NBA Trade Deadline Looms as Teams Jockey for Playoff Position

CLEVELAND, Ohio — With the 2025 NBA trade deadline just 22 days away, teams across both conferences are reevaluating their rosters in a bid to strengthen their playoff chances. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder remain the league’s top contenders, but the race for postseason berths is heating up as the Feb. 6 deadline approaches.

The Cavaliers, despite a recent blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers, continue to dominate the Eastern Conference with a 33-5 record. Meanwhile, the Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, hold a commanding 6.5-game lead in the Western Conference. Both teams have been fixtures in the top two spots of the NBA Power Rankings for five consecutive weeks.

“The Cavs and Thunder are clearly the class of the league right now,” said ESPN analyst Tim MacMahon. “Their consistency and depth make them the teams to beat as we approach the midway point of the season.”

In the East, the Boston Celtics have struggled recently, going 9-7 over their last 16 games after a strong 19-5 start. Their 3-point shooting has slumped to 34.6%, ranking 23rd in the league during that stretch. Meanwhile, the Pacers have emerged as a surprise contender, winning six straight games, including a decisive victory over Cleveland.

Out West, the Thunder’s 15-game winning streak was snapped by the Cavaliers last week, but they remain the conference’s top team. “Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP case is built on his league-leading scoring and plus-minus numbers,” MacMahon added. “He’s been the engine driving Oklahoma City’s success.”

As the trade deadline nears, several teams are expected to make moves to bolster their rosters. The Cavaliers and Thunder are unlikely to make major changes, but other contenders, including the Celtics, Pacers, and Memphis Grizzlies, could be active in the market. The Grizzlies, who recently welcomed back star guard Ja Morant from a five-game absence, are 4-8 against the West’s top eight teams and may look to add depth.

“This is the time of year when teams really start to separate themselves,” said ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “The next three weeks will be crucial for teams looking to make a push for the playoffs.”

With the deadline looming, all eyes will be on potential blockbuster trades and roster shakeups as teams position themselves for the postseason. The Cavaliers and Thunder will meet again on Thursday in a highly anticipated rematch, while the Pacers face Cleveland on Tuesday in another critical matchup.