5 NBA Teams That Should Consider Trading Their Best Player

Nov 27, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Sacramento Kings center center DeMarcus Cousins (15) dribbles the ball as Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) defends during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it’s because of poor fit or upcoming free agency issues, here are five NBA teams that should consider trading their best player in the near future.

The NBA is a league of superstars, and the best way — and historically, the only way — to contend for championships is to draft a future star.

But not every team that gets lucky enough to draft or trade for a franchise star is fortunate enough to also win a championship. Sometimes star players are under-appreciated, don’t have enough talent around them during their primes, or simply need a change of scenery for the best of both parties.

In those situations, however, it’s not always easy to tell when it’s the right time to move on. Sometimes it becomes blatantly obvious, but usually, the warning signs are pretty clear.

As we approach the new year during the 2016-17 NBA season, there are a few teams who should consider trading their best player in the near future.

Not all of them are franchise stars, but whether it’s due to selling high, upcoming free agency issues, or just a poor fit, here are five NBA teams (plus one honorable mention) who may need to deal their best player sooner or later.