Two days ago, the NBA trade deadline came and went with a characteristic flourish. Star players were involved. Teams battling for playoff spots significantly altered their rosters, and contenders loaded up for title runs. Huge contracts (previously considered unmovable) moved – imagine that! Good players were acquired and then immediately waived or traded again. Several transactions involved more than two teams.
NBA General Managers are masters at manipulating the league’s salary cap/luxury tax system. They are very willing to take risks. Young players with first-round pedigrees are moved frequently. Teams are willing to absorb big contracts and are often incentivized to do so because of much more free and frequent player movement in free agency.