One Year in with the Mid-Level as a Trade Exception

2024-25 was the first season where the mid-level and bi-annual exceptions could be used as trade exceptions. I review all the deals that utilized this new CBA change and its implications.

All the new changes from the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement have mostly been implemented. One of the newest things we finally some in practice is the use of the mid-level and bi-annual exceptions as trade exceptions. This was done to stimulate trade activity and give more avenues for players to get traded.

Now that the trade deadline is completed we have one full salary cap year of results. I attempt to answer several questions about the rule and its impact on transactions around the league.