Moves NBA Eastern Conference teams should make before trade deadline

With the Feb. 8 trade deadline approaching, many NBA teams are scrambling to make deals. We've explored what each Western Conference team should do before that date passes, so let's take a look at moves Eastern Conference teams should make. 

(Teams are sorted by conference standing through games of  Jan. 24.)

Boston Celtics (34-10)

The move: Nothing. Realistically, where can Boston improve? It has had the best record in the NBA nearly all season, has the league's best net rating by over a point and dominates on both ends of the ball. A versatile backup power forward (Charlotte's P.J. Washington?) would be nice for the Celtics, but that's just being greedy.

Milwaukee Bucks (31-13)

The move: Milwaukee making a trade after the chaos of the past week seems unlikely. But if GM Jon Horst is still searching for on-court personnel upgrades, a defensive-minded guard would shore up some of Milwaukee's defensive deficiencies — and there are a lot of deficiencies. Chicago Bulls shooting guard Alex Caruso might be expensive, but Milwaukee shouldn't worry about dealing draft picks if that's what it takes to get him,

Philadelphia 76ers (29-13)

The move: One more shooter. Marcus Morris has had some fun moments and Kelly Oubre will randomly score 30 points every so often, but a consistent scorer off the bench could push the Sixers squarely into contender status — if they're not already there. Think Bogdon Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks.

Cleveland Cavaliers (26-16)

The move: Wing scoring has been an issue in Cleveland for years, and it might be what hinders the Cavs in the playoffs. Charlotte's Gordon Hayward can likely be had for two draft picks. It's worth a shot.

New York Knicks (27-17)

The move: Another point guard. Miles McBride and Quentin Grimes are talented and deserving of minutes, but for the Knicks to compete this season, a veteran guard will be necessary. The Knicks should enter the sweepstakes for Portland's Malcolm Brogdon.

Miami Heat (24-20)

The move: Miami probably already made its "splashy" move, nabbing Terry Rozier from Charlotte earlier this week. Although the Heat seem to think they've solved their point guard troubles, acquiring a true No. 1 — Rozier is considerably better operating off the ball — might still be in the cards.

Indiana Pacers (24-20)

The move: Adding Pascal Siakam will eventually translate to wins (Tyrese Haliburton being injured has kind of ruined Siakam's first few weeks as a Pacer), but why should Indiana be done dealing? It retained most of its young core; Andrew Nembhard, Ben Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith would be great pickups for rebuilding teams. Go see what else is out there.

Orlando Magic (23-21)

The move: Are the Magic a sneaky candidate to make a huge move at the deadline? Orlando's rebuild is progressing much quicker than expected, but areas for improvement are clear. The Magic have many talented guards, but none of them are necessarily of the "pass-first" variety. Are any middling teams willing to part with their starters? Would buying low on Golden State's Chris Paul be crazy? 

Chicago Bulls (21-24)

The move: Decimate the roster. Chicago deserves respect for trying to build a contender a few years ago, but it didn't work. Holding on to Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic any longer isn't necessary. Coby White is playing phenomenally, so give him the keys and look toward the future.

Atlanta Hawks (18-26)

The move: If they don't want to dive into a full rebuild, they have to at least transform this roster. It's not working. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray were a clunky fit together from day one. Jalen Johnson is a real building block, but everyone else should be available for trade. Reshape things around Young.

Brooklyn Nets (17-26)

The move: Brooklyn may want to get crazy at the deadline, but that's not the best course of action. Cam Johnson is locked up for years, a Mikal Bridges contract is likely coming next and Brooklyn will forever be a popular free-agent destination. Teams might be willing to overpay for Dorian Finney-Smith or Nic Claxton, and small deals are fine, but Brooklyn shouldn't blow things up yet.

Toronto Raptors (16-28)

The move: Toronto has already made them. Trading OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam got some pretty solid returns for the Raptors. Things will look up eventually.

Charlotte Hornets (10-32)

The move: Everybody except LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller can (and probably should) go. Those two are a good foundation for the future, so start hoarding draft picks and aim to surround them with talent. The Terry Rozier trade was a good start. P.J. Washington, Miles Bridges, Nick Richards and Gordon Hayward should be next out the door.

Washington Wizards (7-36)

The move: It's hard to tell what exactly is going on in Washington. Will a contender take on Jordan Poole's contract? Probably not. Washington might have to (unintentionally) stand pat at the deadline.

Detroit Pistons (5-39)

The move: Detroit is so bad that "buying" at the deadline shouldn't be out of the question. Why keep kicking the can down the proverbial road? You must acquire good players eventually. The Pistons should be willing to take on big contracts for veterans who will actually produce quality minutes.