NBA: 5 hypothetical trades that make sense

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 30: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the game against the Orlando Magic at the Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 30: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the game against the Orlando Magic at the Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 30: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the game against the Orlando Magic at the Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 30: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the game against the Orlando Magic at the Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

NBA Trade Rumors: Breaking down five trades that we would like to see before the trade deadline this season

The 2017-18 NBA season may only be three weeks old, but that doesn’t mean teams aren’t already crafting up trading scenarios. And if they aren’t, perhaps they should be.

By this time, most teams have a good grasp of what they could – or can’t – be this season. In other words, they likely know – more or less – if they’re going to have a shot at making the playoffs this season.

Making a trade is always a tough decision, and requires teams to be honest of where they are in the big picture. It also requires organizations to think in the short and long term.

The trade deadline is not until February, but some trades may happen sooner than that. Here are five potential deals that make sense for all parties involved.