Which NBA teams will hit the panic button entering 2025?

As the holiday season approaches, it is time to analyze the current state of the NBA. While there are several teams finding surprising success including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies; there are many underachieving teams in a state of flux. One could make the argument that these underperforming teams are readying to press the panic button. These disappointing teams include the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns and Sacremento Kings. These four Western Conference teams began the 2024-2025 season with championship expectations. Each team’s struggles have led to poor positioning in the Western Conference standing, falling below 6th place. The underachievement of these teams have also led to several trade rumors. These teams will be forced to buy prior to the NBA trade deadline. Selling is not an option as these teams look to take a leap in the Western Conference standings. A trade could be minimal or drastic depending on the player acquired. A drastic trade will lead to giving up major assets including draft capital, expiring contracts and young prospects. The Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat could also be placed in a similar situation of hitting the panic button. However, both franchises find themselves in a less competitive Eastern Conference. Making the playoffs should not be a problem for the Heat or 76ers but their championship expectations are a different story as they must get through the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks in the playoffs. Who will be the first team to hit the panic button? Will trades happen prior to New Years Eve? One loss at a time often leads to change in a stacked competitive conference.