Do the acceleration rules apply similarly for trades and waiver claims?

The correct answer is based on the principle that both trades and waiver claims are treated similarly in terms of salary cap implications, specifically relating to the acceleration of salaries. When a player is traded or claimed off waivers, the residual value of their contract can impact the salary cap in a similar way as if the player was outright released.

In both scenarios, if the player has any guaranteed money left on their contract, that amount may accelerate onto the salary cap of the team involved, splitting the implications of the player's contract is crucial for effective salary cap management. Therefore, when a player is either traded or claimed via waivers, the same acceleration rules regarding the dead money resulting from their guaranteed salary come into play as they would in a release situation.

This understanding is key for teams as they navigate roster moves and manage their financial commitments, ensuring clarity in how contract structures affect their salary cap space.