NBA Rules & Regulations Regarding Trade Dates

Every season, the NBA sets a mandatory date for each team to make trade proposals, sign off on the trades (if approved) or waive players for various reasons. Some trades are made not necessarily to improve a team for the remainder of the season, but rather for freeing up salary cap space.

  1. Trades Among Teams

    • It makes no difference whether or not the NBA team has the best or worst record. Any team can trade with any team.

    Money and Draft Picks

    • The trade deadline isn't conducive to only players being traded. Money or draft picks can also be traded, which can open up salary cap space for the team.

    Dates

    • All teams must have trade offers in to the league office by the trade deadline date and time, which is mandated by the league every season.

    Buying Out Contracts

    • Players who want to have contracts bought out by their team do not have to do this by the trade deadline; it can be done after the deadline or during the offseason. Any bought-out contracts count against the salary cap.

    What NBA Teams Can't Do

    • NBA teams can not, under any circumstances, give teams a player, monetary compensation or draft picks and get nothing in return.

    Salary Cap

    • All teams must keep a mandatory 15 active members and remain under the specific salary cap, to prevent teams having an advantage over another.