One Thing EVERY NBA Team Wants For Christmas This Year

The holiday spirit is taking over, and while most of us are preparing for gifts under the tree, NBA teams are hoping Santa will deliver something special to help them finish the season strong. No team is perfect—every roster has a hole, every contender a wish, every rebuilding squad a dream. If the league’s 30 franchises could write a Christmas list, what would they ask for to boost their fortunes from now until the playoffs?

From superstars seeking health, to rebuilding teams looking for hope, to contenders needing that final piece, here’s what every NBA team wants most this Christmas.

Eastern Conference

Atlanta Hawks: A Cure for Porzingis’ POTS

The Hawks took a gamble on Kristaps Porzingis, hoping his unique skill set would elevate their ceiling. But Porzingis’ battle with POTS—a nervous system disorder—has kept him sidelined far too often. Atlanta’s Christmas wish is simple: a way to keep Porzingis healthy and on the court, so they can maximize their investment and chase a playoff spot.

Boston Celtics: Jason Tatum’s Healthy Return

Boston’s season began with whispers of a rebuild, but they’ve defied expectations and sit near the top of the East. Their wish? A healthy Jason Tatum. The star forward is recovering from a torn Achilles, and rumors swirl about his possible return. If he can suit up before season’s end, the Celtics could transform from dark horse to favorite overnight.

Brooklyn Nets: A Trade Partner for Michael Porter Jr.

The Nets are deep in a strategic tank, using cap space to absorb Michael Porter Jr.’s contract. Porter is thriving offensively, and Brooklyn would love for a desperate contender to overpay for his services. Their wish: a trade partner willing to send assets for a wing who’s rediscovered his shooting touch.

Charlotte Hornets: A Taker for Miles Bridges

Charlotte’s season is floundering, and it’s time to shake up the roster. Miles Bridges leads the team in scoring, but his inefficiency and questionable decision-making are holding back young talents like Brandon Miller. The Hornets’ wish is to find a trade partner for Bridges, clearing the way for a true rebuild.

Chicago Bulls: Another Center

After a hot start, Chicago has cooled off, and their interior defense is a glaring weakness. Nikola Vucevic is aging, and the Bulls need a new big man to anchor the paint. With several centers likely available on the trade market, Chicago’s Christmas wish is to land one who can help them return to form.

Cleveland Cavaliers: A Reliable Shot Creator

Donovan Mitchell is carrying too much of the offensive load, especially with Darius Garland in and out of the lineup. Letting Tai Jerome walk looks worse in hindsight, and the Cavs need another playmaker to avoid sinking further. Their wish: a dependable shot creator to ease the burden on Mitchell and revive their playoff hopes.

Detroit Pistons: A Knockdown Shooter

Detroit has bullied its way to the top of the East, but their shooting is suspect. No one on the roster is hitting above 40% from three, and Malik Beasley’s departure left a void. Their wish is to find a sharpshooter who can stretch defenses and unlock a new level of offensive efficiency.

Indiana Pacers: Consistency from Jarace Walker

With Tyrese Haliburton out, Indiana is focusing on youth development. Jarace Walker, the eighth pick in 2023, has shown flashes but remains inefficient and inconsistent. The Pacers’ wish is for Walker to step up and prove he’s a long-term piece, making the most of his increased playing time.

Miami Heat: A More Aggressive Bam Adebayo

Miami has begged for Bam to be more assertive for years. Despite embracing the three-point line, his scoring is down, even with Jimmy Butler absent. The Heat’s wish is for Bam to attack the rim relentlessly and become the offensive centerpiece they need.

Milwaukee Bucks: A Lucrative Giannis Trade

The league is bracing for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes. The Bucks’ wish is clear: a massive haul for their MVP-caliber superstar, setting themselves up for a bright future while honoring Giannis’ legacy.

New York Knicks: Another Ball Handler

The Knicks are riding high after winning the NBA Cup and a big win streak, but their second unit needs help. Malcolm Brogdon’s retirement left a gap behind Jaylen Brunson. New York’s wish is for a reliable playmaker to stabilize their bench and keep the offense humming.

Orlando Magic: A Wake-Up Call for Paolo Banchero

Orlando is much improved offensively, but Paolo Banchero is struggling to find his role. His scoring is down, his shooting percentages are poor, and he often stalls the offense with hero ball. The Magic’s wish is for Banchero to snap out of his slump and reach his star potential.

Philadelphia 76ers: A Starting Power Forward

Philly’s rotation is patchwork, especially at power forward. With injuries and two-way contracts filling the void, the Sixers need a legitimate starter to complete their lineup and solidify their playoff push.

Toronto Raptors: Aggressive Slashers

Toronto’s up-and-down season has exposed an overreliance on jump shots. They rank near the bottom in fouls drawn, missing easy points at the line. Their wish: more aggressive slashers who can attack the rim and generate free throws.

Washington Wizards: A Healthy Alex Sarr

Washington is rebuilding, focusing on developing young talent. Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick in 2024, has flashed potential but played only 13 games. The Wizards’ wish is for Sarr to stay healthy and continue his growth as a future franchise cornerstone.

Western Conference

Dallas Mavericks: Trade Partners for Aging Stars

Dallas’ season has disappointed, and with Nico Harrison gone, it’s time for a rebuild. Veterans like Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis can still contribute elsewhere, but they’re not part of Dallas’ future. The Mavericks’ wish is to find trade partners so they can start fresh.

Denver Nuggets: A Resurgent Cam Johnson

Denver swapped Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson, hoping for elite shooting. Johnson’s start has been slow, with scoring and three-point attempts down. The Nuggets’ wish is for Johnson to regain his old form and help them contend.

Golden State Warriors: A Starting Caliber Center

Golden State bet on Al Horford, but the veteran is struggling. Quinton Post is a promising stretch big, but not a true starter. The Warriors need a reliable center to boost their paint scoring and shore up their defense.

Houston Rockets: Another Point Guard

Houston has overcome adversity, performing well despite losing Fred VanVleet. But the lack of a true floor general has led to turnovers—the Rockets rank third highest in turnover percentage. Their wish: a point guard to stabilize the offense and cut down on mistakes.

Los Angeles Clippers: A Magic Rewind Button

The Clippers’ offseason moves have backfired, leaving them in 13th place and without a first-round pick. Their wish is pure fantasy: a rewind button to undo their mistakes and start over.

Los Angeles Lakers: A Perimeter Defender

The Lakers look strong, especially with LeBron back, but perimeter defense is a problem. Luca Doncic and Austin Reaves struggle on that end, and LeBron can’t do it all at his age. Marcus Smart helps when healthy, but the Lakers need another reliable defender for a deep playoff run.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. Needs to Rebound

Eight years into his career, Jaren Jackson Jr. is still a poor rebounder, despite his size and talent. The Grizzlies’ wish is for Jackson to finally learn how to end possessions by grabbing boards, helping a team that’s struggled all season.

Minnesota Timberwolves: A Starting Point Guard

The Timberwolves are playoff contenders but lack a trustworthy point guard. Mike Conley is aging, Rob Dillingham is a defensive liability, and Bones Hyland is inconsistent. Minnesota’s wish: a trade for a true floor general to chase the championship.

New Orleans Pelicans: A Healthy Zion Williamson

Zion’s inability to stay on the court has tanked his trade value and the Pelicans’ season. With no first-round pick to tank for, New Orleans desperately needs Zion healthy to have any chance at success.

Oklahoma City Thunder: More Roster Spots

Defending champions, elite on both ends, and loaded with future draft picks, the Thunder’s only wish is a joke: more than 15 roster spots to fit all their talent. They’re chasing records, and anything else would be greedy.

Phoenix Suns: A True Point Guard

Phoenix has exceeded expectations but lacks a true point guard. Colin Gillespie is a breakout shooter, but not a creator. Devin Booker handles playmaking but is a natural two guard. The Suns’ wish: a floor general to balance the offense.

Portland Trailblazers: Shaden Sharp’s Three-Point Shot

Sharp is a freak athlete and emerging scorer, but his three-point shooting is lagging. If he can reach league average, his game will take off and Portland’s offense will become far more dangerous.

Sacramento Kings: A Clean Slate

The Kings need to start fresh. Their roster is a mishmash of misfits—Sabonis, LaVine, DeRozan, Monk, Westbrook—and a clean-out would allow them to rebuild properly.

San Antonio Spurs: A Playable Forward

The Spurs have solid guard and center play, but their forward rotation is thin. Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson are playing out of position, and Harrison Barnes is the only true power forward getting minutes. San Antonio’s wish: a reliable forward to balance their lineup.

Utah Jazz: Signs of Life from Cody Williams

Cody Williams, a top-10 pick in 2024, is on the verge of bust status. His numbers are abysmal, and he’s out of the rotation most nights. The Jazz’s wish: any sign of progress from Williams to justify their investment.

The Christmas Spirit and NBA Hope

As the holiday season unfolds, fans and teams alike dream of gifts that could change their fortunes. Some wishes are practical—health, trades, development. Others are pure fantasy—a rewind button, extra roster spots, a clean slate. But all are united by hope, the driving force behind every great sports story.

The NBA’s Christmas wish list is a snapshot of a league in flux: contenders seeking the final piece, rebuilding teams longing for a breakthrough, and stars hoping for health and help. As the trade deadline looms and the playoff race heats up, the spirit of the season reminds us that anything is possible.

So, as you unwrap your presents and enjoy the holiday, spare a thought for your favorite team. What do they need most? And will Santa deliver?