The NBA’s new CBA was expected to severely reduce in-season trades, but the 2025 deadline was one of the more active in recent memory with big contract players such as Jimmy Butler, Andrew Wiggins, De’Aaron Fox and Zach LaVine get dealt in addition to the unexpected Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis blockbuster.
While the CBA makes significant trades incredibly difficult for second apron teams, a number of first apron teams made moves. The Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves are the three second apron teams with only salary-dumping moves available to them. The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks made significant moves as first apron teams and merely needed a third team to facilitate.
“I think what we’ve seen is the real penal place to be is the second apron, and mostly because of the [rule against aggregating contracts],” said one executive to ESPN. “If you’re in the first apron it’s harder, and you may need a third team, but it is manageable.”
“Motivated teams will find a way to get things done,” said another executive.
