The first half of the NBA’s 2024-25 season has surprised many, with the Cleveland Cavaliers unexpectedly holding the league’s top record. At the same time, the Golden State Warriors, traditionally a powerhouse, have struggled towards the end of this period.

With plenty of games remaining, the second half could bring about significant changes, especially with the trading deadline on February 6. Teams might leverage this opportunity to reshape their rosters dramatically.

Star players like Jimmy Butler, Zion Williamson, and Zach LaVine could find themselves joining contending teams, setting up an exciting second half of the season.

Here are eight bold predictions for the latter half of the 2024-25 NBA season.

Expect Jimmy Butler to Join Phoenix  but the Suns Won’t Make the Playoffs

Rumors of Jimmy Butler being traded to the Phoenix Suns are heating up, especially after the Suns picked up tradeable first-round picks in a recent deal with the Jazz. Meanwhile, Butler’s time in Miami appears increasingly untenable. While his addition might be a slight improvement over Bradley Beal, finding the right dynamic with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker could take time. Furthermore, Butler’s age (35) and declining production pose concerns, as he too requires the ball to be effective, similar to Durant and Booker. Although he should be more involved than he was in Miami, the Suns (21-21) currently sit 10th in the Western Conference and are severely lacking in depth.

The New York Knicks Will Make It to the Eastern Conference Finals

The Knicks last reached the Eastern Conference finals back in 2000. They have come close in the last two seasons but have yet to break through. With five losses in their last 10 games and their defense ranking just 24th during this stretch (allowing 116.5 points per 100 possessions), there are concerns. However, the Knicks have several advantages that position them as serious competitors in the East, particularly with the Cavaliers (36-6) and Celtics (30-13) in their way. They boast a strong starting lineup that has played a remarkable 1,632 minutes together, significantly more than any other group.

Golden State Warriors: Tough Times Ahead Before Improvement

The Warriors’ impressive start at 12-3 feels like a distant memory. Currently struggling with injuries, they’ve lost 18 of their last 27 games. While Stephen Curry remains a top-tier player, his ability to finish at the basket has decreased, leaving gaps in the team’s performance. Their two-point shooting is weak, only above the Pelicans and Hornets. Although Jonathan Kuminga has shown potential, the team might look to trade him, indicating a shift in strategy as they could become sellers before the trade deadline on February 6.

NBA Finals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Aside from Cleveland’s 134-114 loss to Oklahoma City on January 16, these two teams stand out as the best in the league. Both are well-rounded with strong coaching, a mix of stars and solid role players, including potential MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Thunder. This matchup would highlight what smaller-market teams can achieve concerning roster construction and the league’s efforts to maintain competitive balance.

Either the Memphis Grizzlies or Houston Rockets Will Reach the Western Conference Finals

Houston is currently second, while Memphis holds the third spot in the Western standings, setting them up for a significant showdown for a finals spot. Houston boasts a promising young roster, while Memphis was on a positive trajectory before Ja Morant’s suspension and injuries. The Grizzlies haven’t been to a conference final since 2013, and the Rockets haven’t made the playoffs since 2020 but are restructured under GM Rafael Stone and coach Ime Udoka. With young stars like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. and the guidance of veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, both teams have a shot at advancement.

Forget the Play-In: Sacramento Kings Will Secure a Top 3 Seed in the West

Sacramento is finally discovering its true identity, winning nine of their last ten games and focusing on defense. Over that stretch, they’ve ranked fourth in the NBA in defensive rating (108.7), just behind the Thunder. Guard Keon Ellis has emerged as a strong defender, with improved team defensive strategies making a difference. Combined with the scoring prowess of De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan, the Kings have the essential elements to make a significant playoff push.

Boston Celtics Won’t Make It to the NBA Finals to Defend Their Title

The Celtics have been a dominant force in the league for the last decade, with multiple conference finals and winning the championship in 2024. Their roster is full of talent, led by stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, along with strong support from Payton Pritchard, a top candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. Although they are favorites this time around, defending the title is tough. It hasn’t been done since Golden State in 2017 and 2018, and no team has reached the Finals back-to-back since the Warriors in 2018 and 2019.

Los Angeles Lakers Will Struggle Again in the First Round

Since LeBron James came on board in 2018, the Lakers have made the playoffs four times but faced first-round exits in 2021 and 2024, winning the title in 2020 and reaching the conference finals in 2023. This season may lead them to a play-in scenario, and likely a low seed in the first round. Without significant changes before the trade deadline, it’s hard to envision them making a deep playoff run. With a record of 22-18 and ranking low offensively and defensively, the Lakers sit sixth in the West but are closer to the 11th-place team than they are to fourth.