The NBA tends to be cynical. Follow the league for long enough, and you will see that patterns emerge. 

For example, after the order of the draft lottery is announced, the same rumors will surface. Inevitably, we’ll hear that a team is looking to trade up. 

Often, that’s easier said than done. Each pick is more valuable than the last. Teams don’t give them up easily.

On the other hand, we have seen teams trade up in the draft in the past. 

This year, the Indiana Pacers are allegedly looking to do it. Whether they’ll find a willing partner or not is a different story. 

Here are three ways they could potentially make it happen.