Let $NS(T), D_+(T), D_-(T)$ denote closures of a $2$-tangle $T$ as in the picture. I conjecture that if $NS(T)$ is the unknot and one of $D_+(T), D_-(T)$ is the uknot, then $T=T_0$. We need to assume here that all tangles and links are framed (with the "blackboard" framing, i.e. the one parallel to your screen :-) since a single crossing $T$ would be a counterexample otherwise. Is it known? Would you have a suggestion for a proof? [![enter image description here][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/t7rKwm.jpg