Two crucial facts to keep in mind during the NBA trade deadline

Hello, NBA fan friend.

I hope you’re well. Did you rest up during All-Star weekend? We only have two months left before the start of the postseason, after all; you’re going to need all your energy come May and June.

But first, we have to get through the NBA trade deadline — together, as a team.

You’re going to hear a lot of nonsense over the next 24 hours, and I’m not just talking about the fact the Pelicans somehow managed to acquire DeMarcus Cousins for next to nothing. Before Thursday ends, nearly every superstar on the planet will be linked to a trade with one team or another. Is Paul George headed to the Lakers? Jimmy Butler to the Celtics? Heck, how about Iman Shumpert to the Houston Rockets?

It’s a lot for anyone to process, and if you’re not glued to Twitter 24/7, you might get lost in the whirlwind. So here are two things you have to keep in mind when reading these rumors that will help you keep your sanity.

First, every single leaked trade rumor happens for a…