"We're one week from the 2026 NBA trade deadline, with the market staying relatively quiet up to this point. However, there have been major developments across both conferences as we narrow the second half of the regular season. The Oklahoma City Thunder have dropped five games this month -- the same number they lost all season before the start of the new year. The previously invincible looking team now looks more human than before. However, it still remains at the top of the West, holding a six-game lead on the surging San Antonio Spurs."
"Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN's Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Kevin Pelton, Michael C. Wright, Bobby Marks, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram) think teams belong. With a $14 million use it or lose it trade exception that will expire over the summer hanging over the front office's head, the Pistons could make a move to bolster their secondary scoring and low-volume 3-point shooting before the trade deadline. On the bright side, Cade Cunningham, who is battling a right wrist injury he suffered on Jan. 4, broke out Sunday, scoring 29 against the Kings and went 13 for 22 in 30 mins after shooting 38% from the field and only 69% from the line since his injury. -- Vincent Goodwill"
The NBA trade deadline arrives in one week with limited market activity but notable developments across conferences. The Oklahoma City Thunder have lost five games this month after an almost undefeated start and still lead the West by six games over the San Antonio Spurs. Eastern Conference standings are tightening, with the Cleveland Cavaliers climbing via a four-game winning streak. Panel-based team rankings shape perceptions heading into Feb. 5. The Detroit Pistons hold a $14 million use-it-or-lose-it trade exception and could pursue secondary scoring; Cade Cunningham returned from a wrist injury with a 29-point breakout. Kevin Durant delivered his third straight 30-point game for the Rockets.
#nba-trade-deadline #oklahoma-city-thunder #eastern-conference-tightening #cade-cunningham #detroit-pistons
Read at ESPN.com
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