Sometimes, you’ve got to take a gamble. Other times, it’s best to play it safe. All told, it’s a judgment call. You’ve got to know when to hold them, etc. NBA teams need to walk that balance.

For example, a team may be tempted to trade for a frequently injured young player. It could be a horrible decision, and alternatively, it could be a franchise-altering one. 

For example, suppose a team wanted to acquire Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic. Isaac is almost never healthy. At the same time, if he could get right, he could revolutionize an NBA team. 

Isaac has shown an intriguing ability to provide rim protection and weak-side help defense. He has impressive timing coupled with instincts to make plays on the ball. He can also play out ins pace at a high level. However, how much has injuries taken a toll on that versatility?

It could be worthwhile for a trade suitor to take a chance to find out, considering Isaac has a guarantee date of Jan. 10, 2024. when $7.6 million of his $17.4 million for 2023-24 becomes guaranteed. His final-year salary in 2024-25 is fully non-guaranteed until Jan. 10, 2025.

Could the Sacramento Kings take a gamble on him?