Two major factors related to the Anthony Davis deal will contribute to how much cap room the Lakers have available in free agency this summer. One is the timing of the trade’s completion, while the other is Davis’ trade bonus.
While we don’t yet have definitive word on when the Lakers and Pelicans will finalize the AD blockbuster, early reports suggest it will likely happen on July 6, which would cut into L.A.’s projected cap space by several million dollars. If Davis chooses not to waive his trade bonus, that would reduce the Lakers’ flexibility by about another $4MM, and ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne views that as the most likely scenario, as she said on The Jump on Monday (video link).
“My understanding is he doesn’t intend to waive that [bonus],” Shelburne said. “He’s due the $4MM and he’s going to keep it.”
Shelburne acknowledges that “things could change” before the deal is officially completed, but if the Lakers finalize the trade on July 6 and Davis gets his $4MM trade bonus, it would leave L.A. with about $23.7MM in cap room, not nearly enough for a maximum-salary contract.
Let’s round up a few more notes and updates from around the Western Conference…
- While Harrison Barnes will turn down his $25MM+ player option for the 2019/20 season, the Kings are confident they’ll be able to keep Barnes in the mix with a new long-term contract, a source tells James Ham of NBC Sports California.
- Kelly Iko of the Athletic examines and downplays the rumors of discord between Rockets stars James Harden and Chris Paul. “If it’s the middle of September and issues aren’t resolved, then that would be different, but it’s not,” a team source told Iko. “Chris and James want to win a championship.”
- After Spurs assistant Ettore Messina accepted a job running Olimpia Milano as their president and head coach, veteran guard Marco Belinelli was asked if he’d consider joining Messina in Italy, as Emiliano Carchia of Sportando relays. Belinelli didn’t rule out the possibility down the road, but said he’d like to sign at least one more NBA contract after his deal with San Antonio expires in 2020.
- Tony Jones and Omari Sankofa II of The Athletic dig into whether there’s a match for a Mike Conley trade between the Jazz and Grizzlies.
Davis “requested” the trade. I think the only decent thing to do it renounce the bonus. That 4 million is enough for a veteran shooter. He’ll be handsomely compensated for his troubles soon enough.
Kawhi didn’t why should AD
The bonus does not multiply in time like if he turned down salary. It could be straight repaid later.
I agree. However, if lakers throw in Mo in order to close the deal July 30th, it won’t matter. Lakers will be over the cap so the 1.25 rule applies. Lakers can take back 1.25 times what they send out. They need MOs $2M to do that. I estimate they pick up $10m in cap space. $24 vs. $34. I hate the lakers didn’t have this nailed down in the deal, it would I move Mo to pick up $10M in cap? In a second.
That’s I agree he should turn it down.
I still find it hard to believe that the Lakers didn’t insist on this. Meaning I still don’t really believe it, as an absolute. Nothing happens until July 6. If the Lakers have a chance to sign a major FA but need the space and July 6 rolls around, still, no waiver?
If Pelinka didn’t demand this with what he gave the Pelicans, he should inch closer to being fired. Huge ramifications with the current state of the roster.
$4M is about to be chump change for AD. He needs to waive it and have the Lakers get it back to him some other way.
I’d hate to see this team come up one player short in the playoffs because of these two factors.
Pelinka has no choice! I would give AD the 4 million. Remember now he can go sign somewhere else next summer!!
DXC, the reason the Pels did not agree to it, is because if they waited until July 30th to announce the trade, then the Pels would lose approx $4 mill in cap space…
The Pels don’t really need max cap room with the full squad they have already. However, they couldn’t just give it to them. Again, Pelinka should’ve made the date part of the deal.
4M helps cover the insane state tax
He’s set to earn 200+ million over the next 5 years. Taxes won’t be a problem.
…wow…your either very young or your wife handles your money…if it is the later…let her stick with it…you need the help.
200mil = 80 after everyone takes a cut
maybe 70-75
Poor guy
He’ll be in 37% fed bracket, 13% state (CA) for half the games. Taxes paid in each state where you play a game. Not to mention some of that money is taxed at lower rates, but not much in relation to his salary. Safe to say, he will be under 50% and not sure if he has a way of forming a corporation to lower that. Or just talk to Michael Cohen and he can figure it out.