Three teams that must be buyers at NBA trade deadline

The NBA trade deadline is approaching. As we near the season's halfway point, we have a good enough sample size to label each team as a buyer or a seller.

When thinking of potential buyers, three teams immediately come to mind. Two have disappointed, and one has been a top team in its conference despite numerous injuries. 

Regardless, they must be buyers at the deadline to maximize their hopes of a deep playoff run. 

1. Orlando Magic

If the Magic opted to maintain their roster, we wouldn't blame them. Despite injuries to their two best players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, they have been incredibly successful. A trade or two at the deadline can boost their championship odds. 

If they want to swing big, a player like Brandon Ingram could be in the cards for them. They have also been linked to De'Aaron Fox, but with the Kings winning eight in a row, it's doubtful they will move on from their star point guard. Orlando has the contracts of Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony and others to match and plenty of young assets like Jett Howard or Anthony Black to make a trade for a star work. 

Realistically, if the Magic make a trade, it will be for a high-tier role player if any become available. Collin Sexton, Malcolm Brogdon and others will likely be available by the deadline, and it wouldn't cost too much for Orlando to acquire. 

2. Phoenix Suns

If one thing has been evident in the last two seasons, it's that the Suns' core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal does not work. All three are phenomenal offensive players but subpar defenders. This, combined with poor play from guys like Jusuf Nurkic, has led to the Suns' being the 10th seed in the Western Conference. 

The most obvious move for the Suns is a Jimmy Butler trade. Butler has reportedly expressed interest in a trade to Phoenix, and he would solve some of their problems. However, Beal's no-trade clause has muddied a potential deal and could hurt the Suns. 

If they can't make a Butler deal work, some buy-low deals could be the best way for the Suns to operate moving forward. A 3&D wing like Torrey Craig from the Bulls or Charlotte's Nick Richards could be ideal trade candidates for the Suns, given their current problems. 

1. Golden State Warriors

Contrary to what Draymond Green recently said about making "win-now moves," the Warriors must embrace their role as buyers at the deadline. They are the 12th seed in the West, and their young players have disappointed this season, proving they likely can't lead the franchise in a post-Stephen Curry era. 

They have many tradeable contracts, picks, and young assets to make moves. It would be foolish not to capitalize on a roster featuring 36-year-old Curry and 34-year-old Green. They have been linked to players like Butler, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vučević, but it would appear that both Curry and Green are against big-time trades. 

If the Warriors wish to make smaller moves, they have reported interest in Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith, who would fit perfectly in Golden State. Either way, their roster needs a change.