The 2022 NBA trade deadline is less than a week away, which means it's time for the bold predictions committee of one (me) to spring into action only to get mocked mercilessly on the internet when none of it comes true.
There are several juicy storylines as the deadline approaches. Will Ben Simmons finally be traded? Is anyone interested in taking Kyrie Irving off the Brooklyn Nets' hands? Can the Los Angeles Lakers find a way out of the prison they have locked themselves in? Do the Warriors have a big splash in them?
Those questions will be answered by Feb. 10. But now it's time to get bold(ish) with five trade deadline predictions.
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SIGN UP HERE Bucks make their move
Editor's note: This was published before Robert Covington reportedly was traded to the Clippers.
The defending NBA champions find themselves in a good spot to defend their title. But with Brook Lopez still out after undergoing back surgery in December, Milwaukee needs to make a move to either shore up its big-man depth or make a play for a versatile wing who can fill the void left by P.J. Tucker.
The Bucks seem confident that Lopez is on schedule to return, and there aren't many good center options on the trade market. Jalen Smith, anyone? But the Bucks do have the ammunition to acquire a wing like Robert Covington for a package centered around Donte DiVincenzo. Add in George Hill, and the Bucks should be able to add the 3-and-D wing they have been looking for.
Golden State Warriors
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Celtics, Hawks make smart deal
The Hawks have been one of the NBA's biggest disappointments this season and need a change. Atlanta already dealt Cam Reddish to the New York Knicks, but another move could (should) be on the way.
John Collins proved his worth during last year's run to the Eastern Conference finals, but the frustrated Hawks big man could use a change of scenery. Speaking of change of scenery, Marcus Smart's time in Boston has been enjoyable, but the Celtics need to shake things up, and Smart is an easy contract to move.
The Hawks reportedly want a starting-caliber player and a first-round pick for Collins. Putting Smart's defense next to Trae Young in the backcourt could fix some of Atlanta's issues. Throw in Josh Richardson to make the money work and get the C's under the tax and phone the deal in.
Grizzlies go for it
Memphis has been one of the darlings of the NBA season, and the Grizzlies say they plan to remain patient at the deadline. But the Grizzlies have quality pieces to trade while still leaving the core of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane intact.
The Grizzlies need a shot creator who can play next to Morant. A wing would be preferable, but Memphis could go a different direction and round out their young core with Domantas Sabonis.
The Pacers, by all accounts, are looking to make big changes to their roster, and breaking up the big-man duo of Sabonis and Myles Turner is near the top of the list.
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The Grizzlies have a host of first-round picks to package in a deal and can put Steven Adams' contract to make it work. Two firsts and Adams could be enough to get the deal done. Adding Sabonis gives the Grizzlies another player on their timeline and, Sabonis' skillset will fit well with what Memphis likes to do on offense.
Kings hit the reset button
No, Ben Simmons isn't coming to Sacramento. But the Kings do need to make changes and start building for the future.
Tyrese Haliburton, Davion Mitchell, and De'Aaron Fox are safe, but everyone else should start packing their bags.
The Kings get rid of Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, and Marvin Bagley. Sacramento's firesale could see the Kings make a run at Myles Turner or Domantas Sabonis. Jerami Grant could also be in play. Could the Kings find a way to offload Hield onto the Lakers while getting LA's 2027 first-round pick back along with Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn?
The Kings will have a lot of options, but I expect the team to look a lot different by the time the deadline passes.
Warriors stay the course
The Warriors could use another big man, depending on how they feel about the rehabs of Draymond Green and James Wiseman. Kevon Looney has been an iron man for Golden State this season, but the Warriors need reliable depth at the center position heading into the playoffs.
Golden State has the young pieces to swing a deal for Turner or Sabonis. But the Warriors are committed to the plan of contending with the current core while simultaneously building for the future. Their comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs was proof that their young players are developing on schedule, and there is no reason for them to stray from the plan.
Having Klay Thompson continue to get more comfortable post-return and developing Jonathan Kuminga into a consistent role player could be the two most-impactful moves any contender will make at the deadline, and the Warriors don't need to lift a finger to make that happen.
The Warriors might look at the buyout market for a big man, but there is no big move coming from the team with the second-best record in the NBA.