As always, the NBA trade deadline provides ample storylines, with marquee names potentially on the move, contenders looking to bolster their respective rosters for a playoff push and some organizations fully committing to a second-half tank. The major storylines currently captivating the NBA community are:

Kendrick Perkins called out Bam Adebayo for his troublingly mediocre play for the Heat, most recently in their huge loss against the Bucks.

The Milwaukee Bucks return home to square off against the Miami Heat after yesterday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans was postponed due to the winter storm affecting the Bayou. They’ll look to have a repeat performance against Miami after defeating them 106-103 down in South Beach in November.

As Jimmy Butler's future in Miami grows more uncertain, Zach Harper explains why NBA trades are so complex these days.

SportsLine's model has simulated the Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks matchup 10,000 times and revealed its NBA picks for Thursday

There could not have been a better advertisement for the All-Star candidacy of the Heat guard Tyler Herro than Tuesday night’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at Kaseya Center.

Highsmith received two DNP-CDs (did not play, coach’s decision) in the Heat’s first four games and has logged single-digit minutes in five games this season, as his minutes have fluctuated despite being used in a starting role for most of the schedule.

Miami’s pattern of close or avoidable losses has been the team’s Achilles heel. Whether the Heat have battled early deficits, blown leads or struggled to close games, the growing figure in their loss column will frustrate them in an attempt to climb the East standings.

Pat Riley is at odds with Jimmy Butler and he could demonstrate his power and exact revenge on the star player by accepting one of the three “revenge” trade packages that could be offered to the Miami Heat.

Adebayo produced 12 points (5-10 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-3 FT) and 10 rebounds across 22 minutes during Tuesday's 116-107 loss to Portland.

On top of an impressive performance from Kel'el Ware, Heat's Erik Spoelstra and Bam Adebayo speak about the rookie.

Amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat are striving to find their best form. In this context, captain Bam Adebayo believes one of the team’s stars must step into a role similar to that of Stephen Curry.