NBA Trade Deadline: Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks-
The Atlanta Hawks have surged to a top 5 record in the league. The addition of Jamaal Crawford as a 6th man of the year favorite, and the continued development of stars Joe Johnson, and Josh Smith have vaulted this team to title contention. The Hawks should focus their efforts on pushing for the playoffs by adding another Center to compete with the Rasheed Walllaces and Dwight Howards of the favorites in conference. A trade to acquire Brendan Haywood would involve Zaza Pachulia and Joe Smith. Otherwise, the Hawks might look for players cut after the trade deadline
Charlotte Bobcats-

The Charlotte Bobcats have steadily pushed themselves in to playoff contention in their 2nd year under head coach Larry Brown. The Bobcats added Steven Jackson at shooting guard and Gerald Wallace has emerged as an All-star this season. While they seem like a potential team, their record sits at .500. If Tyson Chandler can stay healthy, this team is good enough defensively to surprise a foe in the playoffs. That being said, the Larry Brown and the Bobcats might want to add a veteran to improve the team depth. DJ Augustin might be available, his numbers and minutes have been worse than last year’s. Raymond Felton will be a free agent next season, and needs to be re-signed. Either Augustin or Ronald Murray could be traded if a defensive shooting guard is available. Options could be Tony Allen, Ronnie Brewer, and DeShawn Stevenson.
Miami Heat-
The Miami Heat are another team with a lot at play this off-season. For one, superstar shooting guard Dwayne Wade is a free agent at the end of the season. And for as much talk there is about Lebron being a Knick, there should be some talk about Wade joining Derrick Rose in his hometown Chicago. In order to secure Wade long-term, the Heat should be aggressive in trading for another star caliber player. The Heat could build a package around the components of Jermaine O’Neal, Quentin Richardson, Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Dorrell Wright all of whom have expiring contracts, not to mention the talented sophomore Michael Beasley. The Heat could offer Udonis Haslem, Quentin Richardson, and Mario Chalmers with a 1st round pick for either Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire and wait for another team to beat them. As much as Beasley as struggled, I do find it diffcult to deal him so early.
Orlando Magic-
The Orlando Magic were the Eastern Conference Champions last season and in competition with the Celtics, Cavs and Hawks, only improved their team. However, the better team on paper hasn’t proved so on the court. Vince Carter hasn’t been quite the upgrade over Hedo Tukogolu they thought that he’d be, combined with Marcin Gortat and Brandon Bass are only used sparingly. Matt Barnes and Ryan Anderson at the forward spots have been highly effective both space the floor and can be active on the glass. The Magic could add to their talented team if they were willing to part with Gortat and/or Bass. A package of both could land Antwan Jamison or Troy Murphy. Another asset that could be moved is the overpaid Rashard Lewis. He spaces the floor well for Dwight, but is not worth his max contract pay. The Magic could consider trading him, JJ Reddick and Gortat for T-Mac’s expiring contract and Trevor Ariza/Shane Battier. I don’t expect them to though.
Washington Wizards-

This has been a very tough season for the Wizards. Even before the Gilbert Arenas saga, the team was underachieving and quickly fading out of contention. The Wizards will effectively, have to rebuild and start anew. The team decided this a year too late, after it traded away the draft pick used on Ricky Rubio for Randy Foye and Mike Miller. The most important decision the front office will make will be whether or not Caron Butler will be a part of their future. The Wizards will then effectively have a fire sale, trading away Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, Mike Miller, and Mike James. The expiring contracts should land them a couple young players and picks to move forward with. The Heat have 2 first round picks and expiring contracts and should be aggressive on the trade front, and Portland should be interested in a Haywood- Outlaw trade