Top NBA Title Contenders (post-trade deadline)

By: Talas Taylor

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks would have to be the current favorite to win the NBA Championship as they were already playing well in the top of the East without their full roster due to injuries. With the addition of Jae Crowder, this team looks primed to contend for a ring.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics, who are currently first in the East, are also one of the favorites, and it really is a toss up between them and the Bucks as you could go either way in that matchup. Boston has every tool to win the title and now would be their time, as they have been close in recent years (runner-up last year in a tough series with the Golden State Warriors). Although they came up short a year ago, you can see the potential that the group has and they are only getting better.

Phoenix Suns

With the big splash they made at the deadline acquiring Kevin Durant, Phoenix is now everyone’s expected title favorite. With the addition of KD, the Suns have every piece of talent they could need on their roster, along with great coaching. If they can figure things out and get some chemistry, this team could make a deep run and possibly win it all.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have proven themselves to be tops in the west for the past couple of years and have come up just short in the playoffs in recent years. But they have shown to have real potential to be a championship contender. Denver lost a little bit at the deadline, sending Bones Hyland to the Clippers, but it’s nothing that they can’t make up. The addition of Thomas Bryant will help them at the big position, as he is a solid player that will provide depth behind Nikola Jocic, something they haven’t always had.

Golden State Warriors

With the Golden State Warriors being the defending champions, you can never rule them out of the picture due to their recent playoff success with the same core players they have on the court. When Steph Curry comes back from injury, you can expect the Warriors to be in full gear with the addition of returning Gary Payton II before All-Star Break. Although the Western Conference is stacked with talent, you can never rule the Dubs out.

Los Angeles Lakers

With the Lakers making some interesting trades at the deadline, a lot of people and fans are interested to see what this new-look roster can do and if they can turn around their season. Although they are behind in the West right now, they are still a team to look out for as they have all the pieces and the makings to win a championship. And let’s be real, how can you ever rule out King James??