2015/16 Salary Cap Update: Dallas Mavericks
The NBA’s salary cap for 2015/16 is set at $70MM, which is good for an 11% increase from last season, and the luxury tax line is fixed at $84.74MM. With the February 18th cutoff date for trades now past and the de facto deadline of March 1st for buyouts now upon us, we at Hoops Rumors are in the process of updating the salary cap commitments for each NBA franchise for the 2015/16 campaign. Here’s the cap breakdown for the Dallas Mavericks, whose regular season roster can be viewed here:
- 2015/16 Salary Cap= $70,000,000
- 2015/16 Luxury Tax Line= $84,740,000
- Fully Guaranteed Salary Commitments= $73,096,861*
- Remaining Cap Room= –$3,096,861
- Amount Below Luxury Tax Line= $11,091,228
*Note: This amount includes the $315,759 owed to Gal Mekel, the $525,094 owed to Maurice Ndour, the $1,499,187 due Samuel Dalembert, plus the $50K owed to both Jamil Wilson and Brandon Ashley, as well as the $10K owed to Jarrid Famous, all of whom were waived by the team.
**Note: Charlie Villanueva‘s salary for tax purposes is $1,499,187.
Cap Exceptions Available:
- None
Cash Available to Send Out In Trades= $3,400,000
Cash Available to Receive Via Trade= $3,400,000
Note: Despite the trade deadline having passed, the NBA season technically doesn’t end until June 30th. Teams are able to again make trades upon the completion of the regular season or when/if they are eliminated from the playoffs, whichever comes later. So these cash limits still apply.
The Basketball Insiders salary pages were used in the creation of this post.
Eastern Notes: Marks, Johnson, Novak
New Nets GM Sean Marks reiterated the need for patience as he attempts to rebuild the franchise, noting the hasty approach is what led the team to its current state, NetsDaily relays. “It may be a little bit different from what we’ve done in the past here in Brooklyn,” Marks said in a video on the team’s website. “I have some empathy for the way they went about it in the past and said, look, ‘He’s committed to winning. He’s gone about it with a willingness to spend money and so forth.’ I’m not saying it’s the wrong way, but it didn’t work! So maybe this time, we’ll go about it in a little bit of a different way. We won’t skip any steps along the way.”
“Mr. [Mikhail] Prokhorov is committed to doing that and that’s what sold me in the interview. When he said, ‘Look, I want to win. I want to put this behind me. You make some of these decisions and you tell me what’s best.’ We talked about the process,” Marks continued. “We talked about this not being, look, in two weeks we’re not going to have a totally revamped organization. It’s going to take time. Its about bringing in the right people at the right time.”
Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:
- Joe Johnson is now a member of the Heat and back in the playoff hunt after signing with Miami, but despite the difficulties that the Nets endured the past few seasons, he still had good things to say about the organization as a whole, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.com writes. “Obviously we had some ups and downs, but I think the good outweighed the bad for me,” Johnson said of his time with the Nets. “I think the changing of the GM and coach, it’s pretty tough but not really. I’ve been through quite a few coaches in my career in Brooklyn, so it was kind of second nature for me. But just losing, us playing hard and losing was probably the toughest part for me.”
- Steve Novak‘s deal with the Bucks is a minimum salary affair that runs just through the rest of the season, so Milwaukee retains a prorated portion of its room exception, notes Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders (Twitter link).
- The Hawks have assigned Lamar Patterson to the NBA D-League, the team announced via press release. Patterson will report to the Canton Charge, the Cavs‘ affiliate, pursuant to the league’s flexible assignment rule.
Chuck Myron contributed to this post.
Western Notes: Green, Miller, Dekker
Warriors combo forward Draymond Green issued a public apology for his halftime outburst on Saturday when things between he and coach Steve Kerr became heated, Monte Poole of CSNBayArea.com relays. “I made a mistake,” Green said. “I admitted my mistakes to my teammates and my coaching staff. I apologized to my teammates, my coaching staff [and] this organization. That wasn’t the right way to handle what needed to be handled. As a leader of this team, I can’t do that. Because it sets a bad precedent for how everything is run around here, how everything should be run, how everything has been ran and how everything will be ran going forward. It won’t happen again. It’s something where my emotions kind of got ahead of me and I let my emotions get the best of me. However, I will never quit on my teammates, as some have reported. I will never quit on my coaching staff. I will never quit on this organization.”
Here’s more from out West:
- The Rockets, who reportedly reached a buyout arrangement today with point guard Ty Lawson, will likely use the available roster slot and cap space created to sign another guard, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical on Yahoo Sports relays.
- Andre Miller‘s buyout deal with the Timberwolves saw the team shave $256,333 off what had been an $947,276 obligation to the 39-year-old point guard, leaving Minnesota with a cap hit of just $690,943, according to Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders (Twitter link). He’ll see $396,844 on his new minimum salary contract with the Spurs that covers the rest of the season, Pincus also shows. It represents a $250,750 cap hit to San Antonio.
- The Rockets have assigned combo forward Sam Dekker to their D-League affiliate, the team announced. This will be Dekker’s third jaunt to Rio Grande Valley on the season.
Chuck Myron contributed to this post.
Atlantic Notes: Thompson, Sixers, Prokhorov
The Sixers currently possess an open roster spot and a clear need for depth at the wing positions, but the team is no immediate rush to add a player unless he is the right fit, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes. “That’s been discussed for a while,” coach Brett Brown responded when asked when the team would add another player. “I think the thing that’s everybody’s aware of, especially now, is things will start to shake out a little bit more than right after the All-Star break.” The coach also noted that the front office planned to exercise patience when sifting through the ranks of available players, Pompey adds. “When somebody comes up that makes sense, we will do it,” Brown said. “We’re always looking. I think the thing that most stands out is we don’t feel like we have to bring in somebody just to bring in somebody. There has to be some level of cleansing as to why we’re doing it.”
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Jason Thompson said that he chose to sign with the Raptors over his other suitors because he felt a level of comfort with the organization and because he was familiar with a number of the players on the roster, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca relays in a series of tweets. Coach Dwane Casey noted that Thompson isn’t expected to impact anyone’s minutes initially and referred to the veteran as an insurance policy, Lewenberg adds. Thompson is aware he may not see steady minutes in Toronto, something he appears fine with, telling Lewenberg, “I’m not trying to come in here and mess up a great thing. I just want to be apart of something and help, see how it goes.”
- Toronto cleared a roster spot for Thompson through the release of Anthony Bennett, a player who was in a difficult situation with little playing time available for him, as GM Masai Ujiri acknowledged and as Lewenberg tweets. The GM said Bennett’s playing time took a hit because the Raptors performed better than expected this season, starting power forward Luis Scola in particular, Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun relays (on Twitter).
- Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov’s personal net worth has taken a hit in recent years, going from an estimated $18 billion in 2011 down to $7.6 billion today, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.com tweets. The reasons for Prokhorov’s dwindling finances include losses in the commodities market, Russian currency becoming devalued and U.S. restrictions on Russian-based businesses, NetsDaily notes (Twitter links).
2015/16 Salary Cap Update: Cleveland Cavaliers
The NBA’s salary cap for 2015/16 is set at $70MM, which is good for an 11% increase from last season, and the luxury tax line is fixed at $84.74MM. With the February 18th cutoff date for trades now past and the de facto deadline of March 1st for buyouts rapidly approaching, we at Hoops Rumors are in the process of updating the salary cap commitments for each NBA franchise for the 2015/16 campaign. Here’s the cap breakdown for the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose regular season roster can be viewed here:
- 2015/16 Salary Cap= $70,000,000
- 2015/16 Luxury Tax Line= $84,740,000
- Fully Guaranteed Salary Commitments= $106,877,492
- Remaining Cap Room= –$36,877,492
- Amount Above Luxury Tax Line= $23,241,314*
*Note: James Jones‘ and Richard Jefferson‘s salaries for tax purposes are $1,499,187.
Cap Exceptions Available:
- Trade Exception= $2,854,940 (Mike Miller. Expires July 30th, 2016)
- Trade Exception= $845,059 (Joe Harris. Expires January 12th, 2017)
- Trade Exception= $9,638,554 (Anderson Varejao. Expires February 18th, 2017)
- Trade Exception= $947,276 (Jared Cunningham. Expires February 18th, 2017)
- Trade Exception= $2,329,471 (Brendan Haywood. Expires July 30th, 2016)
Cash Available to Send Out In Trades= $2,465,386
Cash Available to Receive Via Trade= $3,325,000
Note: Despite the trade deadline having passed, the NBA season technically doesn’t end until June 30th. Teams are able to again make trades upon the completion of the regular season or when/if they are eliminated from the playoffs, whichever comes later. So these cash limits still apply.
The Basketball Insiders salary pages were used in the creation of this post.
Northwest Notes: Miller, Novak, Hickson
The Timberwolves‘ willingness to agree to a buyout with Andre Miller demonstrates the team’s commitment to developing its younger players, Jerry Zgoda of The Star Tribune writes. Parting ways with Miller now slides Tyus Jones up the depth chart where he will act as the primary backup to Ricky Rubio, Zgoda notes. “At this point where we are, it’s about giving these guys the opportunity to grow and develop,” interim coach Sam Mitchell said. “We’re never going to get where we need to go until these young guys learn how to play in certain situations.”
While he will miss Miller’s veteran presence, the coach agreed with the move to waive the playmaker, Zgoda adds. “Absolutely. Andre has been great. He was great for me. I think he helped Ricky out a lot, and I think he has helped Zach LaVine and Tyus a lot. At this point of the season, he has a chance to sign with a great team like San Antonio that’s going to have a chance to win a championship. I’m happy for Andre,” Mitchell told Zgoda.
Here’s more from the Northwest Division:
- J.J. Hickson relinquished $396,242 of his 2015/16 salary to secure his buyout from the Nuggets, Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders relays (on Twitter). Denver is still on the hook for $5,217,258 in salary to the power forward, who signed with the Wizards for the remainder of the season after clearing waivers.
- The Nuggets also agreed to a buyout arrangement with Steve Novak, who parted with $416,886 of this season’s salary as part of the transaction, Pincus tweets. As a result, the franchise’s cap hit for the combo forward is $3,333,115. Upon clearing waivers Novak signed with the Bucks for the remainder of the campaign.
- The Trail Blazers have surprised the league with their stellar play of late, as many predicted the franchise would be lottery-bound in 2015/16 after losing LaMarcus Aldridge to the Spurs via free agency last July. The team may lack star power beyond Lillard, but it makes up for that with excellent locker room chemistry, Jason Quick of CSNNW.com relays. “How much we like each other, how much time we spend around each other, that shows you a team that is really together,” Lillard said. “It is a unit, and that makes up for us not being Cleveland. It makes up for us not having LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love. We are a group. We have each other’s back.’’
Cavs To Ink Jordan McRae To 10-Day Pact
SUNDAY, 9:08am: The signing is official, the team announced this morning.
SATURDAY, 2:40pm: A league source has confirmed the expected signing to Jason Lloyd of The Akron Beacon-Journal, saying the Cavaliers need more players in practice because of injuries.
FRIDAY, 6:25pm: The Cavaliers intend to sign shooting guard Jordan McRae to a 10-day contract, Chris Reichert of Upside & Motor reports (Twitter link). Cleveland currently has two available roster slots, so no additional moves will be required to bring McRae into the fold.
It would appear Cleveland will gain some depth in its backcourt, though McRae is certainly a step down in stature from Joe Johnson, whom the Cavs were reportedly targeting for once he clears waivers. Johnson, who reached a buyout arrangement with the Nets, will reportedly sign with the Heat instead.
McRae, 24, has already tasted some NBA action this season while he was with the Suns via two 10-day deals. Phoenix declined to sign him for the remainder of the season when his second 10-day deal expired and he subsequently returned to the Sixers’ D-League affiliate.
The shooting guard appeared in seven contests for the Suns and averaged 5.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 11.8 minutes per night. McRae’s D-League numbers are far more eye-popping, as he’s notched 23.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 29 contests on the season.
2015/16 Salary Cap Update: Charlotte Hornets
The NBA’s salary cap for 2015/16 is set at $70MM, which is good for an 11% increase from last season, and the luxury tax line is fixed at $84.74MM. With the February 18th cutoff date for trades now past and the de facto deadline of March 1st for buyouts rapidly approaching, we at Hoops Rumors are in the process of updating the salary cap commitments for each NBA franchise for the 2015/16 campaign. Here’s the cap breakdown for the Charlotte Hornets, whose regular season roster can be viewed here:
- 2015/16 Salary Cap= $70,000,000
- 2015/16 Luxury Tax Line= $84,740,000
- Fully Guaranteed Salary Commitments= $78,231,465*
- Remaining Cap Room= –$8,231,465
- Amount Below Luxury Tax Line= $5,641,391**
*Note: This amount includes the $80K owed to Elliot Williams, who was waived.
**Note: Al Jefferson‘s salary for tax purposes is $12,886,364, Marvin Williams‘ is $6,985MM, and Tyler Hansbrough‘s is $1,185,784
Cap Exceptions Available:
- Mid-Level Exception= $5,464,000
- Trade Exception= $646,250 (Matt Barnes. Expires June 25th, 2016)
- Trade Exception= $548,000 (Luke Ridnour. Expires June 25th, 2016)
Cash Available to Send Out In Trades= $3,400,000
Cash Available to Receive Via Trade= $2,857,286
Note: Despite the trade deadline having passed, the NBA season technically doesn’t end until June 30th. Teams are able to again make trades upon the completion of the regular season or when/if they are eliminated from the playoffs, whichever comes later. So these cash limits still apply.
The Basketball Insiders salary pages were used in the creation of this post.
Hoops Rumors Originals 2/20/16-2/27/16
Here’s a look back at the original analysis generated by the Hoops Rumors staff this past week…
- If you missed the week’s live chat, you can view the transcript here.
- Zach Links highlighted some of the better basketball blogs around in his weekly installment of Hoops Links.
- Chuck Myron ran down the list of players who have recently hit waivers as well as those who are available to sign with NBA clubs now that their Chinese Basketball Association season has come to an end.
- Will Joseph answered reader questions in our Weekly Mailbag.
- I ran down the updated 2015/16 salary cap numbers for the Nets, Celtics and Bulls.
- Chuck reviewed the number of trades each team made this season.
- If you missed any of our daily reader-driven discussions, be sure to check out the Community Shootaround archives.
- Here’s how you can follow Hoops Rumors on social media and RSS feeds.
- Chuck looked at the financial impact of the trade deadline and buyout market moves made by the teams of the Southwest and Pacific Divisions.
- You can keep track of where your favorite team currently stands in relation to the 2016 NBA Draft lottery with our reverse standings tracker.
- We reviewed our commenting policy. Play nice everyone.
- Here’s how you can follow specific players on Hoops Rumors.
Central Notes: Van Gundy, Monroe, Johnson
The Pistons are still thin in the frontcourt after the trade for Donatas Motiejunas was voided over medical concerns, but there currently aren’t any players available who fit what the team is seeking, Rod Beard of The Detroit News writes. “So far, nothing on any of the guys who have been bought out or waived,” coach/executive Stan Van Gundy said. “There hasn’t been anybody that we’ve seriously talked to.” While there are a number of guards who are available, the backcourt isn’t currently an area of need for the team, Beard notes. “Where our real need is right now obviously is up front. It’s hard to say [whether we’re interested in guards] because you’d have to weigh quality,” Van Gundy continued. “It depends. If you had a great wing option, that would outweigh certainly a mediocre big. Our need is more up front.”
Van Gundy also acknowledged that the team will be limited financially in its free agent pursuits and could be outbid for any potential targets, Beard adds. “Some teams have money; there are teams that are under the cap and have money to offer. It all depends on what certain guys are looking for,” Van Gundy noted. “If they’re looking for an additional payday, there’s places they can go to get it. If they’re looking to get to the best team, they can. They all have different goals in what they’re trying to do.”
Here’s more from the Central Division:
- Greg Monroe says he still feels that he has the support of the Bucks‘ coaching staff despite being shifted to a reserve role and being mentioned in trade deadline rumors, Chris Mannix of The Vertical on Yahoo Sports writes. The big man also believes that the team can turn around its fortunes prior to the end of the season, Mannix adds. “Everyone has kind of given up on us, everyone except for us in this locker room,” Monroe said. “We can be a good team. We have balance. We have players on the floor who can make plays. With me and Michael Carter-Williams coming off the bench, we can score. We just need to keep the focus, keep fighting. We just need to keep trying to find ways to win.”
- LeBron James confirmed the Cavs’ interest in Joe Johnson, who is expected to sign with the Heat when he clears waivers today, but added that he did not reach out to the veteran swingman to make a recruiting pitch, Jason Lloyd of The Akron Beacon notes. “He knows that we want him,” James said. “If he decides to come here, it’d be great. If not, then we’ll continue to move on with what we have. He’s a great piece for any team. If we’re lucky enough to get him, he would mean something to us. If not, we have enough here to compete.”