NBA Trade Lab

• Federal investigation into Clippers' alleged salary-cap circumvention with Kawhi Leonard adds criminal scrutiny beyond NBA sanctions
• Loss of five...

The saga began with Clippers using shell companies for Leonard endorsement deals to circumvent the cap, leading to the NBA's record penalties: $30M...

The Raptors paused the agreed Kawhi Leonard trade while awaiting NBA investigation results into Clippers salary-cap issues.

• Confirmed outcome:...

• Prospect evaluation: Hawkins, the 14th pick in 2023, averaged 8 points in 18.2 minutes over three seasons; Johnson, drafted 23rd in 2024, posted 4.9...

Kawhi Leonard is already working out alongside Raptors players in Miami, but remains restricted to solo drills because his trade from the Clippers is...

The Pelicans' 2026-27 cap table offers a practical baseline for mapping trade flexibility, extension costs, and tax-apron limits in upcoming roster decisions.

Denver rejected at least one legitimately good Cam Johnson offer this summer, viewing the 30-year-old as an impactful starter despite financial...

• Teams exceeding the second apron have their first-round pick seven years out frozen and untradeable.
• Unfreezing requires finishing below the apron...

Draymond Green's push for unrestricted player earnings resonates with peers frustrated by earning limits, yet sidesteps the core issue of teams...

• NBA penalties of $30M fine and five forfeited first-round picks (2029-2033) finally clear the Leonard trade to Toronto on original terms.
• Clippers...

San Antonio is aggressively pursuing De'Aaron Fox from Indiana for Pascal Siakam in a blockbuster that could move 7 draft picks and 3 stars across...

Boston's proposed blockbuster sends Paul George, Sam Hauser and a massive draft haul for 38-year-old Steph Curry, but feasibility hurdles loom...

Only Damian Lillard negotiated a formal no-trade clause for 2026-27, while 11 others gain automatic veto rights through re-signing rules or matched...

Question: Should the Lakers chase immediate forward upgrades around Luka Dončić or preserve flexibility until the trade deadline?

• Article 1 notes...

Will injury risks turn the Warriors into trade-deadline sellers?

• Trigger point: If Curry, Butler, Green or Porzingis can't stay healthy, a rival...

The Brooklyn Nets view Michael Porter Jr. as a trade asset rather than a long-term piece, with his tenure likely ending before the 2027 deadline.

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Lakers must shed a player before October 1 to meet the 15-man roster limit after multiple trade attempts failed.

• Roster math drives decision: Knecht...

Phoenix surrendered five first-round assets plus Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson to acquire Kevin Durant, yet managed only six games over .500 across...

Pistons and Heat eyeing Kyrie Irving at the 2026-27 trade deadline face a steep asking price.

• Core cost: At least one first-round pick plus...

• Thompson's $5.6M first-year salary preserved Miami's flexibility for trades and roster spots
• Irving trade math with Portis, Jovic and Mitchell...