The NBA has opened up investigations into possible tampering violations involving two sign-and-trade deals completed in free agency: New Orleans and Chicago centered on Lonzo Ball, and Toronto and Miami centered on Kyle Lowry.

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

ANALYSIS: It remains to be seen what the league has discovered, and what consequences could come as a result of the investigations. Ball was involved in a sign-and-trade to the Chicago Bulls, while Lowry was part of a sign-and-trade to the Miami Heat. Last season, the NBA's investigation into a Bogdan Bogdanovic trade to Milwaukee resulted in the deal being broken up. 

Wojnarowski explained further: "Two years ago, NBA elevated [the] maximum tampering fine to $10M for teams and opened [the] door for suspension of executives, forfeiture of draft picks and voiding of contracts. Team execs can also have their communications – such as phone records, texts and emails – randomly audited."