As we approach the trade deadline, just one NSL week away from its arrival and passing, many questions remained posed and unanswered and many situations remain ominous and unchanged. What are some of the biggest possible questions (and answers) as we approach the end of trade season and the beginning of the charge towards the playoffs?

What are some trades could happen?

As I am writing this piece, trade agreements continue to come to light in the NSL as teams look to strengthen their playoff hand or their draft hand.

The Golden State Warriors just took quite a risky deal, in my opinion, to increase their chances this season. The cost of veteran depth was their best rated guard (albeit declining and on a bit of money) and two young wings. I hope it works for the Dubs in the playoffs. The Kings get Lowry and the young wings, getting some stability that the franchise craves. Memphis continue to dabble in talks and added a lottery picked player for a first, 2nd and a bench big. 

Memphis, at the same time, also secured defensive anchor big man Steven Adams, for Serge Ibaka, a first and Josh Primo, a 2021 draftee. Clearly improves the Grizzlies, but did they need more quality depth, or was a bigger fish required? Great dealing, gentleman.

What other deals do I see happening? 

The Toronto Raptors have publicly stated that role playing veterans (anyone outside of their core four) are available in deals, as they focus on next season and health. 

The Kings wont be done, as they will have tasted the unicorn blood from the generous Warriors offerings and want more of that good stuff. 

The New Orleans Pelicans have a huge trade package ready to go, if the right deal presents itself. 

The Spurs have been dangling Seth Curry and Nerlens Noel in hope. What does the best team in the league even need?

Charlotte, on top of the East, remain quiet, as they have all season. You dont hear about their deals until they are done. 

Pistons have swapped out Simons and his impending pay day for Cole Anthony, and I think they are done.

Boston Celtics have finally allowed the first domino to fall, and I think we see more condensing deals from them that gives them more of a draft hand.

The Dallas Mavericks have rebuilt the roster in a season, with impending deals still to go down around Kristaps Porzingis.

The Brooklyn Nets are committed to Jamal Murray, and have shown signs of improvement lately. No impending deals. 

The Wizards have a veteran squad with stars. They have gotten off Brunsons impending deal and I think they are done.

The Utah Jazz will continue to absorb and chew out players and send them packing, as they attempt to meet the salary floor.

The Phoenix Suns are rumoured to have finally shipped off Joe Harris. I wonder where he landed?



Miami Heat seem content to build for next season.

Does that *star player* that many contending teams seek, even exist, become available?

So many wishes and wants, so few players that are with the condensing of all those assets. At least, that is what the narrative seems to be. Either that, or the team with the star want twice what the star is actually worth.


What will the reward be for the teams not paying the luxury tax?

This is an approximation, and I wasnt sure how to do this more efficiently, so I investigated all the teams above the luxury tax and tried to total their current fine amount.



Luxury tax fines
111 + 55 + 55 + 50 + 27 + 23 + 16 + 16 + 13 + 6 + 6 = 378

11 teams find themselves getting slugged a fine for being frivolous with the company credit card, which means the remaining 19 teams split the dividends between themselves. I am good at math, but thankfully, the question is a pretty easy one. 380 is almost exactly 20 times larger than 19, just two off. This means that the teams under the luxury tax will receive a boost of 20 gms, which is a great gift and boost. And frankly, might be more than plenty of managers earn for a quarters work and their contributions to the league. A free 20!

A question I have, is, do the teams who are below the minimum, get this renumeration? Or do they miss out, and their fines get added to the pool? Admin, where yall at!?


Which teams will surprise during the final leg?

For the most part, the top seedings in the playoffs are set. Taking a look out East, it would be hard to argue against . 

Out West, I count San Antonio, Portland, Minnesota, Memphis, Denver, Los Angeles Clippers (haha, as if you would mistaken LA for Lakers), New Orleans as absolute locks, with Houston a strong hold. This reveals the likely possibility that the playoff teams are set, with the play in games, featuring the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings, getting a chance to try and disrupt the established order. If there is a disruptor in the bunch, it has to be the Warriors. A healthy Warriors team, with a deadline deal to bring in some more veterans, is absolutely worthy of the playoffs. They are my West team I am keeping an eye on for the run home.



Update: Interestingly enough, at time of the completion of this section, both the Warriors and Kings have just closed a significant trade together. The Warriors have loaded up on veterans, with less upside and security, and Kings have gotten Lowry and prospects. Does this shake up the playoff/play in race, or simply strengthen the Warriors claim of being a playoff worthy team?

The run home will be sure to be entertaining.