By Sunday 
Commissioner Adam Silver clarifies the NBA’s trade approval process following the Luka Doncic trade.
Understanding the Trade Approval Process
Following the recent trade of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, fans expressed concerns about the NBA Commissioner’s role in approving or vetoing trades. In a recent interview on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast, Commissioner Adam Silver addressed these concerns, providing clarity on the league’s trade approval process.
Commissioner’s Limited Role in Trade Approvals
Silver explained that the NBA Commissioner does not possess the authority to veto trades. He stated, “No, believe it or not… David never vetoed a trade.” This statement refers to a common misconception about former Commissioner David Stern’s role in trade approvals.
Clarifying the 2011 Trade Incident
Silver referenced a specific incident in 2011 involving the New Orleans Hornets, then owned by the NBA. During that time, a proposed trade sending Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers was blocked. Silver clarified that Stern, acting as the Hornets’ president of basketball operations, turned down the trade, not as Commissioner but in his capacity overseeing the Hornets’ operations.
The League’s Trade Approval Process
The Commissioner does not personally assess the merits of individual trades. Instead, the league’s basketball and legal departments review trades to ensure they comply with the collective bargaining agreement and other established rules. Silver emphasized, “We don’t put a thumb on the scale… We don’t get to weigh on what we think the merits of the trade are or should be.”
Impact on the Doncic Trade
Regarding the recent trade of Luka Doncic, Silver confirmed that the transaction was approved following the standard review process. He noted that the trade met all necessary criteria and was consistent with the league’s regulations.
Conclusion
Commissioner Silver’s comments provide valuable insight into the NBA’s trade approval process, emphasizing the league’s commitment to fairness and adherence to established rules. His clarification helps fans understand the procedural aspects of trade approvals and the Commissioner’s role in maintaining the integrity of the game.