swap rights in 2028 (via Boston, if Nos. 2-30), 2030 (the most favorable of San Antonio, Dallas and Minnesota, if Nos. 2-30) and 2031 (via Sacramento). The team owns 12 tradeable second-round picks.
Watch whether San Antonio is willing to take back salary that stretches past 2026-27. With Victor Wembanyama‘s extension starting next season and sixth man Keldon Johnson a free agent, the Spurs sit only $11 million below the luxury tax in 2027-28.
What’s next for San Antonio? The Spurs plan to play out the season with the roster they have, even with plenty of assets to make a move. The team appears somewhat thin at center behind Luke Kornet, but the staff has been pleased with the progress of rookie Tarris Reed Jr. in such a short time. The club also understands that the roster could get expensive over the next two years, with an expected extension for Stephon Castle this summer and one for Dylan Harper in the summer of 2028. San Antonio already faces a numbers problem because of the depth it has accumulated.
“There’s not enough minutes to go around,” coach Mitch Johnson said. “Unfortunately, I’ve got to play the bad guy and I’m not always going to be right. But I’ve got to make tough decisions in regards to only 240 minutes.”
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (8-4)
Projected record: 58-24. Chances to make the conference finals: 43.5%
What they’re missing: The Thunder are missing several rotation players, and their activity at the deadline will depend heavily on when, or whether, those players can return. Nique Clifford adds another perimeter body, but he does not look like a playoff difference-maker. General manager Sam Presti may still search for another defensively minded wing who can replace some of the production lost from injured Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace.
What they can pull off: The Nov. 8 trade for Clifford does not stop Oklahoma City from making another move. The Thunder have no open roster spot, but they hold the $5.4 million expiring contract of Nikola Topic and the $4.9 million salary of former first-round pick Thomas Sorber. Because Oklahoma City sits over the first apron, it cannot take back additional salary if either player is traded. The Thunder also have three trade exceptions ($5.8 million, $11.3 million and $17.7 million), seven tradeable first-round picks (including three in June) and 19 second-round picks.
What’s next for Oklahoma City? Presti will be patient. The Thunder addressed their need for defensive-minded wing depth by making a buy-low trade for the 2025 first-round pick Clifford, sending two second-round picks to acquire a player with two seasons left on his rookie deal. The team will explore the market for upgrades over the next few months, but a big splash would surprise most observers. That approach fits Presti’s style, as Oklahoma City has not made a major midseason trade since acquiring Kendrick Perkins in 2011. Presti has plenty of picks that could fuel a blockbuster, but he also must prioritize future finances to keep a contender-quality supporting cast around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander throughout his prime.
3. Boston Celtics (10-2)
Projected record: 59-23. Chances to make the conference finals: 57%
What they’re missing: The Celtics rank only 22nd in defensive rebounding rate, an anomaly for a team coached by Joe Mazzulla. Boston has ranked 11th or better in that stat in every other year with Mazzulla at the helm, according to Cleaning the Glass. The problem should be fixable given the roster, with players such as Mitchell Robinson and Jayson Tatum, an excellent rebounder for his position, able to help. If the issue persists, Boston might pursue another big body who can grab rebounds in the playoffs.
What they can pull off: Last season, the Celtics were one of the league’s more active teams before the trade deadline. Four separate trades dropped Boston below the luxury tax and created a $27.7 million trade exception. That exception remains available until February, but the first-apron hard cap prevents Boston from using more than $10 million of it.
This year, the Celtics do not need to trim payroll, but they must watch the luxury tax, which they currently sit $1.75 million below. Their most valuable asset could be an open roster spot. Because Boston is below the first apron, it can sign a waived player with a preexisting salary of $15 million or more.
What’s next for Boston? Finding another big man could rank high on the Celtics’ list. They have learned from the Knicks not to overtax Robinson, who plays well in spurts. Keeping him around the 20-minute mark is ideal. Keeping Tatum and Paul George fresh will be paramount too, especially as Tatum works back to his new normal in his first full season following an Achilles injury in 2025. The $27 million trade exception could go a long way, particularly if Boston views the Eastern Conference as winnable.
4. Houston Rockets (9-3)
Projected record: 55-27. Chances to make the conference finals: 23.8%
What they’re missing: Only two Rockets perimeter players are shooting better than 37% on 3-pointers this season. One of them is Bogdan Bogdanovic, whose injury history suggests Houston cannot count on him for the full season. Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard should improve as the season continues, but Houston might benefit from adding one more shooter in the meantime.
What they can pull off: The Rockets have two appealing trade assets in the upcoming draft: the right to swap with Brooklyn and an unprotected first-round pick via the Phoenix Suns. Houston has four additional first-round picks available to trade, a $13.3 million trade exception and an open roster spot. The Rockets can use the full exception and still exceed the first apron.
What’s next for Houston? Despite its assets and trade exception, Houston will likely refrain from making moves, as it did last season. The roster has been revamped with the offseason additions of Bogdanovic and Marcus Smart, along with the return of point guard Fred VanVleet. The roster’s overall size gives Houston flexibility to use multiple lineups without sacrificing production. VanVleet’s absence last season sped up the development of Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.
Still, Houston could use more depth at center, given injury concerns for Steven Adams (right calf strain) and Clint Capela (right ankle sprain), who are both expected back soon. Unless the Rockets receive a deal they cannot refuse, they will likely stand pat at the deadline.
5. New York Knicks (6-5)
Projected record: 54-28. Chances to make the conference finals: 42%
What they’re missing: The Knicks had a championship-level roster last season, and the only player they lost was Robinson. Andre Drummond has served as a serviceable replacement so far, and it is difficult to imagine New York finding many better options on the trade market. If a clear upgrade presents itself, that would be the most obvious spot on the roster to improve.
What they can pull off: The Knicks faced the same limitations last season but still traded for backup guard Jose Alvarado. This season, New York sits $809,000 below the second apron and cannot sign a player until Feb. 14. The Knicks can use Pacome Dadiet‘s $3 million expiring contract in a trade but cannot take back more salary. New York also cannot sign a waived player with a preexisting salary of $15 million or more. The team has one first-round pick and 12 second-round picks available to trade.
What’s next for New York? The Knicks are putting off contract issues until the offseason, and flexibility is limited, especially with owner James Dolan stating he will not go into the second apron. If Mikal Bridges continues to struggle, will New York start canvassing the league? He is owed more than $116.5 million over the next three seasons, including a player option in 2029-30, which complicates any move. The hope is that Bridges turns it around as he did last season, because this team needs shot creation and shotmaking.
6. Los Angeles Lakers (11-2)
Projected record: 54-28. Chances to make the conference finals: 13.9%
What they’re missing: The Lakers have the league’s best offense but rank in the bottom half on the other end. They sit 28th in defensive rebounding rate, ahead of only the Bulls and Suns. Kevon Looney is not the answer at backup center behind Walker Kessler, and although Sandro Mamukelashvili is a decent option, Los Angeles joins a long list of teams that could use another competent bruiser on the bench.
What they can pull off: The Lakers depleted their draft assets in the Kessler sign-and-trade, leaving them with the right to swap their 2028 first-round pick as their most significant remaining asset. They have three tradeable second-round picks from 2031 to 2033, two of which belong to the Washington Wizards.
From a roster standpoint, Los Angeles could package the contracts of Jaden Hardy ($6 million) and Jarred Vanderbilt ($12.4 million) for a player earning $26 million or less. Despite being hard-capped at the first apron, the Lakers sit $8.1 million under it and can take back additional salary. They have 15 guaranteed contracts and would need to waive or trade a player to open a roster spot.
What’s next for Los Angeles? After exploring trade packages to clear a roster spot during the preseason, the Lakers waived former first-round pick Dalton Knecht to cut down to the 15-player maximum. Coach JJ Redick has largely stuck to a 10-man rotation, with Vanderbilt overtaking Looney in the depth chart when Mamukelashvili is not in as the stretch 5. Redick still needs to see what he has in second-year forward Adou Thiero and rookie Cameron Carr, though neither appears to be the solution to Los Angeles ranking second-to-last in the league in rebounding.
As one Eastern Conference executive put it, “so long as Doncic, [Austin] Reaves and Kessler stay healthy, the Lakers will be fine.” Reaves is now dealing with a left heel injury that forced him to exit the team’s win over the Bucks on Wednesday night.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-3)
Projected record: 54-28. Chances to make the conference finals: 26%
What they’re missing: Entering the season, Minnesota’s big concern seemed to be frontcourt depth after it traded Julius Randle and Naz Reid in the offseason. But second-year Frenchman Joan Beringer has done excellent work backing up his countryman, Rudy Gobert, and Trey Lyles, after a season out of the NBA, has performed surprisingly well at backup power forward. The question is whether the Timberwolves trust that to continue or would rather pursue a sure thing at the position.
What they can pull off: The Timberwolves were one of the big winners last February when they acquired Ayo Dosunmu. Because of that trade and the offseason addition of LaMelo Ball, Minnesota’s draft assets are limited. The team has no first-round picks to trade and one second-round pick (2030 via Memphis, if Nos. 51-60).
Cody Williams is one player to watch. He is on an expiring $6 million contract after Minnesota declined his team option for next season. Apron rules prevent Minnesota from taking back more salary than it sends out, so the return of Donte DiVincenzo, who tore his Achilles during the 2026 playoffs, could be the Timberwolves’ biggest addition at the deadline.
What’s next for Minnesota? The Timberwolves will bide their time until Anthony Edwards returns. They have played well since their franchise guard underwent knee surgery after playing just four games to start the season. Minnesota is 5-2 without Edwards and boasts the NBA’s top-ranked defense. The schedule will toughen, but the team has held up well through a potentially season-altering injury. Ball continues to assimilate well after an offseason trade, and newcomer Jonathan Kuminga has made a strong first impression after so-so stops with the Warriors and Hawks. Dosunmu has been excellent as Edwards’ stand-in. With Edwards projected to return as soon as late December or early January, Minnesota should have ample time to evaluate its full roster before the Feb. 11 deadline.
8. Detroit Pistons (7-3)
Projected record: 55-27. Chances to make the conference finals: 44.4%
What they’re missing: The Pistons’ greatest need is the same as it has been for the last 18 months: a second scorer and playmaker next to Cade Cunningham. Duncan Robinson is the only other perimeter player averaging more than 12 points per game. Daniss Jenkins has done an admirable job as a backup, but he is not a championship-level No. 2 option. Detroit has plenty of trade assets it could use in a deal for another star.
What they can pull off: The Pistons are among a handful of teams that control each of their next seven first-round picks. They can trade up to four of them and can swap in each season. Detroit also has 11 second-round picks available. Despite $90 million committed to Cunningham and Jalen Duren this season, Detroit sits $14.5 million under the first-apron hard cap.
Still, building a trade package without including a starter or key rotation piece could be difficult. To match salary, the Pistons have only the sizable contracts of John Collins ($17 million), Robinson ($16 million) and Isaiah Joe ($11.3 million). None carries guaranteed salary beyond this season. To use its $5.2 million or $15 million trade exception, Detroit would need to open a roster spot.
What’s next for Detroit? The Pistons look poised to be among the top teams in the East during the regular season, even without a move at the deadline. A year ago, with a young team playing better than expected, Detroit chose not to rock the boat. This front office has favored patience as its young core grows. It is worth watching whether an opportunity presents itself for a bigger swing and how the Pistons handle it this time.
9. Philadelphia 76ers (9-3)
Projected record: 49-33. Chances to make the conference finals: 21.1%
What they’re missing: The 76ers lack proper championship-level depth at center behind Joel Embiid, who is the single greatest injury risk for any team in the championship picture. Lineups with LeBron James at center can work on occasion, but that is not a permanent solution. With Ariel Hukporti out for the season after tearing his Achilles, Philadelphia needs a better backup big man ahead of Jabari Walker and Adem Bona.
What they can pull off: The 76ers have an open roster spot and Hukporti’s $3.4 million expiring contract. Because they sit $1.8 million under the first-apron hard cap, they can take back up to $5.2 million in salary. They also have 10 second-round picks available for a trade. Philadelphia can sign a player to its open roster spot starting Dec. 4.
What’s next for Philadelphia? Coach Nick Nurse said that Dominick Barlow, who has missed all of this season with a back injury, is expected to be cleared for on-court activities by mid-November. The Sixers are thin in the frontcourt, with Bona missing time with a neck injury, Hukporti out for the season and Tacko Fall sidelined by a quad injury. For now, Philadelphia has been excited by Walker, who has proven to be the team’s most consistent backup center. He had his best game of the season in a win over the Bulls, finishing with nine points and 11 rebounds.
“He probably deserves to play more, to be honest,” Nurse said this season.
10. Cleveland Cavaliers (6-6)
Projected record: 47-35. Chances to make the conference finals: 11.8%
What they’re missing: Cleveland ranks 29th in the league in defensive turnover rate, according to Cleaning the Glass, ahead of only the struggling Milwaukee defense. The unit remains decent overall thanks to Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen near the rim. But the backcourt looks highly exploitable in the playoffs, since even reserves Sam Merrill and rookie Meleek Thomas are more offensively minded. The Cavaliers badly need another perimeter stopper.
What they can pull off: Five players, Mobley, Allen, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson and James Harden, combine to earn 85% of the cap this season. That makes a trade difficult unless Cleveland is willing to part ways with Allen or reserves Merrill and Jaylon Tyson. The Cavaliers sit $45,000 below the first apron this season, have no tradeable first-round picks and have only one second-round pick available. Cleveland can fill its open roster spot starting April 9.
What’s next for Cleveland? After Harden took Darius Garland’s place at last season’s deadline, the Cavs brought back their core four, betting that continuity would make a difference. But Cleveland now leans on younger players such as Tyson, Thomas and Tyrese Proctor to fill out its bench. Watch whether that trio keeps producing or whether the Cavs make moves similar to last season’s deadline, when they added veterans Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis to fortify their depth.