The San Antonio Spurs traded their only NBA All-Star, Dejounte Murray, earlier this offseason. They are now in the midst of a long-term rebuilding effort and the first step in the process is to find franchise cornerstones to build around.
Building through the NBA Draft after going through some losing seasons is one way to potentially add the next wave of talent to build a core. To take things to the next level, later taking a risk using a trade for a disgruntled star can also be an option.
The decision by the Cleveland Cavaliers to make a bold trade for Donovan Mitchell is a prime example of a rebuilding team that organically improves before taking a risk on a blockbuster trade.