As we get closer to February 9th’s trade deadline, there are some teams that could be motivated to make cost-cutting deals. Some, like the Mavericks and Sixers, could look to decrease their luxury tax penalties for this season. But then there are teams that could be approaching the luxury tax next season with their current roster.
For example, the Raptors are a team that could be looking to make a significant trade partly because all their top players are due for raises in the near future. Whether this season or during the offseason, we could see teams preemptively move some of their highest-paid players to avoid any future tax issues.
Here are some teams that could make financially motivated trades soon.