By having one person be this negative, the remaining fan base becomes polarized the other direction, pushing his trade value even higher. So by using the predictability of human nature, Tom has brilliantly increased Miller’s trade value to the point where he’s more valuable than LaMarcus Aldridge.

and that also goes for media types like Sam Smith, John Hollinger, Peter Vecsey, et al (even though they may have access to “inside sources” that we do not)

But NBA GMs do have a “book” on every player and they know “who’s worth what” based on their past, present production, contract and future. Normally we only hear about this “ongoing evaluation process” at draft time, when referring to prospects (like during the Oden vs Durant process leading up to the ‘07 draft) A player’s “trade value” (or whatever GMs choose to call it) will rise and fall due to a variety of factors.

One of the most overt is a trade demand made public. Ideally a GM prefers to deal from a position of strength, but when “everybody knows” that player X is unhappy and has requested a trade then it becomes difficult to acquire the full value of what he was worth, before the demand.

Another example is injuries, an injured player like Joel or Travis is seen as a greater “risk” to the receiving team, and the GM of a team that has multiple injuries (like Portland) will have a more-difficult time finding equitable deals than a GM of a team full of healthy, relatively happy players on a winning team.

This is basic stuff, to deny it exists except “out on the internet” is silly. The NBA is no different than any other business, although it’s difficult to make a direct comparison between fans and shareholders

       Blazermaniacs agree; X-nay the trade talk. Talking headdss,
Blah Blah, Talking Heads ! Off with their HEADS . . .

       and COINCAST ’s TOO !!
                                                     THEY SUCK !!!