“He’s one of us”

What good teams look for in trade season

BY DAVID THORPE

Wednesday was December 15, when the NBA season trips over an invisible line from deep in the collective bargaining agreement. Suddenly the vast majority of the league is tradable, meaning between now and the trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on February 10, trade season is upon us.

The best teams in the world are asking themselves what they need to become champions. A lot of the discussion will be about skill or position. Who can defend the pick-and-roll, hit the corner 3, or protect the rim? 

I think the right answer might come from season four of The West Wing. By season four, that fictional White House is in a state of flux. The president has won reelection, and one of his key speechwriters—Sam—is working in California, leaving a big hole in Washington. Sam meets a guy, Will Bailey, whom he feels is his perfect replacement. He convinces Bailey to delay a much-needed vacation to interview with Sam’s former boss, Toby. And Sam sends along a note for Toby. 

The meeting (you can…