In the NBA, trades can get awfully complicated.
Three and four-team deals are not uncommon. Moreover, draft protections can make your head spin: “Wait, didn’t they get a first-round pick? Oh, it’s top-10 protected this year. So, it’ll convey next year? What’s that? It’s protected through to 2028, at which time it converts into two second-round picks. Got it”.
On the other hand, sometimes a trade can be a simple, one-for-one swap. When one team has a glaring, obvious need, and another team has a complementary need, a deal can be born.
In those events, there’s no need to rope a third team in or construct a complex arrangement involving draft capital.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Chicago Bulls & Charlotte Hornets Updates
For example, the Charlotte Hornets need a center, and they also need to clear salary space. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls could use insurance for the oft-injured Lonzo Ball.
Here’s a deal that has them each taking care of both of those needs.