The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and the wheeling and dealing has already begun ahead of February 6.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns have made moves. And there could be a lot of movement in the coming weeks as teams load up for playoff runs.

Many players could be on the move. The Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers could be sellers at this draft.

Of course, the Jimmy Butler trade demand hangs over the Miami Heat. The Suns are interested in moving Bradley Beal with his pesky no-trade clause. Zach LaVine's name continues to be thrown into trade rumors. Cameron Johnson's name is burning up the phone lines (he'll be mentioned a lot below).

Several teams need to make trades. Some of these moves can turn teams into contenders or strengthen contenders.

Sacramento Kings

It's been an interesting season for the Sacramento Kings.

At one point, they looked like sellers at the deadline, with some De'Aaron Fox unhappiness. That resulted in the firing of head coach Mike Brown. Since then, the team has caught fire under Doug Christie. The Kings are now buyers in the trade marketplace.

Based on how the Kings have been playing since the coaching change, they should be considered a contender. Under Christie, they have the second-best win percentage in the NBA, just behind Oklahoma City. However, they do need a three-and-D wing player with more of an emphasis on shooting.

Adding another shooter to the roster will create more driving lanes for Fox, DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk. The Kings are 22nd in three-point attempts and 20th in three-point percentage.

There were rumors that Sacramento already inquired about the Brooklyn Nets' Cameron Johnson. No deal seems imminent between the two teams, but it does show what the Kings will be looking for on the market.

Several contenders will be looking for players like Johnson. The Los Angeles Lakers already took Dorian Finney-Smith off the market. The Kings are playing great basketball, 11-4 over their last 15 games. If Sacramento wants to jump into the contender tier, it needs to make a trade at this deadline and cannot stand pat.

Milwaukee Bucks

After a woeful start to the season, the Milwaukee Bucks have stabilized and are sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a dominant force, averaging 31.5 points and 12.2 rebounds a game. Damian Lillard has found his groove from three after the dip last season. Even with the duo rolling, the Bucks must move by February 6th.

This was supposed to be a trio though, Khris Middleton has been held back by injuries. His scoring is down again this season after returning to the court in December. The Bucks need a third star on the wing. Preferably someone who can also help bolster their porous perimeter defense.

The Bucks have been at the center of several rumors, from interest in Jimmy Butler to a possible Bradley Beal or Zach LaVine landing spot and everything in between. Beal and LaVine won't help with their perimeter defensive issues, but their ability to score offensively can offset the Bucks's weakness there.

The Bucks need a shot in the arm to help attack the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks. They are 0-8 against the top teams in the East. The Bucks have to take a swing to have a true shot at taking down any of the top three in the conference.

Golden State Warriors

Everyone's heads turned when the Golden State Warriors started 12-3 this season. Then, the wheels fell off the wagon, and the Warriors have gone 10-20 since that start. One can argue that maybe they should have found a deal for Lauri Markkanen in the offseason, as we rumored, but that ship has sailed. They cannot miss the boat this time around.

Golden State made a trade, bringing in Dennis Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets. Adding another ball handler to the roster was a smart move, but more importantly, they made the trade early enough that Schroder could be included in another trade by deadline day.

The Warriors desperately need to add someone who could take some of the scoring pressure off Stephen Curry. There is not a reliable second option on the roster; some nights, it is Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga (who has been injured since 1/5), and Buddy Hield. That is not good enough.

The real problem for the Warriors is that the options for a second option that are available are not earth-shattering. LaVine, Beal, and even Butler are interesting names, but the price tag will be too high for the Warriors. Brandon Ingram from New Orleans is available, but he is currently injured, does not have a great history with Steve Kerr stemming from his Team USA run, and will be looking for a big contract in the offseason.

The Warriors' options are not great. It might be better to sit out this trade deadline, but doing that will be punting on this season. If Golden State cannot find a solid second consistent scorer, they are wasting another Curry season, and that is unforgivable.

Memphis Grizzlies

Before discussing what the Memphis Grizzlies should do this deadline, let's take a quick look back. It was not that long ago that Memphis looked like they were going to conquer the Western Conference.

Everyone knows what happened next, but most don't remember that the Grizzlies made a run at a wing/forward at the 2023 deadline. The price for OG Anunoby was too high for Memphis, but it will remain a fun what-if.

This time, with the deadline approaching, the Grizzlies' standing in the league is different, but their need is very similar. They are just a half-game out of second in the West but do not have full contender status. To get there, Memphis needs to add offensive and defensive firepower.

The Grizzlies should be in the market for a player similar to Anunoby. Cam Johnson should be a target for Memphis, putting them on that contender track. The price the Toronto Raptors were asking for in 2023 was high. It is rumored that the Brooklyn Nets are seeking two first-round picks for Johnson, which are lower than the price of Anunoby in the past.

If the Grizzlies' chase for Johnson is too much, they should look at other targets, like maybe Jerami Grant in Portland. They can also take a flyer on Kyle Kuzma, who is having a down year and could be in need of a change of scenery.

Memphis needs to level up if it is going to compete with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and its best chance is to make a move at the deadline.

Cleveland Cavaliers

It might seem weird to say the best team in the NBA needs to make a trade, but that is precisely the position of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They have been amazing this season; Donovan Mitchell is an All-Star, Darius Garland and/or Evan Mobley will likely be named a reserve, and Jarrett Allen has been a dominant defensive presence.

With all that said, there is a concern that the Cavs need to find a wing defender. The need was evident in the Cavs' loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, with Paul George putting up 30 points. There is a need to upgrade from Max Strus and Dean Wade. They are solid role players, but in the Eastern Conference, the road to the Finals runs through the Boston Celtics. The Cavs will have to defend Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

A rumor has already circulated that the Cavs are interested in Cam Johnson. At this point, everyone has expressed interest in him, but it will be challenging for Cleveland to put together a strong package after trading for Donovan Mitchell.

Even if it is not Johnson, the Cavs could explore lesser options to fill the void. They just need someone to help shore up their perimeter defense. As good as Cleveland is, adding another perimeter defender can help take them over the top.

Mo Dakhil spent six years with the Los Angeles Clippers and two years with the San Antonio Spurs as a video coordinator, as well as three years with the Australian men's national team. Follow him on Twitter, @MoDakhil_NBA.