NBA teams who did the best job saving their billionaire owners money at the trade deadline, ranked

Everyone loves the NBA trade deadline. Not only is this a last big chance for contenders to shore up their rosters for a playoff berth, but it’s also a final chance for teams out of the hunt to trade picks for veteran contributors to help rebuild. Not only is it a huge opportunity, it’s also home to the types of deals that basketball fans love. Save millionaire money.

The 2024 deadline was no exception. So, let’s rank this year’s top four big trading day coupon reduction moves to see which owner treasurers will be most grateful to their general managers at the end of the year.

4. Milwaukee Bucks separate twin brothers to save on luxury tax

The Bucks play in one of the smallest markets in the NBA, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make some money-driven move. And it’s also a little more forgivable considering how much they spend at the top of their paychecks.

but Trade identical twin brothers in the starting center To save $8.6 million in taxes and free up roster space? They pay their general manager a lot of money for such callous behavior…the Bucks don’t need to pay them even more.

At least Robin, ever the optimist, will always have fond memories of his second stint playing alongside Brooke.

3. Warriors save eight figures by dumping Cory Joseph’s veteran minimum record

The Warriors are still scheduled to pay the most luxury tax in the NBA (approximately $181.4 million, According to Salary Swish). However, that amount was slightly reduced on Thursday as the introduction of the second apron tax and repeater tax is well underway. Send only the minimum contract for Cory Joseph Veterans Savings of nearly $14 million in payroll costs.

Oh yeah, I love it when Joe Lacob saves money. Nothing excites him more than NBA basketball.

2. The Sixers are below the luxury tax.

Meanwhile, big problems are facing Philadelphia. sixers For the past few weeks, something has been hanging over the fanbase like a dark cloud, leaving the entire city wondering. How is Daryl Morey going to help the Sixers avoid the luxury tax at the deadline for the second year in a row?

what did you think you were saying? something else?

Well, no need to worry. Thursday we got the answer to that first question.As a Sixers team series of transaction hours before the deadline They allowed themselves to sink beneath taxes once again. What a coincidence that they keep doing it:

It will be interesting to see what Sixers owner Josh Harris does with the savings from the salaries of the current title contenders. Alright, let’s go!

1. Raptors cut Spencer Dinwiddie straight to save $1.5 million

There was never any doubt as to what would be number one here.raptors Trade Dennis Schroder and Thaddeus Young to brooklyn nets They signed Spencer Dinwiddie in one of their first trades on Thursday, but then they had to make a decision. Should Dinwiddie be paid the prorated remainder of his $20 million-plus salary to play basketball for them the rest of the season? Or should they pay him the full amount (minus $1.5 million) and keep him from playing? Reach a minimum of 50 games played Will that guarantee his contract for the remainder of his tenure in Toronto?

After several hours of deliberation, they made the following decision:

NBA teams always avoid spending, but it’s rare for a new player to make as much money as Dinwiddie in a midseason trade cut just to avoid such a small and likely signing bonus. And thanks to that little wrinkle in innovation, the Raptors, you earn his SB Nation’s first Golden His Coupon.

No, no, don’t get too excited. You can’t use it to pay the money you owe Dinwiddie. It actually has no value. Like his non-guarantee, this one is entirely ceremonial.