The 2021-22 NBA season is right around the corner with training camps set to begin on September 28, but while teams like the Nets and Lakers are getting all the attention as the assumed 2022 NBA Finals matchup, there are a handful of other teams in the league that could make some noise.
Not only are the Milwaukee Bucks the defending champions, but other teams in the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers are also in search of a title this upcoming year.
It is worth mentioning the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks as three teams on the cusp of being title contenders as well.
The Atlanta Hawks are coming off a season in which they made the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks made the playoffs for the first time since 2013 as the 4-seed in the east and the Dallas Mavericks have the MVP-favorite in Luke Doncic, who has a chance to have a historic season.
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All three of these teams are not only going to be in the playoff mix during the 2021-22 season, but each of them could very well end up having magical runs in the postseason should they make one key move to improve their roster.
The Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and Dallas Mavericks are on the verge of taking the “next step” in their franchise’s journey, so let’s take a look at some trades that could wind up helping each of these teams in their efforts to becoming a legit contender.