What motivates a trade?

[NYG]

I think one reason missing from the OP was dealing with chemistry issues. Sometimes players just don’t like each other, the coach, the city, etc.

I can't think of an example of a real life trade like this that doesn't fit any of the OP reasons.

I guess the KPJ trade was driven by this, but couldn't they have waived him and kept their seconds? There had to be a financial/on the court incentive for the trade

Yeah it looks like Houston saved $6 Million so the reason was to save money.

[bkohler]

Here’s an example:

https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/11142424/phil-jackson-says-made-trade-address-new-york-knicks-chemistry-issues

Another, imo:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22369557/cleveland-cavaliers-trade-dwyane-wade-back-miami-heat

[NYG]

Here’s an example:

https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/11142424/phil-jackson-says-made-trade-address-new-york-knicks-chemistry-issues

Another, imo:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22369557/cleveland-cavaliers-trade-dwyane-wade-back-miami-heat

Good examples... I actually think the Mavs-Knicks trade falls under filling a need as Phil thought he was getting a point guard in Calderon. Wade is a good example, but it must have been to save money otherwise they would have waived him.