2016 NBA Team Needs - Western Conference
Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors - C, SF, Depth
The Warriors are in a great position with their stars, but there will be some questions regarding their role players. Barnes and Ezili are both restricted free agents in 2016, while Bogut and Iguodala are off the books in 2017. Getting those spots filled for the future is a must.
Los Angeles Clippers - SF, PG, Rebounding
The Clippers have long had a hole at the small forward position that needs to be filled. With Chris Paul getting up in age, and no good backup, getting an heir apparent to learn behind him is necessary. The Clippers are also one of the league's worst rebounding teams so shoring that up wouldn't hurt.
Los Angeles Lakers - Best Player Available, SF, C
As one of the NBA's worst teams, the most important thing for the Lakers to bring in is simply talent. The team should bring in the best player available regardless of position, but if that person plays center or small forward it would be ideal. Anyone who can play defense would be very welcome as well.
Phoenix Suns - PF, SF, Defense
The Suns have been a major disappointment, but the team is pretty set in the backcourt with Knight, Bledsoe, Booker, and Goodwin. Power forward is the biggest need, especially if the team moves Markieff Morris. Phoenix is also one of the worst defensive teams in the league, so getting a true stopper or rim protector would be nice.
Sacramento Kings - SG, PG, Defense
The Kings have a solid front court rotation with Cousins, Gay, Cauley-Stein, and Koufos, but the guards are a question mark. There is no guarantee Rajon Rondo sticks around after this year Ben McLemore also has yet to realize his potential in year 3. Any player with a defensive mindset would also be a welcome addition.
Southwest Division
Dallas Mavericks - PG, PF, C, Youth
Of the Mavericks' 8 leaders in minutes per game, 7 will be 30 or older by the time next season begins. Point guard in particular could use a boost, and getting an eventual replacement for Dirk has to happen soon. Pachulia has been great for them at center, but he's an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Houston Rockets - Defense, C, SF
The Rockets rank at or near the bottom of the NBA in most major defensive categories and that is the where this team needs help most. Howard can be a free agent this summer so they may need to replace him and McDaniels and Dekker haven't had much of a chance to show anything at SF behind Ariza.
Memphis Grizzlies - SF, SG, PG, Shooting
Memphis has long needed a two-way wing who can both defend and shoot and that remains the top priority with Lee, Green, and Barnes all free agents. Mike Conley could also bolt in free agency, which would be a major loss. Improving the team's porous three-point shooting has to happen at some point.
New Orleans Pelicans - SG, C, Rebounding
Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson will both likely be gone next season and Omer Asik has been extremely ineffective this season. Anyone who fits next to Anthony Davis is the biggest need, but a big who defends/rebounds and a shooter to spread the floor would make the most sense.
San Antonio Spurs - PG, C, Bench
Tony Parker is on his last legs and Patty Mills isn't a starting caliber PG so getting the next in line would make the most sense. A young big would help as Duncan, Diaw and David West don't have much left, and getting more youth on the bench is never a bad thing.
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets - PF, Shooting, SF
Denver is in an interesting position as they have a team full of talented young players, none of which are older than 27. Faried, Gallinari, and Barton are all good players, but without star potential, making both forward spots the most logical targets. The team also could use an improvement from beyond the arc.
Minnesota Timberwolves - PF, SG, Shooting
With Wiggins and Towns on board, the T-Wolves must get players who fit around their two young cornerstones. The most obvious need is floor spacers as Towns has been their best shooter among rotation players. Another big to do the dirty work and take pressure off Towns would help as well.
Oklahoma City Thunder - SG, 3-pt Shooting, SF?
If the Thunder were to combine Roberson, Waiters, and Morrow they would have the perfect two-guard, but each has one glaring weakness so finding a complete shooting guard, who can spread the floor and defend is a must. Of course, with Kevin Durant a free agent this summer, their needs could change significantly.
Portland Trail Blazers - C, PF, Defense
Portland is clearly set in the backcourt so improving the front line is the obvious need. Plumlee, Leonard, and Davis are good rotation players, but don't move the needle. Getting a true big man, preferably one with a defensive mindset to protect the rim should be top priority.
Utah Jazz - Best Player Available, Scoring
The Jazz are in the unique position of having young players at every position. Their defense is great, but they could really use a scoring boost as they lack someone who can consistently get his own shot outside of Hayward.
