It was recently reported without any explanation that Spurs guard Patty Mills had a “trade exception” lifted, leading to some speculation that trade rumors might be around, Mills had agreed to remove some sort of no trade clause or waive his Early Bird rights (which gives him the power to veto a trade), etc. It also doesn’t help that the Spurs keep details about their players’ contracts so close to the vest.
It turns out that is not the case at all. In reality, Mills’ trade restriction (which differs from a trade exception) was lifted as product of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.