As the trade deadline nears, even elite stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis are expected to surface in league discussions. Still, completing a deal for players of that caliber has become far more difficult.
Teams are increasingly reluctant to surrender multiple first-round picks for maximum-salary players, knowing how challenging it can be to build a complete roster once those assets are gone.
The current cap structure has reinforced that caution. Crossing the second apron brings significant restrictions and financial consequences, while triggering a hard cap can severely limit a team’s ability to make additional upgrades.
As a result, front offices are prioritizing flexibility and long-term stability over splashy moves.
Because of those concerns, trades involving massive draft hauls for max-contract stars are becoming less common.
Many teams now see greater value in targeting high-level but non-superstar players who can improve the roster without exhausting future resources or compromising financial maneuverability.
One executive summed up the approach clearly: “Now more than ever, you cannot overpay for past performance, either in salary or draft picks. The cost of a mistake is too high.”
NBA Teams Wary Of Trading Multiple Draft Picks For Max Salary Stars https://t.co/nEql1dQp90
— RealGM (@RealGM) December 12, 2025
