Some people will tell you to live in the moment. That’s good advice. At the same time, we have to prepare for the future. NBA teams need to find the same balance.

Sure, you could spend all your money on expensive clothes and travel the world – whether you can afford it or not. Just know that you’re going to pay for it later. 

Whether they ought to prioritize the present or the future depends on where they are at the moment. If your team is a title contender, you should live in the here and now. 

The Los Angeles Lakers have not looked like title contenders in 2022-23. For that matter, neither have the Miami Heat.

Either one of these teams could choose to try to improve now or shift their priority to the future. 

Here’s a deal that has them heading in opposite directions.

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Duncan Robinson, G Tyler Herro, G/F Caleb Martin, G/F Max Stress, 2023 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA) 

Miami Heat Receive: F/C Anthony Davis