During the first 96 hours of NBA free agency, which kicked off at 12:01 AM EST on July 1, teams have committed roughly $3 billion towards contracts that “can start becoming finalized later this week” and the “unexpected has reigned so far,” according to Tim Reynolds of the AP. This is in part to the NBA’s new $24 billion television contract which saw the salary cap jump from $70 million last season to just over $94.1 million for the coming year. The “enormous increase created a market that was unpredictable to say the least,” according to Sam Presti, GM of the Oklahoma City Thunder which just saw F Kevin Durant join the Golden State Warriors for a two-year, $54.3 million deal.
In regards to the Durant to GSW saga, USA TODAY’s Jeff Zillgitt notes that the decision “to leave small-market Oklahoma City for big-market Golden State” does not sit well “with the rest of the league.” This was clear from the reaction of players and NBA analysts alike on social media and other platforms. The issue of parity in the NBA was a major factor of the 2011 lockout which “sought to create better opportunities for small-market teams to compete.” The subsequent CBA supposedly had tougher restrictions including harsher penalties for teams spending above the luxury tax line. However, with the influx of TV money teams were able to spend like never before and with the cap increasing to upwards of $107 million next year, even more players will be receiving high pay days.
Four players: DeMar Derozan (Toronto), Mike Conley (Memphis), Bradley Beal (Washington) and Andre Drummond (Detroit) signed free agent deals with their total guaranteed money ($547.4 million) equalling that of 11 starting NFL quarterbacks. This fact alone shook up the sports world and had players from other sports dumbfounded on social media.
Big name free agents are not the only players cashing in on this new TV deal; role and lesser known players are also signing huge deals. Darrell Arthur (Denver), DJ Augustin (Orlando), E’Twaun Moore (New Orleans) and Matthew Dellavedova (Milwaukee) “are part of an 8-7 club — players who averaged fewer than eight points per game last season, but will earn more” than $7 million per season for at least the next three years, according to the Buffalo News.
One reply on “NBA Free Agency’s Record Start”
I may be wrong,but don’t think so, but KD going to GSWs has nothing to do with Small v. Large. Since both teams had money. It was as with LBJ, Bosh going to Heat the players wanting to play w/each other. So no matter what CBA says/does nothing will change that,unless it says how many players can make a certain amount. Then you’re violating Fed work rules. If I’m wrong pls correct my thinking. I can take it