The Dallas Mavericks’ shocking trade of 25-year-old superstar Luka Dončić to the Lakers for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis is one example of the power starting to sway back in the other direction. So was the not-as-stunning-but-still-consequential trade of Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat to the Golden State Warriors.

Nets point guard Ben Simmons is a name to monitor as NBA teams shift their attention to the buyout market post-trade deadline.

Simmons was already going to be an unrestricted free agent this summer, but his $40 million contract this season made it impossible for the Nets to trade him for even the tiniest

NBA Trade Deadline, several players could become free agents and potentially join contenders for the remainder of the season. Based on the collective bargaining agreement, there are certain restrictions that will not allow teams above the first or second luxury tax apron to sign players who made more than the mid-level exception.