I think it has more to do wth teams being able to have their trades completed before the games begin that day. So players aren't sitting in limbo during the game, not being able to be used, etc. Or just because midnight was a pain to deal with? It sucked for media coverage, and let's face it, isn't that what the game is about? trade proposals have to be in by 3pm, but they all take time to process by the commissioner's office. those employees probably didn't like having to stay at work all night doing that