It takes specialized expertise and a steely mentality to work in an NBA front office. It’s a 12-month avocation with countless hours, reaching a crescendo around July 1 during the summer free-agency period and in the weeks leading up to the February trade deadline.
It’s also a time for voracious NBA fans to put on their thinking caps as virtual general managers, coming up with potential deals — a mix of altruistic fandom, outlandish flights of fancy and witless whims — in trying to improve their favorite team.
The first stop: ESPN Trade Machine, the online playground for failed Monopoly players and barbershop sports savants looking to flex their front-office skills.