Hey Brandon,
To answer your questions:
1) Jay is correct. Draft pick order for Sept 2009 is based on regular season finish.
2) There is a trade deadline. Check the manifesto, but I believe it is January 31st, or perhaps Feburary 1st. One of those days. It's basically a month before the start of our playoffs.
3) I agree with you. Let's finalize the January Draft order on Dec 21st, so that there is time to trade up and down.
NOTE: Everyone will need to drop any players they are planning to drop a minimum of three days before the Janaury draft. I outlined in a previous message a few days ago the rules and regulations about why and how many you'll need to drop to participate in the Janaury draft.
Cheers,
Matt