Can Denver trade Smith or Nene while they e suspended?
With special permission from the league office, yes. There is no spelled-out rule in the NBA’s operations manual that permits or forbids teams from trading a suspended player. It’s an apparent gray area that would require the Nuggets, if a trade for Iverson (or anyone else) materializes suddenly, to submit a trade including Smith or Nene for league review. Analysis: I’ve been led to believe that such permission would be granted. Reason being: Philly and Iverson would be punished if a trade was blocked because it included a suspended player and neither of those parties had anything to do with the brawl. It should be pointed out, though, that Denver has consistently stressed a reluctance to include Smith in any trade, according to sources close to the talks. And Nene’s suspension will be over after Monday’s game.
