NBA trade season is about to get busy.
Its unofficial opening will commence on Dec. 15, when players who signed new contracts this summer first become trade-eligible. By that time, teams will have a clearer sense of whether they should buy or sell, too, which will only further grease the wheels of what could be an active exchange market.
Before things really get rolling, though, let's assess where everyone stands and spotlight one target who should already be on each team's radar.
Atlanta Hawks: Jae Crowder
Crowder has spent this entire season away from the Suns and awaiting his trade out of Phoenix, and it's possible Atlanta will be the club to grant that wish.
The Hawks "have been engaged with the Suns" on Crowder trade talks, per The Athletic's Shams Charania, and Atlanta could feel motivated to place the winning bid. Even with the recent emergence of first-round rookie AJ Griffin, the Hawks could use more three-and-D options on the wing.
Crowder isn't the surest shooter around, but he has twice shot better than 38 percent on high volume from range, so his hot streaks can last a while when he really has it rolling. His bigger appeal, though, is tied to defensive versatility, toughness and experience, the latter highlighted by the 107 playoff games (and 86 postseason starts) under his belt.
Boston Celtics: Bismack Biyombo
The Celtics, the current leaders in both winning percentage and net rating, are the closest thing the Association has to a weakness-free team. They do almost everything at a respectable-or-better level, and their floor will only rise once defensive anchor Robert Williams III returns from knee injury.
If Boston has a shortcoming, though, it's a lack of reliable depth up front. Granted, Williams would help strengthen that, but even if he stays healthy—which hasn't always been his strong suit—the Shamrocks might seek another big body behind him.
Why not Biyombo? The Suns could deem him expendable since he's third on the depth chart behind Deandre Ayton and Jock Landale, while the Celtics could view Biyombo as a steady source of glass-cleaning, paint protection and high energy.