Can You Trade Injured Players in the NBA?

With the NBA 2024-25 season coming to an end, the talks for trades and drafts have already resurfaced. The most common question during the draft season is: can you trade injured players in the NBA?

The short answer is YES. However, there is more to that.  Let’s discuss the process in detail.

Transparency

Before trading an injured player, the receiving team must be aware of the player’s injury and its nature during trade negotiations.

Medical Examination

Both teams involved in the deal should know whether or not the player is medically compromised. The player’s health status should be correctly assessed before the trade.

Physical Examinations  

All traded players, including injured ones, must pass physical examinations with their new teams. These examinations help verify the player’s condition and ensure they are fit to play.

NBA Trade Rules Explained

To comprehend this better, let’s understand how NBA trades work.

Salary Cap

The NBA has put a limit on how much a franchise can spend on players’ salaries. This move prevents super-rich teams from hoarding all big players and keeps a balance. Exceptions exist, allowing teams to go over the cap under certain circumstances.


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Misconceptions

There are common misconceptions about NBA trade rules. For instance, some people believe that injured players cannot be traded, but that’s incorrect. In reality, injured players can be part of trade deals.

Sign and Trade Deals

Another interesting aspect is the “sign and trade” deal. This occurs when a player becomes a free agent, and instead of directly signing with a new team, they sign with their current team, which then trades them to another team.

Bottom Line

In short, while NBA trades can be complex due to salary cap considerations, injured players are not off-limits. Teams can trade them, provided they follow the necessary procedures and ensure transparency regarding injuries

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