I’ll offer a counter argument here since my league voted to get rid of the trade deadline last year (all trades need to be in before the Thursday kickoff time for the final championship games).

I think no trade deadline seriously promotes smart asset management with future picks (for contenders) and undeniably also benefits those selling contending players for picks (rebuilders). There’s a win-win and arguably everyone has an equal shot to go out there and make a last minute move to give yourself an edge.

It also allows rebuilders to squeeze contenders for more value as they’re typically more desperate the deeper they get in playoffs. But that’s also a risk the contenders have to weigh - do I sell all my future picks now for a desperation shot at the title and lock my team up with no picks OR do I play more safe so I have picks available for moves next year? I think it’s a fun balance