NBA 2020-21: 5 Teams primed to make a big move before the NBA trade deadline

#3 Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets' need of the hour is to generate more offense on a nightly basis. The Nuggets surprised everyone with their awe-inspiring playoff run last postseason and they will back themselves to repeat the feat this season, as star center Nikola Jokic has taken a massive leap this season, putting himself in the reckoning for the MVP award.

While Jokic and Jamal Murray are among the top duos in the league, they won't be able to get the job done by themselves. Every title contender needs reliable role players that can play their part to perfection, and it is clear that the Denver Nuggets need more firepower on the offensive end to take their game to the next level. The Nuggets are among the prime candidates to make a splash before the upcoming NBA trade deadline.

#2 Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks

It could be argued that the Milwaukee Bucks are the team most affected by the Nets' blockbuster trade as they could potentially face off against them in the postseason this year. The reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton's chances of matching up with Durant, Irving and Harden in a seven-game series look slim on paper. The Bucks did well in the offseason, adding Jrue Holiday to bolster their backcourt, but his effectiveness come playoff time remains to be seen.

The Milwaukee Bucks have not dominated the Eastern Conference this season as they did in the last two campaigns. The Bucks were a disappointment in the 2020 playoffs, losing to the Miami Heat in the Conference Semifinals, and league experts and pundits don't fancy their chances of winning the East this time around. Now is the time for the Bucks' front office to move some pieces around and bring in the right talent before the NBA trade deadline blows past them.

#1 Miami Heat

Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat celebrates with Goran Dragic

It's pretty evident that the Miami Heat will be in the running for a big trade move ahead of the NBA trade deadline. The 2019-2020 Eastern Conference champions have struggled to replicate the form that saw them make it to the NBA Finals last season and will need to turn things around quickly or risk losing their chances of getting another shot at the NBA title.

Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro returning to their hundred percent is a positive sign for coach Erik Spoelstra. Their return has the potential to change their team's fortunes and cover lost ground to get themselves back into the playoff spots in the East.

But they still lag behind in terms of talent to their competition in the East, let alone those they could potentially face in the NBA Finals from the West. With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Miami Heat could be one of the teams that makes a splash and trade Tyler Herro along with other assets for a perennial All-Star in exchange.