Moves NBA Western Conference teams should make before trade deadline

We're just over two weeks from the NBA trade deadline, and in a season in which the championship feels completely up for grabs, we might be in store for lots of movement before 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 8.

Here's what should each team in the West should do to bolster (or pillage) its roster:

(Teams are sorted by conference standings through games of  Jan. 23.)

Oklahoma City Thunder (30-13)

The move: As tempting as it may sound, do not make the big move. Can you get P.J. Washington of the Charlotte Hornets for a draft pick or Dorian Finney-Smith of the New York Knicks for a pick and cash? Go for it. But don't give up any players; breaking up this team before it gets a chance to play together in the postseason would be a mistake.

Minnesota Timberwolves (30-13)

The move: Search for more offensive firepower. Minnesota is an elite defensive team, but the offense slows a bit when games get tight, evidenced by its 18th-ranked offense in the clutch. Minnesota should at least call Chicago about bringing back Zach LaVine. 

Denver Nuggets (31-14)

The move: Stand pat. Denver's bench looks different than last season, but the Nuggets still look the part of a championship team. See how the young guys look in their postseason minutes and then change things up if necessary over the summer. Denver should be in no rush to make a move.

Los Angeles Clippers (28-14)

The move: Another ballhandler could be the last piece L.A. needs. James Harden has completely transformed this team and Russell Westbrook is buying into his bench role. An extra passer who Ty Lue can trust to co-run the offense when Harden's not on the floor could be the last push that gets the Clippers over the hump. Point guard Tyus Jones of the Washington Wizards would fill that need.

New Orleans Pelicans (26-18)

The move: New Orleans is suddenly in the mix for a top-four seed in the West, and it's hoping (finally) for a healthy attempt at a playoff run. New Orleans could use a backup center — Larry Nance Jr. is a good player but better suited at the four — but the Pels shouldn't get crazy at the deadline. There's a fire sale in Charlotte, so the Pels should offer a pick for Nick Richards.

Phoenix Suns (25-18)

The move: Devin Booker is playing like a true point guard, but he can't play like two point guards. A backup facilitator would do wonders for a Phoenix team that's playing much better the past few weeks (six straight wins).

Sacramento Kings (24-18)

The move: Take a swing. Any trade that doesn't involve De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis or Keegan Murray should be on the table. Sacramento is a good team again, but it is still a tier below the best of the West, so why not go all out and try to get to that tier? Small forward Jerami Grant would be a splendid fit if Portland is willing to part with the forward.

Dallas Mavericks (24-19)

The move: As the season progresses, Mavs players not named Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving are starting to look more like the role players we thought they'd be. That's fine, but it also limits how deep Dallas can go in the postseason. Every team could use someone like Toronto's Bruce Brown, but Dallas could really use a guy like him — the connector who knows his role and can provide minutes at a few positions.

Los Angeles Lakers (22-23)

The move: Beg teams for a good player, maybe. All along it's felt like Chicago's Zach LaVine would rock the purple and gold, but recent reports suggest that LaVine might not be going anywhere. So what are the Lakers options? Their best player, LeBron James, is the oldest in the league (39), so winning now is a must. But the Lakers don't have many assets left, so should they go after... Charlotte's Gordon Hayward? It's bleak in L.A.

Utah Jazz (22-23) 

The move: Probably nothing. The Jazz have lost three straight, but they are still smashing expectations through 45 games. They have a talented young core, plenty of future draft picks and a great young coach in Will Hardy. There's no reason to commit to any "direction" yet. Be patient, Jazz fans.

Houston Rockets (20-22)

The move: Much like Utah, a big swing could ruin Houston's timeline. After living in the NBA's gutter for years, the Rockets are competitive with two thoroughly promising youngsters in Jabari Smith Jr and Amen Thompson. The whole team will be back next season, so improve around the edges at the deadline (Dorian Finney-Smith of the Knicks,  perhaps?) and try for the big swing this summer.

Golden State Warriors (18-22)

The move: Anything and everything. Whoever will take Chris Paul can probably have him, and even the intriguing Jonathan Kuminga might be on the market. This team is leagues below the top teams in the Western Conference, and multiple moves will be necessary for the Warriors to salvage the last days of Steph Curry's prime.

Memphis Grizzlies (16-27)

The move: Memphis' season has been derailed by numerous injuries to, well, pretty much all of its good players. And while hidden gems like Vince Williams Jr have emerged, the Griz should still be in (mostly) sell mode as the deadline approaches. Nothing drastic, but a Luke Kennard or Santi Aldama trade could bring back some decent assets.  

Portland Trail Blazers (12-31)

The move: Start a bidding war for Malcolm Brogdon. Portland will be selling at the deadline and Brogdon would help many championship contenders.

San Antonio Spurs (8-35)

The move: Whatever Wemby wants. Surround your star with good players as soon as possible. This team is hard to watch.