Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

What Is a Trade Kicker in the NBA?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Feb 2, 2025 2:30 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

It was a stunning turn of events that unfolded late Saturday night on the West Coast, and it was a three-team deal involving the Utah Jazz with multiple players and draft picks being moved.

Shortly after the news broke, Davis decided to waive his trade kicker, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.

However, some fans might be wondering what exactly a trade kicker is.

According to Basketball Reference, a trade kicker is "the percentage of a player's salary that is awarded as a bonus in the event of a trade."

To explain it in simple terms, a trade kicker means a player gets more money if he is dealt to a new team. Hoops Rumors added that the bonus from trade kickers "can’t exceed 15% of the remaining value of the contract."

Trade kickers are usually paid by the team that trades the player, not the one receiving the player. In Davis' case, though, it looks like it's the receiving team that would have paid the bonus.

By waiving his trade kicker, Davis is allowing the Mavs not to pay him extra.

In a separate report by Bobby Marks of ESPN, he noted that the Mavs were able to go under the luxury tax by $628,000 because of Davis' decision. Prior to the trade, they were $5.1 million over the luxury tax.

With Anthony Davis waiving his trade bonus, Dallas is now $628K under the luxury tax.

They were $5.1M over prior to the trade.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 2, 2025

With the Mavs saving money because of Anthony Davis, it will be interesting to see what other moves they make in a bid to build a championship contender.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: