NBA, NBAPA Agree To New Deal
Saturday morning, the NBA and the NBA Players Association announced they had agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement. The deal reportedly starts in 2023-24 and has a mutual opt-out after six seasons. Details remain as both sides will still need to ratify the agreement within the coming weeks, but basketball fans are ecstatic at the prospect of smooth sailing until 2029-2030.
So, what are some of the details of the agreement, and how could it impact the Celtics going forward? Let’s take a look.
How Deal Impacts Jaylen Brown’s Situation
As part of the agreement, the maximum salary any player can be offered as an extension has been increased from 120% to 140%, meaning Jaylen Brown would be eligible for a four-year extension worth $189 million. While under the previous terms, he was only eligible for a four-year extension at $165 million.
This makes it slightly more than Brown would have been paid previously but still not enough to entice him to sign a non-supermax extension. The hope for the Celtics is that he can make an All-NBA team this Summer, giving him the incentive to sign a deal that would net him a five-year, 290-million-dollar deal.
You can check out Jaylen Brown’s full contract situation by clicking here.
Change To Mid-level Exception
According to the new rules, teams $17.5 million over the tax apron would be unable to access the taxpayer mid-level exceptions, meaning signing someone like Danilo Gallinari would have been out of reach for Boston this past offseason. The goal of this is to make it more difficult for heavy-spending teams, such as the Celtics, Warriors, Sixers, Bucks, etc., to add an impact veteran. Ultimately leveling the playing field a bit throughout the league.
In-Season Tournament
This agreement also allows for an in-season tournament, expected to begin as soon as next season. Games will be spread among the regular season starting in November, with eight teams advancing to a single-elimination tournament in December, culminating with a Final Four being held at a neutral site (most likely Las Vegas). Games from this tournament will count towards the regular season standings, with additional prize money to be given out to winning teams and coaches.
I know it’s a lot to digest, so here’s a more in-depth breakdown you can check out.
Additional Two-Way Roster Spot
This additional two-way spot from one to two provides valuable growth opportunities for players that may not otherwise get a chance. For example, just last season, the Celtics signed Sam Hauser on a two-way contract, and he has become a very solid contributor to the team. While around the league, you see two-way players like Austin Reaves, Duncan Robinson, Anthony Lamb, and Jose Alverado finding homes in the NBA.
Load Management Restrictions
Reports suggest the new CBA will require a minimum of 65 games played to be eligible for certain awards like MVP. This is good news for fans who love watching their favorite stars play; with a minimum requirement in place, players will be less likely to miss out on a large number of games due to load management. For example, if you buy tickets to see Jayson Tatum play on the road, there’s less chance you’ll see Joe Mazzulla give him a rest day. Of course, some flexibility will be built into this guideline that needs to be worked out.
