As the NBA approaches the 2025 All-Star break, the landscape for bubble teams those teetering on the edge of playoff contention is heating up. With many squads jockeying for the 7th to 10th seeds in each conference, front offices face crucial decisions: should they sell assets and retool for the future, or double down to make a late-season push? Here’s a deep dive into which bubble teams are poised to buy or sell after the break, and why their moves could reverberate through the postseason.
Teams Likely to Buy
Chicago Bulls (34-42) are a leading candidate to buy at the deadline. After years of building around young stars, Chicago has found momentum with sharpshooting guard Josh Giddey leading a potent offense. Per USA Today, the Bulls’ recent surge including a balanced attack and improved defensive effort positions them to vie for the 9th or even 8th seed in the East’s play-in tournament. Their roster features effective scorers like Coby White, and head coach Wes Unseld Jr. believes the team is just a “piece or two” away. Adding a veteran wing or defensive stopper could push them over the playoff line. As Unseld Jr. said recently, “We want to win now. The guys believe in themselves, and we’ll look to improve where we can.”
Similarly, the Atlanta Hawks (36-39) fall in the buy column. Despite defensive shortcomings, their ability to heat up offensively makes them dangerous in a play-in scenario. The Hawks face Orlando Magic multiple times late in the regular season, underscoring a rivalry where timely additions especially in perimeter defense and depth could be decisive. Atlanta’s front office has reportedly expressed interest in adding shooting and energy to complement their star backcourt.
Memphis Grizzlies (48-34) also lean toward buying, given their recent position as a Western Conference playoff occupant and a roster built to improve with the right upgrades. With stars like Ja Morant leading an up-tempo offense, Memphis stands to benefit from bolstering depth on the wing or reinforcing bench scoring to contend against juggernauts like the Thunder and Nuggets.
Teams More Likely to Sell
Conversely, several bubble teams appear poised to sell to set up long-term rebuilds or relieve cap strain.
The Detroit Pistons (44-38) have fluctuated all season and could elect to pivot toward developing young talent. While they remain mathematically alive for a playoff spot, their inconsistency and limited depth could push them to trade veterans for draft picks. As analyst Ken Berger noted, “Detroit is in the classic sell mode accumulating assets for a sustained run down the road.”
Likewise, the Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33) hover on the cusp but show signs of potential instability. With salary flexibility tight and limited outside shooting, GM Sachin Gupta faces tough calls about whether to retain veterans or optimize for future seasons. Insider reports suggest Minnesota is open to offers for players not tied into their core along with sizable draft capital.
Additionally, teams like the Los Angeles Clippers (50-32) find themselves precariously close to the edge in a brutal Western Conference grind. With stars adjusting to new roles and limited depth, the Clippers may opt to sell expiring contracts and reload with younger, cheaper talent. Executive vice president Lawrence Frank hinted recently, “We’re evaluating all options. If the right deal presents itself, we won’t hesitate.”
The Wild Cards
The Orlando Magic (41-41) and New York Knicks (51-31) straddle the buyer-seller divide. Orlando’s playoff hopes hinge on defensive solidity and timely improvements, whereas the Knicks’ front office faces pressure balancing playoff ambitions against salary hard caps.
As the trade deadline approaches, the NBA’s bubble teams present a mix of ambitions. Those like the Bulls, Hawks, and Grizzlies are expected to be aggressive buyers, seeking the final pieces to punch their playoff ticket. Meanwhile, teams such as the Pistons, Timberwolves, and Clippers are weighing the merits of selling veterans to build long-term depth and flexibility.
In a league where small margins separate contender from pretender, these bubble moves will ripple through the postseason picture, potentially reshaping first-round matchups and beyond. For fans and analysts alike, the next few weeks promise thrilling drama, where front offices must balance hope with pragmatism to seize the moment or prepare for the future.
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