Winning an NBA championship isn’t easy. In some ways, defending one is even harder. 

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “championship malaise”. It refers to a sluggishness that sometimes takes hold of teams who just went the distance.

Chalk it up to human nature. After all, these teams have already achieved their ultimate goal.

It’s easy to coast once you’ve done that – the hunger you once had to do it has been satisfied. 

At the same time, the goal remains the same. Meanwhile, last year’s champions do not look poised to defend their throne. At 15-18, this team is struggling. 

Here are three deals that could get them back on track.