We know it when we see it, but how would the league define the conditions for tanking?
Relegating teams to the G-League, and vice-versa is never going to happen. However, what about tying this to the TV contract? If a team is found guilty of tanking, then they can no longer share in the TV revenue until a committee/commissioner agree that the team proved a commitment and evidence of improving. Again, how would improvement be defined?
Tanking doesn't happen without the owner's approval. I think this would make the owners accountable to themselves as a group. Also, in a situation like this, all 30 teams remain intact, which won't effect the fans or players.