NBA trade talks have stalled leaguewide: 'We are in survival mode'

Amid the chaos of the current NBA landscape under COVID-19, ESPN has written an article saying that the trade market has completely stalled as teams battle drastic roster changes.

"We are in survival mode," one team executive told ESPN. "Right now we are living in a day-to-day world, and my primary focus is making sure that there are at least eight healthy [the required amount] bodies each game."

According to the article, one hurdle is player availability if a trade were to be completed. Players can't report to teams or undergo a physical if they test positive after being traded. 

"How do I explain to my owner that we are trading for a player that has $80 million left on his contract but we can't have him take a physical because he is in isolation?" one team said to ESPN. "That would be reckless."

It remains to be seen how the pandemic will change the long-term plans for NBA franchises, as well as the potential for stars to be moved before the trade deadline.