i'm well aware of the trade deadline, the negotiations don't just magically stop on the weekend. They had all Friday, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues and Wed to try and get a better deal which is effectively a week.
And nominating a destination doesn't necessarily preclude other clubs from placing offers and taking advantage of an opening. If Melbourne aren't willing to pay the price for Ed and another team is, his management will absolutely look at it and see what contract he can get.
Pulling the trigger early on a poor deal is a rubbish plan.