Every NBA’s Team Perfect Wish For 2024

With the New Year upon us, every team’s wishlist is very different from each other. Some title-contending teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks are focused on improving their rosters while rebuilding teams such as the struggling Detroit Pistons just want to see the light of day again.

It is time to uncover every NBA team’s perfect wish for 2024 as we say goodbye to 2023. While every team won’t get their perfect wish, some will come very close to reaching their ultimate goal this season.

Atlanta Hawks – Add A Real All-Star To Help Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks need to find help for Trae Young as soon as possible. The Hawks are not a great team once again with a 12-18 record even though they have something positive to build on with Trae Young as their star. Young is having another All-Star campaign by averaging 28.1 points and 11.3 assists per game despite the lack of star power around him.

Especially in a top-heavy Eastern Conference led by the Celtics, Bucks, and 76ers, the Hawks are close to becoming a consistent playoff team. If the Hawks were to add an All-Star player at a level higher than Dejounte Murray for example, the Hawks might become a legitimate playoff contender. The Hawks are only one All-Star player away from becoming a top-six seed in the East and the likes of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Pascal Siakam could be available for the right price.

Boston Celtics – Actively Improve Depth

The Boston Celtics have everything it takes to win the East and make the Finals because they hold an impressive 24-6 record and rank sixth in offense and third in defense. However, they could always use some depth at the center and forward positions. The Celtics could use a big man desperately, as their depth at that position will show itself as the season drags on if Kristaps Porzingis battles injuries.

Remember, Robert Williams III was used in the trade for Jrue Holiday and only Al Horford can be relied upon to provide backup minutes in the paint. Along with another big man, the Celtics could also use some backup forwards to provide minutes behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. In terms of playoff rotation, only Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Al Horford are reliable bench players but that might not be enough and the franchise is hoping for successful additions in the buyout market in a few months.

Brooklyn Nets – Elevate Mikal Bridges To All-Star Status, Rediscover Ben Simmons

The Brooklyn Nets have a solid team, but not solid enough to actually be a threat to make it out of the first round of the playoffs. As long as Mikal Bridges starts showing he can be a franchise player, this season will be somewhat of a success. Bridges is averaging 21.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game on 36.3% from three, but he has room to develop and put up stronger numbers across the board.

Brooklyn is still reeling from the disaster that was a superteam featuring Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but they have some hope with Bridges playing at a high level and hopefully becoming an All-Star. Perhaps more importantly, the Nets need to rediscover the former three-time All-Star Ben Simmons and either keep him for the future or trade him for assets. So far, Simmons has not returned to his best and a bounce-back season is something Brooklyn is dreaming about.

Charlotte Hornets – Find The Sidekick To LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets need to find help for LaMelo Ball because the talented guard cannot do it on his own, as evidenced by their record. The Hornets have a poor 7-22 record which is the third-worst in the East and the season is not being helped by the fact that Mikal Bridges continues to deal with allegations off the court.

The Hornets need to find a long-term running partner for LaMelo Ball because currently, the team ranks 27th in offense and cannot find other scorers who can contribute. Terry Rozier has been a warrior for the team but perhaps moving on from him and others including Gordon Hayward and P.J. Washington could start a rebuild. Brandon Miller is only 21 years old so he needs a few seasons before showing what he can do.

Chicago Bulls – A Ton Of Draft Picks For DeMar DeRozan And Zach LaVine

The Chicago Bulls are staying put with their roster for now, but things could change quickly if and when Zach LaVine gets traded. The shooting guard has been involved in trade rumors all season and seems to be officially on the trading block. The same should go for DeMar DeRozan, a 34-year-old star who is in the final years of his prime.

The Bulls are hoping for a massive haul of draft picks for DeRozan and LaVine, while other players such as Alex Caruso could also bring in some nice assets. Having seen what the Utah Jazz got for Rudy Gobert, the Bulls are hoping to get at least four first-round picks for their All-Star duo and possibly more than that.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Retain Donovan Mitchell

The Cleveland Cavaliers have an exciting young core with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen but whether they can contend or not might depend on what happens with Donovan Mitchell. As talented as the youngsters are, they are not on the level of Mitchell who is averaging 27.7 points per game on 45.3% from the field and 35.1% from three.

Mitchell’s future in Cleveland is in doubt but if the franchise can sort that out and get a commitment from one of the best shooting guards in the NBA, they can focus completely on improving their starting lineup and depth. If Mitchell wants to leave, the Cavs are aware that they won’t get back equal value. Therefore, getting the shooting guard to commit to the team could see a rise of the Cavaliers in the East.

Dallas Mavericks – Create A Big Three

The Dallas Mavericks could be stuck with their roster as currently built, which isn’t the worst thing since Luka Doncic is an MVP candidate and Kyrie Irving is showing why he will be in the Hall of Fame one day. Doncic is posting 33.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game for the Mavericks and is one of the top-five players in the world.

Meanwhile, Irving is posting 23.0 points and 5.2 assists per game as one of the best sidekicks in the NBA. The key for Dallas is to try to find a third star player who can consistently contribute. The dream targets are Kyle Kuzma and DeMar DeRozan but even a player like Clint Capela would do because he will protect the rim at a high level. Dallas is hoping their assets have value in the trade market because they could be one player away from being a legitimate contender.

Denver Nuggets – Keep Everyone Healthy For Another Title Run

Denver is the most cohesive team in the league right now because every player except Bruce Brown is back from their 2023 championship run. While they will miss Brown, they have enough depth to cover for him including Christian Braun, Reggie Jackson, and Zeke Naji who will contribute in their own ways.

Therefore, the only thing Denver wants is to make sure their core stays healthy. That includes Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Aaron Gordon. As long as the starters are healthy and the bench contributes, don’t be shocked if the Nuggets handily make their way to the NBA Finals again.

Detroit Pistons – Start Winning Games

The Detroit Pistons have been an embarrassment, there is no need to sugarcoat that. They hold a 2-29 record and are on a 28-game losing streak which is tied for the most in NBA history, and rank 28th in offense and 26th in defense. Quite frankly, other than Cade Cunningham (23.3 points and 7.1 assists per game), no player can be proud of their season so far.

Detroit has one wish this season: start winning games and avoid being one of the worst teams in NBA history. The Charlotte Bobcats won the least number of games in history with seven, so the Pistons do not want to beat that record. The Pistons want at least 16 wins this season but even that is an awful team record that requires some deep introspection.

Golden State Warriors – Find The Magic Touch Again

The Warriors franchise has hope that the team will find its rhythm again and start making a push for the top of the Western Conference. So far, that has not been the case because the team ranks 19th in defense as they can’t seem to slow teams down. Their offense has looked great at times since they average 117.1 points per game and Stephen Curry is having a great offensive season (27.9 PPG).

Regardless, the only dream for the Warriors is to find their best style of play again featuring the key players: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. Curry is doing his thing, Thompson has had his ups and downs, and Green is currently suspended after his third ejection. If the trio get back to their best, Andrew Wiggins gets his efficiency back (only 31.0% 3-PT FG), and Jonathan Kuminga has a breakout second half of the season, Golden State will be happy to move forward.

Houston Rockets – Retain Playoff Seeding

Ime Udoka, Fred VanVleet, and Dillon Brooks have had a profound effect on the Houston Rockets as they look to make the playoffs in a single season of change. Houston went from a bottom-dweller in the Western Conference to a potential playoff team that ranks second in the NBA in defense.

The Rockets want to make the playoffs and fans of the organization want that more than anything. Even if they look like a first-round exit because of the lack of star power outside of VanVleet and Most Improved Player contender Alperen Sengun, getting the youngsters to compete in the postseason will do wonders for their development.

Indiana Pacers – Give Tyrese Haliburton Playoff Exposure

Budding offensive superstar Tyrese Haliburton has yet to make the playoffs and this could be the season when he can show what he can do. Haliburton has been dominant, reminiscent of Steve Nash, as he is averaging 24.7 points and 12.3 assists per game on 42.3% from three. Haliburton cannot be handled in one-on-one situations which is why he is constantly double-teamed.

The Indiana Pacers are an exceptional offensive team as they rank first in PPG (126.3) but second-to-last in defense (125.5) so that could be the factor that prevents them from reaching a new level. The Pacers organization wants to make the playoffs and it would help the potential of the best playmaker in the NBA.

Los Angeles Clippers – Maximize Team Chemistry Around James Harden

James Harden mentioned before that he is a “system” on his own but that means the rest of the Los Angeles Clippers team has to adjust to him. More so than any other player the Clippers could have acquired, Harden needs the longest time to undergo a transition. He is ball-dominant, which is often a good thing since he led the NBA in assists last season, but Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook need to adjust.

The Clippers organization has tried everything to win, trading for Leonard and George in the 2019-20 season and adding pieces such as Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and Russell Westbrook. Trading for Harden could be the final straw because if the Clippers fail again this season, there could be changes in the organization that could see Leonard and possibly George looking elsewhere. Therefore, the Clippers’ one wish is that the players build team chemistry because that could be the only thing in their way right now.

Los Angeles Lakers – Trade For A Star To Pair With LeBron James And Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers are a decent team but that won’t cut it in terms of winning an NBA championship. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are superstar players but nobody else has impressed and that includes Austin Reaves who is a good player but not a star player like the Lakers hoped. Therefore, the franchise needs to be clever and try to form a Big Three.

Players such as Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Dejounte Murray would each make a difference on the court for the Lakers, and a mix of assets including Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and even the 2029 first-round pick could be enough for a deal to be made. The Lakers are hoping for a blockbuster deal to become available because they will be able to compete with the Denver Nuggets in the West if it happens.

Memphis Grizzlies – Keep Ja Morant Away From Social Media

The Grizzlies might need to keep tabs on Ja Morant’s social media usage because he has to be monitored like a parent does to a child. In all seriousness, Ja Morant is one of the most valuable players in the league because he is irreplaceable for the Memphis Grizzlies. Since Morant has returned from suspension, the Grizzlies had won four straight games before losing to the Nuggets on Thursday night.

With Morant available to play, the Grizzlies become a very talented team that can defend and also score at a high level with the ball in the point guard’s hands. Morant seems to be very interested in his internet persona and that could harm the team in the long run, especially since the player has already made some suggestive gestures on the court that leave the Grizzlies franchise holding their breath.

Miami Heat – A Sneaky Trade For The Right Star

The Miami Heat aren’t bothering anybody in terms of rumors and media coverage. They compete on defense, play hard, and continue to show why teams fear playing them in the playoffs. However, nobody is convinced that they can win an NBA title since they have gone 0-2 in the NBA Finals over the past four seasons.

That means Miami wants to remain on the down low and find a trade target to go all-in with. A player such as Zach LaVine or Pascal Siakam would elevate their title hopes, but it seems the Heat do not think it is worth it to include Tyler Herro in negotiations. If the Heat does not deal for a star, they could make some sneaky moves to improve the roster because players such as Alex Caruso could make a massive difference as the months go by.

Milwaukee Bucks – Keep Giannis Antetokounmpo And Damian Lillard Clicking

The NBA landscape was altered once the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Damian Lillard to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks are once again among the top seeds in the East and the dynamic duo is clicking as the weeks go by. Giannis is his usual MVP candidate self by posting 30.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game but Lillard is also adding 25.7 points per game.

Those are numbers that will absolutely work because the rest of the roster is stacked with role players such as Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis who play exceptionally well around superstars. The Bucks expect to make the NBA Finals and it seems only the Boston Celtics are in their way, so as long as Antetokounmpo and Lillard are clicking, they will have no fear.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Retain Number One Seed In Western Conference

The Minnesota Timberwolves were always going to be better than last year because the growth of Anthony Edwards was going to show itself. Meanwhile, the duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert were going to find a way to work together after a disappointing season last year as a play-in side.

This season, they have elevated their play. The Timberwolves rank 1st in defense led by Gobert who is posting 12.0 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game. Edwards and Towns are elite scorers, posting 25.9 points and 21.6 points per game respectively. With this core intact, the Timberwolves are hoping they can hold onto the first seed in the West because they could be a threat to make the Western Conference Finals.

New Orleans Pelicans – A Healthy And In-Shape Zion Williamson

Nobody knows what to expect from Zion Williamson. The big man is posting 22.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game this season but he still looks to be out of shape. There is no way Williamson is in his peak shape and that could hinder the Pelicans’ season because they already got a scare early in the season as CJ McCollum was diagnosed with a collapsed lung.

If Zion is healthy, a core of Brandon Ingram alongside the big man and McCollum is good enough to make the playoffs and be a threat for the second round. The Pelicans don’t want to be forced to trade the former Duke star but their patience could be running thin as many teams are rubbing their hands in excitement.

New York Knicks – A “Zion” Big Apple

The Zion Williamson to New York rumors are heating up again. While the Pelicans are praying that their franchise player stays healthy, the New York Knicks are hoping they get tired of waiting for the big man to get into shape. The Knicks truly believe they can “fix” Zion and playing in a major market under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden could be the catalyst to that.

If New Orleans gives up on Williamson for whatever reason, the Knicks will pounce and pounce hard. It is assumed that Jalen Brunson is untouchable, but if New Orleans asks for Julius Randle, the Knicks might oblige. The goal is to keep both Brunson and Randle while adding Williamson but as long as they can get the former No. 1 overall pick in town, that is a dream come true.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Hold Onto A Top-Three Seed In The West

Everybody knew that Oklahoma City would be a problem eventually, but not this soon. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a superstar, Chet Holmgren is a contender for Rookie of the Year, and second-year forward Jalen Williams is posting 18.3 points per game as a Most Improved Player candidate. Overall, the Thunder are a very tough team to beat.

To hasten the contending process, the Thunder need to hold onto a top-three seed in the Western Conference to prove to themselves that they have arrived. With an incredible number of draft picks in their stash, the Thunder can position themselves to acquire a top-tier star but will likely wait to see how the season plays out first as the playoffs loom.

Orlando Magic – Play The Underdog Role Until The Playoffs

The Orlando Magic are proud of the fact that they are overachieving. Jamahl Mosley has been one of the best coaches in the NBA, Paolo Banchero is an exceptionally talented youngster, and Franz Wagner has been a consistent scorer this season (20.6 PPG). Ranking sixth in defense, Orlando actually competes like a playoff team.

The key for Orlando is to continue sneaking up on teams in the Eastern Conference and winning enough games to solidify a playoff berth. The Magic probably realize winning a championship is out of the equation, but making the playoffs was a goal that nobody thought would be possible as we approach the New Year.

Philadelphia 76ers – Find The Right Trade Target

The 76ers have done exceptionally well considering they lost the reigning assist leader James Harden before the season. Joel Embiid is the MVP favorite posting 35.0 points and 11.7 rebounds per game and Tyrese Maxey has picked up where James Harden left off by chipping in 25.8 points and 6.6 assists per game. Still, the 76ers are one piece away from potentially being on the level of the Celtics and Bucks.

Until then, Philadelphia is considered the third team in the East in terms of respect, dominance, and all-around star power. The roster is filled with expiring contracts that can be used to help a rebuilding team (such as the Chicago Bulls) refresh their salary cap. A player like Zach LaVine could elevate the 76ers to the top of the East so Daryl Morey and management will wait patiently for that moment.

Phoenix Suns – Keep Kevin Durant Happy And Bradley Beal Healthy

The Suns have gone all-in this season, and for the next few seasons, which means their entire focus should be on who they have. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal are not going anywhere and will lead the team to whatever success they end up having. Instead, two major aspects of Phoenix’s season need to be addressed before focusing on their lack of depth.

The first is Kevin Durant. The superstar is reportedly unhappy with the way the season is going and who could blame him? Despite averaging 30.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game on 51.9% from the field and 46.7% from three, Durant has not helped the .500 Suns from being an elite team. Meanwhile, Bradley Beal has only played six games and there is growing doubt about his ability to stay healthy.

Phoenix needs to make sure Durant is happy with the roster and convince him that there will be some growing pains as the Big Three get used to each other. Meanwhile, Beal’s health has been an issue since he hasn’t played at least 65 games since the 2018-19 campaign and his health needs to be addressed. With those two factors dealt with, Phoenix can then focus on fixing up their pedestrian bench play.

Portland Trail Blazers – Find A Way To Fire Up Scoot Henderson

Portland is rebuilding so nobody is paying them much mind, especially after a top-75 player of all time Damian Lillard leaves the franchise. However, there was some expectation that Scoot Henderson would be a contender for Rookie of the Year but instead, has been the most disappointing rookie. In 20 games, Henderson is averaging 11.1 points and 4.5 assists per game on 25.3% from three.

The No. 3 overall pick is also shooting a putrid 36.9% from the field and was assigned to the G-League to get into NBA shape. Portland needs to find a way to get a better rookie campaign out of Henderson because he originally held the keys to a successful rebuild that also features talented youngsters including Deandre Ayton, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe.

Sacramento Kings – Fix A Leaky Defense

The Sacramento Kings did well to make the playoffs last year and take the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the first round. Regardless, getting bounced in the first round isn’t exactly an achievement and fans expect them to reach the second round this year. It won’t be easy to achieve considering the number of exciting teams in the West, but the organization wants to gear up for a deep run.

The Kings rank eighth in points scored (117.4) so they can compete with the best in terms of getting points on the board thanks to De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. However, they only rank 22nd in defense so allowing too many points against them could be the only way the Kings don’t make it out of the first round. The key is to improve the team’s defense and if they find a way to do that (be it increased incentive or making trades), the Kings can push for a deeper playoff run.

San Antonio Spurs – Win More Games Around Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs have been disappointing because Victor Wembanyama looks like the real deal but the team has only won five games this season. The superstar Frenchman is averaging 18.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game while proving to be one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory.

He has been unable to lead the Spurs to a respectable record and even legendary coach Gregg Popovich is starting to get criticized for the inability to win enough games. While the Detroit Pistons are getting bombarded with criticism for their atrocious record, the Spurs only have three more wins than them and that is unacceptable as they look to win more games.

Toronto Raptors – Make A Decision On Whether To Rebuild Or Not

The Toronto Raptors seem to be stuck between a rock and a hard place in terms of their inability to contend or rebuild. The Raptors have not made up their minds about what to do, but their New Year’s wish will be getting a sign about going for a full rebuild or keeping their core together while spending draft assets for the sake of competing.

While Scottie Barnes looks to be an untouchable player, others such as Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby could bring in a haul of draft assets and young players. If the Raptors get the sign that they should keep their core intact and look toward free agency, they have the pieces to build around a new star. The key is for the Raptors to make a decision and they could get it by the time the playoffs come around.

Utah Jazz – A Successful Fire Sale

It might be time for the Utah Jazz to make changes and the fanbase might be crying out for it now. Lauri Markkanen is an All-Star but he could bring back a host of first-round picks to assist with a rebuild. The same can be done with players such as Collin Sexton and John Collins who can help contenders right now and are not exactly as untouchable as youngsters such as Keyonte George and Walker Kessler.

Therefore, Utah’s wish will be a fire sale leading to a haul of draft picks similar to what they received in the Rudy Gobert trade. Time will tell if the Jazz will pull the trigger on their best player Markkanen because the time will be now as contenders wait on the go-ahead to submit their offers.

Washington Wizards – Get Multiple Draft Picks By Trading Jordan Poole

The Washington Wizards tried to shake off mediocrity by kickstarting a rebuild but they might have focused on the wrong players. Kyle Kuzma is a talented forward, averaging 22.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game on 35.2% 3-PT FG, and he is only 28 years old. Jordan Poole was another player the Wizards hoped would develop into a star, but that has not happened.

Poole is not a leader, has struggled with his offense, and often gets criticized for his body language on and off the court. He is posting 17.8 points per game which is solid, but he is only shooting 41.5% from the field and 32.0% from three. The Wizards want to continue their rebuild by trading Poole for draft picks and young players, and they hope that can be done as soon as possible.