The NBA’s moratorium period is a short stretch during the offseason when teams and players can talk and agree to deals, but cannot officially sign contracts. It usually begins right after the free agency window opens in early July. During this time, teams make plans, contact players, and reach verbal agreements, but no official paperwork is completed until the moratorium ends.
This period creates a lot of excitement, news, and sometimes confusion, especially when deals change at the last minute. It is a time full of rumors, quick decisions, and strategy. Fans closely follow every report, waiting to see where top players will go and how teams will shape their rosters for the new season.
What Is The NBA Moratorium Period?
The NBA moratorium period is a short time in the offseason when teams and players are allowed to talk and make verbal agreements but cannot officially sign contracts. It usually starts on July 1 and ends around July 6. During this time, teams begin free agency by speaking to players, discussing contract terms, and planning trades. However, no contracts or deals can be finalized until the moratorium ends.
Why The League Uses It?
The NBA uses the moratorium to calculate its final salary cap and luxury tax figures. These numbers depend on the league’s total income from the previous season. Once the financial reports are complete, the NBA sets the limits that teams must follow when signing players. This helps keep the league fair and avoids rule violations.
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How Did The Moratorium Work?
During the moratorium, teams can speak with free agents and make offers. Players can agree verbally, but the deal is not official. No trades or signings can be completed. Once the moratorium ends, usually around July 6, teams can submit all paperwork and make the deals official. This includes signing free agents, completing trades, and finalizing player contracts.
What Can Happen During The Period?
Many teams and players use the moratorium to make important decisions. Big deals are often agreed to quickly, sometimes within the first day. Teams may also use this time to match offer sheets for restricted free agents. However, players can still change their minds during this period, since nothing is signed. This can lead to surprises or sudden changes before the moratorium ends.
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Impact On Teams And Fans?
The moratorium is one of the busiest and most exciting times in the NBA offseason. Fans follow the news closely to see where top players will go. Teams must act quickly to contact players and make offers. Coaches and managers use this time to build their rosters for the next season. Once the moratorium ends, teams begin announcing their new players.
Dates For 2025
In 2025, the NBA moratorium began at 12:01 a.m. on July 1 and ended at 12:01 p.m. on July 6, Eastern Time. As soon as it ended, teams started officially signing players and completing trades for the new season.
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