What happened: A traded player’s full-season salary moves to her new club, regardless of how much has already been paid. Matching salaries are unnecessary, but each side must exchange an asset and finish below the cap with a legal roster.

Why it matters: A 3.5-game gap between the top eight teams and bottom seven creates natural groups of buyers and sellers. Limited roster space and contract length could still restrain activity.

What to watch: Potential buyers and sellers have five days to align cap space, assets and roster size.