Compared to years past, the Eastern Conference has a lot of talented teams this year and while it is top heavy with the 76ers, Bucks and Nets, there are plenty of teams that will be fighting for a playoff spot this year. There is still plenty of basketball to be played this season, but currently, the Bulls, Pacers, Hornets and Hawks are all fighting for the last playoff spot in the East. This will make for some intriguing storylines in NBA trade rumors to watch.

All four teams have playoff aspirations this year, but each team is quite different and unique in their own ways. The Bulls have not been to the playoffs since 2017 and they are led by first-time All-Star Zach LaVine. With LaVine leading the charge, Chicago also has a bunch of younger and talented players who they could look to leverage in order to make a legit playoff push now and in the future. 

The Indiana Pacers on the other hand have been to the playoffs five consecutive seasons, but each time has ended in a first-round exit. They are looking to flip the script this season and finally make a deep playoff push, but with TJ Warren and Caris LeVert sidelined, they could look to make a big move to solidify their playoff position this year. 

The Charlotte Hornets have not been to the playoffs since 2016, but with Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball leading this hungry and feisty team, anything is possible! The Hornets have been very up-and-down this year, but they rank 7th in three-point shooting and could look to add another offensive weapon ahead of the NBA trade deadline. 

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And lastly, the Atlanta Hawks and their All-Star snub Trae Young. After making the All-Star game in his second season last year, Young was left off the All-Star team this year even though he is averaging 26.5 points and 9.5 assists per game. With a lot of young talent and some key role players soon to return from injury, the Hawks seem like they are just one piece away from being a legit playoff threat. 

All four of these teams have a real shot to make the playoffs this season, but not all of them will be able to make it. So what moves can each of them make in order to solidify their playoff spot this season?