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I get why the rule is structured that way. If the player's contract is still for the maximum amount allowed in his particular context under the CBA, you're not technically "circumventing the cap" by offering him some other financial benefit outside the four corners of his contract. Your teambuilding is still constrained to the same extent as if there was no additional benefit. To use your example, say you transferred some billion dollar property in the Serbian countryside full with stables and a mega mansion or whatever to Jokic. If he still signs the max, that means Murray could only get X amount on his next deal, Gordon could only get X amount, etc. But if it was Murray taking like $25 million a year, when guys of his caliber are getting maxes all around the league, yeah then if he's getting some side deal that's clearly cap circumvention.

That's the big difference from the Joe Smith thing. Joe Smith signed a contract that clearly paid him less than he could have gotten on the open market, which granted the Timberwolves greater flexibility in their teambuilding than they should have had.

The counterpoint is that Kawhi wouldn't have signed there without the side deal. I don't know if that's actually true. I kind of think he was always going to the Clippers; for Kawhi, it was the perfect mix of being in Southern California like he wanted and having more endorsement opportunities than he would have in San Antonio or Toronto, but not having to deal with the spotlight of the Lakers. I think we and Toronto were just used for leverage, frankly.

So yeah, I still don't quite know how I feel about this. Like you said, if nothing happens to Ballmer because it doesn't violate this rule it will almost certainly be revisited in the next CBA negotiation.

 

to me, this is huge. like giant. if you interpret the rule as if it doesn't impact max guys, the rule becomes really useless.

the league turned a full blind eye to brunson having a contract negotiated with ny while he was still playing for dallas, so what prevents the lakers from contacting jokic through back channels and arranging for an additional 50 million (100 million?) to find its way to his pocket if he signs with us in FA instead of re-upping with denver in two years?

 

Sam Amick: "Kawhi Leonard's contract could be voided. But this will only benefit Steve Ballmer"
Today, 08:30


Sam Amick commented on the Clippers scandal.
The journalist from The Athletic discussed the investigation into the possible circumvention of the salary cap by the Clippers.

"This situation requires a prompt resolution from Adam Silver. You can't introduce a second tax threshold and at the same time allow such deals where owners line their stars' pockets to keep them.

As a punishment, Leonard's contract could be voided. Club managers could be suspended for a year. This could include any team staff member.

However, one person told me that Steve Ballmer will benefit regardless because this is Kawhi's contract, the guy hardly plays, and they will be able to clear space in the payroll. Any fine doesn't matter due to Ballmer's wealth.

Moreover, he benefits the league and has a great relationship with Silver," the reporter concluded.

 

I love “Horses in Serbia” as a band name.

 

Ballz should be banned from attending any NBA game for a full season. Everyone knows any monetary fine would be a mild slap on the wrist for him.
Robotic Cornrows should be banned as well, without pay for a season.
Man, just when I thought I couldn’t dislike the Flippers anymore, this comes out and I’ve reached a new level.