What happened: Teams are weighing potential moves as the league's trade window enters its final days. Contenders can pursue immediate help while other clubs consider converting current talent into future assets.

Why it matters: The deadline could reshape the playoff race and alter roster plans for the stretch run. New roster-construction tools in the collective bargaining agreement may give front offices more flexibility to act.

What to watch: Watch for talks to accelerate before Sunday's cutoff and for teams to create roster or salary flexibility ahead of deals.