The involvement of ownership on player personnel moves varies widely throughout the NBA. Some allow their general managers to make decisions entirely on their own, while others offer their input on a regular basis.

Ownership will also consider the reactions from fans before signing off certain moves.

"One NBA executive told me a few years ago that he’s heard of owners lurking on RealGM and Reddit to take the temperature of their fan bases before finalizing trades," writes Kevin O'Connor.

Certain trade rumors and articles suggesting a course of action for a team are often posted on RealGM and Reddit forums where a discussion then begins on its merits amongst fans.