5 NBA teams that need major trades to contend for playoffs in 2024-25 season

We are already at least 20 games into the 2024-25 NBA season. That means there are approximately at least another 20 games until the first half of the season ends. By that time, it's likely that the trade deadline will be over and teams will need to figure out how to make it to the 2025 playoffs with their roster.

With that said NBA teams still have until February 6, 2025, to make some minor or major adjustments to their roster. This is so they could potentially contend for the title and hopefully become the next world champions.

Having that in mind, here are the top five teams that are in dire need of trades to help them contend for a title this year.

Note: This listicle solely reflects the opinion of the writer. Readers should take this listicle with a grain of salt.

---

Milwaukee Bucks and four other NBA teams that need major trades to contend for playoffs

#1 LA Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns - Source: Imagn

For six seasons, the LA Lakers have heavily relied on the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Throughout their time as teammates, the duo has only won one championship and is yet to follow up on another. The Lakers have faced many challenges since splitting apart the roster from the 2020 NBA champions.

Fast forward to 2023, LA slowly found its rhythm back after acquiring players like Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura. However, the new squad is yet to make it to the finals.

While the arrival of new Lakers head coach JJ Redick made fans optimistic about the 2024-25 season, it appears that the Purple and Gold are still struggling to gain any sort of momentum. At this point, Davis and James will need a legitimate third star to help them out if they truly wish to contend for a title before LeBron decides to call it quits.

---

#2 Milwaukee Bucks

Preseason-Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks - Source: Imagn

When Damian Lillard made his way to Milwaukee last season, fans expected the Bucks to win another NBA title. Unfortunately for them, some late-season mishaps got in the way of their playoff run, which ultimately resulted in getting knocked out of the postseason.

This season, the Bucks surprisingly struggled early on. Many flamed head coach Doc Rivers for coaching his team poorly. However, they are slowly getting back on their feet. But that doesn't mean Milwaukee doesn't need an extra set of hands to help them contend.

While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are both putting up remarkable performances on a nightly basis, they're still in need of one more key piece who could complement their games. Doing so could lead the Bucks to another title, potentially giving Lillard his first championship in his career.

---

#3 Minnesota Timberwolves

Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves - Source: Imagn

When the Minnesota Timberwolves agreed to trade Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, it was clear that the organization was fixated on revolving the team around Anthony Edwards. However, it appears that getting rid of Towns hurt the team instead of helping them.

The Wolves are currently out of the Play-In Tournament picture, placing 11th in the Western Conference. Despite Edwards' efforts to lead his team, it's quite apparent that the young star needs more help to get Minnesota back on its feet.

---

#4 San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs at Sacramento Kings - Source: Imagn

Victor Wembanyama is now playing in his second NBA season. He is still representing the San Antonio Spurs, but his talents seem to be a waste at the moment. While the Spurs organization did their part to try and create a team that would best suit the towering Frenchman after acquiring Chris Paul, it seems that they still have some searching to do.

There's no denying that Wembanyama is the future of the NBA. He's a towering figure who can score, play defense, and rotate the ball with ease. If San Antonio can figure out the perfect trade that would match Victor's style of play, they might be looking at their next dynasty after the Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili eras.

---

#5 Sacramento Kings

Toronto Raptors at Sacramento Kings - Source: Imagn

Prior to the commencement of the 2024-25 NBA season, it seemed that the Sacramento Kings hit the jackpot after acquiring DeMar DeRozan, forming a big three with Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox. However, the exact opposite has happened as they are currently in 12th place in the West.

Looking at the three stars, all have provided efficient numbers to help the team win. It's now a matter of finding the right pieces that could help the three stars win. If the Kings organization can find the right role players, they could pull off their first NBA title win since 1951.