Whether in business or sports, assembling talented teams and fostering collaboration among members are essential for success. Occasionally, teams require a shakeup to help them refocus and integrate crucial components that work harmoniously together. In the NBA, acquiring star players can be pivotal in shaping the future direction of a franchise. From a business perspective, teams must determine which players merit long-term financial commitments, with the expectation that these investments will result in championships, as well as ancillary benefits such as brand enhancement and increased ticket sales.

Active Trade Deadline

This season’s NBA trade deadline was one of the most active in recent memory. Before the deadline on February 6th, several star players changed teams, potentially altering the trajectories of their franchises. Among the notable transactions, former All-Star and versatile guard De’Aaron Fox was traded to the Spurs, while two-time All-Star guard and premier scorer Zach LaVine was sent to the Kings. Although Fox made history in his first game by becoming the only Spurs player to record over 20 points and 10 assists in a debut performance, the team was dealt a significant setback when franchise center Victor Wembanyama was lost for the season due to injury. The Kings continue to play slightly above-average basketball, even after acquiring Zach LaVine. However, two specific trades stand out and have produced immediate results.

In a shocking blockbuster trade, the Dallas Mavericks sent MVP candidate Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, reserve guard Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. The three-team trade also included the Utah Jazz, which contributed cash and took on salary to acquire Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks. Additionally, forwards Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris were sent to the Lakers from the Mavericks.

The second deal of immediate significance involved six-time All-Star forward Jimmy Butler being traded from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round draft pick in 2025. This complex five-team transaction also included the Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors, resulting in a combination of players, draft picks, and financial considerations. The centerpiece of the trade was Butler, who is seeking to win his first NBA title with the Warriors.

Immediate Impact

While it is still too early to assess the long-term impacts of these trades, two teams have performed well in the short term. In a ten-game sample, the Lakers have earned an 7-2 record with Luka Dončić in the lineup and are currently on a seven-game winning streak. Although Dončić’s numbers are down, he has meshed well with his new team. Anthony Davis has played only one game for the Mavericks, a victory in which he posted dominant numbers before sustaining a non-contact injury. Recently, All-Star guard Kyrie Irving sustained a knee injury, which further complicates the team’s future.

The Golden State Warriors have been red hot since acquiring Jimmy Butler, securing victories in ten of the eleven games he has played. Butler has seamlessly integrated into the team after a fallout with the executive management of the Miami Heat. The Warriors impressive 10-1 record is indicative of their improved performance across several statistical categories. In contrast, the Heat have struggled since the trade, winning only two of their last nine games.

Building Team Chemistry

As previously mentioned, the Lakers and Warriors have experienced remarkable success following their trades. The Lakers have assembled an impressive nucleus of three highly skilled offensive players, and their team chemistry has noticeably improved. LeBron James, the sole player remaining on the Lakers roster from their 2020-21 championship team, is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Currently, both James and Dončić are recognized as two of the most intelligent players in the NBA. While they can score from nearly any area within a half-court set, each player has averaged at least seven assists per game throughout their careers, highlighting their well-rounded offensive skill sets and willingness to make teammates better. Their exceptional vision, passing ability, and court awareness distinguish them as two of the most unique offensive players in basketball history.

Prior to their first game together, Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy described James and Dončić as “two of the best thinkers, problem-solvers” that the game has ever seen. Their intelligence and playmaking skills add a rare dimension to the Lakers. On the Spectrum SportsNet postgame show following a victory against the New Orleans Pelicans two days ago, Lakers legend James Worthy remarked, “The great ones, they know how to create chemistry, just naturally.” He discussed the passing abilities of both players and added, “It’s like having two Magic Johnson’s on the floor.”

In addition, shooting guard Austin Reaves has emerged this season as a reliable third scoring option for the Lakers, averaging 19.1 points per game. He has also demonstrated strong passing skills, contributing 6.0 assists per game. Reaves makes sound decisions with the basketball and has positively impacted team chemistry.

Adapting to Culture and Role Acceptance

For any team to be successful, “the whole must be greater than the sum of its parts.” Having competed in six NBA Finals over the past eleven seasons, the Golden State Warriors have demonstrated their ability to effectively identify roles and maintain a strong, positive culture. Guard Steph Curry and forward Draymond Green have spent 16 and 13 seasons with the team, respectively. They have served as team leaders and are two of the foundational pillars of the team’s success. In addition to being one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Curry is the face of the Warriors’ franchise and a prominent community leader. Draymond Green exemplifies the essence of a role player, making significant contributions with his versatility on both offense and defense. The Warriors’ offensive philosophy is predicated on ball movement and unselfish play.

Players like center Kevon Looney, who has been with the team for ten seasons, serve as a testament to the value of being a role player and team leader, adding value in ways that may not always be reflected in the statistics. In a 2024 press conference, Looney shared insights he gained from some of his former teammates about what he called “leading from the back” as a role player and helping connect the team, even if he only plays just over 15 minutes a game. Another reason for the Warriors’ success has been Head Coach Steve Kerr, who has excelled at identifying roles for players throughout his coaching tenure with the team.

Jimmy Butler is no stranger to leading his teams on deep playoff runs. On the court, Butler is a selfless player who is willing to do whatever it takes to win ball games. Known as a fierce competitor, Butler is a two-way player willing to sacrifice points to win ball games. His impact often goes beyond what is reflected in the box score, whether his play involves setting screens, switching on defense, or filling passing lanes. Generally, the more opportunities a team has to score points, the more effective its offense will be. Since Butler’s addition, the Warriors have improved from averaging 2.1 more possessions per game than their opponents to an impressive plus-9.5 possessions per game.

From Basketball to Business

As the NBA season progresses, it will be interesting to see where the Lakers and Warriors finish in the standings and whether either or both teams embark on deep playoff runs. In business, much like in basketball, there is constant change, roster turnover, and challenges related to team chemistry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average employee tenure is 3.9 years, indicating a need to establish chemistry within a working group in a timely manner.

Furthermore, leaders must minimize ambiguity and clearly communicate the roles of employees, while providing clarification when needed. For companies or sport organizations to thrive, employees must embrace a team-oriented culture and fully commit to their roles. This requires executive or mid-level leadership to create an environment conducive to success, where the most talented individuals assume leadership roles and make sacrifices for the benefit of the team. Typically, when the most talented employees are willing to make sacrifices and demonstrate strong commitment, their influence reverberates throughout the organization.