Many potential employers will directly ask how much you were/are making. While presumably there's nothing wrong with just saying "I'd rather not say" and trying

Many potential employers will directly ask how much you were/are making. While presumably there's nothing wrong with just saying "I'd rather not say" and trying to discuss what you want to be making, I don't think a lot of people feel comfortable not answering a question directly. I completely agree with you though, both sides should be as transparent as possible during the negotiation.