With Brandon Roy prepared to make his return to the NBA this season for the Timberwolves, there's still some uncertainty about how his knees, which forced him out of last season, will hold up during a full 82-game schedule. Roy has undergone platelet rich therapy on his knees and is optimistic about his health, but his two-year contract with the T-Wolves includes a number of interesting details related to his health. Here's how the deal works, according to Mark Deeks of ShamSports:
- Both years of Roy's deal are currently fully guaranteed. He'll earn $5,100,000 in 2012/13 and $5,329,500 in 2013/14.
- If Roy reinjures his previously-injured knees this season, the second year of the contract becomes non-guaranteed, giving the T-Wolves the opportunity to release him without taking a cap hit in 2013/14.
- However, even if Roy's knee problems resurface, the second year of the deal can become guaranteed if the former Blazer plays 1400+ minutes in 2012/13 or is on the active list for 65+ games in '12/13.
If Roy plays poorly this season, or suffers an injury that's unrelated to his past knee problems, the Timberwolves will still be on the hook for the second year of his contract. The agreement should provide the Wolves some insurance in the event that Roy's knees aren't ready to handle NBA action. Conversely, if the 28-year-old's knees hold up, he's assured of receiving a multiyear salary.
