NBA trades are born out of several circumstances.
These days, they usually happen because a buyer and a seller find each other. One team is on the decline, so they trade their best player to a team on the upswing – usually for a bundle of draft picks.
On the other hand, some trades are born out of necessity. Two good teams can sometimes find a way to improve together. Each side may simply be correcting their roster balance.
For example, the Philadelphia 76ers have been rolling lately. They shouldn’t be sellers. Yet, this team could use some tinkering.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers have been surprisingly competitive this season – they could justify being buyers or sellers in this year’s trade market.
Here’s a deal that has them going the former route.