10 teams on the hunt for the missing piece

Updated: February 5, 2004, 10:38 AM ET

By Chad Ford | NBA Insider

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On Tuesday, Insider broke down five teams contemplating a fire sale as the Feb. 19 trade deadline approaches.

Who will be the buyers? It depends on the objective.

Several teams feel they may be just a piece or two away from making a serious run in the playoffs. With so much parity and so many teams stumbling through the first half of the season, several GMs recognize a perfect opportunity to make a run while they have the chance.

Another group of teams isn't looking for a playoff boost. Instead, they're hoping to clear some extra cap space to make a run at a top free agent like Kobe Bryant this summer. Or, they're trying to get below the luxury-tax threshold that owners hate to pay.

Who are they? We thought you'd never ask ...

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