NBA Notes: New CBA looming over trade talks

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The Sixers don't expect to be big players at the NBA trade deadline despite their woes this season (see story).

Now, let's look at some news and notes from around the league.

CBA impacting trades
Trade deadline week used to be the busiest of the NBA season, with team executives making deals at a frenzied pace as buyers tried to load up for a playoff run and sellers tried to unload onerous contracts to give them some flexibility for the next season.

Something different appears to be taking place this time around. There's been plenty of talk, but very little action so far with the deadline looming at 3 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday.

The big moves that were the hallmarks of trade deadlines past could still be coming. But if they don't, it could be because teams across the league are bracing for a much harsher economic reality starting next season. The "Super Team" era could be over.

The new collective bargaining agreement that was born out of last year's lockout will impose much stiffer penalties for teams that exceed the salary cap. Teams started bracing for it ever since play resumed on Christmas Day in 2011, and the reckoning is just around the corner. Owners are keeping one eye on the court and the other on their wallets.

"Every team is watching what it can do and how it can improve its team in connection with the much higher luxury tax," Commissioner David Stern said just before the All-Star break (see full story).

-The Associated Press

Politics to stop move to Seattle?
Trades aren't the only NBA business taking place these days.

A potential move of the Sacramento Kings to Seattle is still being discussed. However, could prior history with public subsidy support in Seattle prevent the NBA from coming back to the city?

“Actually, no, it does not impact anything,” NBA commissioner David Stern said, according to ProBasketballTalk. “This is being done by the book. I seem to remember, and correct me if I’m wrong, but there was $300 million-plus subsidy for the Mariners and $300 million-plus subsidy for the Seahawks. But there was legislation that precluded that for the Sonics. Speaker (of the House of Representatives Frank) Chopp said we should take the money from our players. Is there anything that I’m missing there? History is being rewritten in a way that your question gives me an opportunity to set the record straight.”

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