Collective Bargaining Agreement Rumors

And-Ones: Davis, D-League, CBA

January 17th, 2016 at 10:28pm CST by Will Joseph

Baron Davis has cleared D-League waivers after going unclaimed by the league’s 19 teams, Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). In other words, no team thought he was worth a waiver claim. Davis now goes into the league’s available players pool, Stein adds. With an interesting point, Adam Johnson of D-League Digest tweets that some team would have likely taken a shot on Davis if this situation happened a few years ago, if only for marketing purposes, because the D-League had independent teams then.

Here’s more from around the basketball world:

Either side may opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement after the 2016/17 season, but commissioner Adam Silver is encouraged by already having direct conversations with the Players Association and is optimistic that a lockout will be avoided, Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports tweets.
Jae Crowder is putting up career-best numbers across the board and after re-signing with the Celtics this past summer for five years and $35MM, he is looking like one of the league’s top bargains, Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com writes. Crowder was the prize in the trade that sent Rajon Rondo to the Mavs and is flourishing this season as the Celtics’ starting small forward, Forsberg adds.
The Hawks recalled Lamar Patterson and Edy Tavares from the D-League, Atlanta announced in an emailed press release.
The Magic will recall Devyn Marble from the D-League, John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com reports (on Twitter).

And-Ones: CBA, Revenue Sharing, Thompson

September 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm CST by ChrisCrouse

There’s reason to believe that neither the owners or the players will opt out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement after the 2016/17 season, David Aldridge of NBA.com writes in a piece that’s worth a read. Aldridge cites the new television deal, the rising salaries of players, and the success of the current revenue sharing system among the reasons to be optimistic. There’s also hope among the parties involved.

“Can’t imagine either [side] opting out”, one extremely high-ranking team official texted Aldridge last week. “Never know what the player’s union will do but the dollars are getting so big.”

Many players are beyond angry about the billions in salaries they have conceded and they want to recoup some of those losses, but there are some on the players’ side who think the current CBA is providing enough incentive to prevent a lockout.

“Way too much economic prosperity right now for the Owners and the Players with continual Global growth,” a prominent player agent texted Aldridge. “There is NO basis whatsoever for a work stoppage.”

Here’s more from Aldridge’s latest piece:

Sources told the scribe that even though the Lakers are consistently major contributors to the plan, the franchise is in support of the current revenue sharing system. The team understands the need for some level of revenue sharing and it isn’t seeking substantial changes to the current system “because it’s working.”
Aldridge switched gears to talk about the NBA on the court. He doesn’t believe Tristan Thompson will come to terms with Cleveland on a long-term deal, citing the $14MM schism between the two sides.
Aldridge is surprised that Jamal Crawford remains a Clipper and predicts that the guard will be dealt by the trade deadline. Earlier this month, coach/executive Doc Rivers said that it’s unlikely the team will trade the 35-year-old.

And-Ones: NBPA, Horford, Hawks

August 23rd, 2015 at 11:50am CST by ChrisCrouse

The National Basketball Player Association (NBPA) wants the money that teams receive from the government to construct new arenas to be included in the calculation of Basketball Related Income (BRI), Apratim Ghosh of USA Today writes. The Collective Bargaining Agreement calls for a roughly 50/50 split of all BRI between team owners and players, but the public funding owners receive is not currently included in that calculation.

“Under the CBA, we do not have a gross compensation system,” Executive Director of the NBPA Michele Roberts said. “The players’ 50% share is calculated net of a substantial amount of expenses and deductions. New and renovated arenas around the league have proven to be revenue drivers, profit centers and franchise-valuation boosters. That has been the case over the past few years in Orlando, Brooklyn and New York, to name a few. In some instances, owners receive arena revenues not included in BRI.”

Here’s more from around the league:

Hawks center Al Horford believes the Thunder’s roster offers his former coach, Billy Donovan, a great opportunity to succeed at he NBA level, as he tells Jeremy Woo of SI.com. “I think it’s gonna be a perfect fit. Obviously, so many talented players there, but just the way he wants to play, how he wants to get up and down the floor, that’s the perfect scenario with the type of players there,” Horford said. The Florida product will be a free agent after the 2015/16 season.
In the same interview, Horford touched upon the significance of re-signing teammate Paul Millsap in addition to some of the other offseason moves that Atlanta made. It was very important.I think that was the priority for us, to make sure we brought Paul back. Being able to add Tiago Splitter and Tim Hardaway, really was big. Unfortunately, we lost DeMarre [Carroll]; he’s such a great player, but it was the type of thing he couldn’t turn down, and it’s what’s best for him and his family,” the big man said. “I honestly thought there was a chance we’d be able to keep them both [ Carroll and Millsap]. But it just didn’t work out that way. I’m happy for DeMarre, but I’m happy for us, being able to keep Paul, he’s such an important part of what we do. Just his versatility. He makes the game easier for all of us.”

Eastern Notes: Labor, J.R. Smith, Butler, Cavs

November 14th, 2014 at 12:03pm CST by Chuck Myron

The collective bargaining agreement is in place at least until 2017, but LeBron James wants to see constructive labor negotiations start sooner rather than later in the wake of sharp remarks this week from union executive director Michele Roberts and commissioner Adam Silver. Joe Vardon of the Northeast Ohio Media Group has the details.

“At some point we would like to start conversations, because you don’t want to get to a point to where the deadline happens and now we’re scrambling,” James said. “Our game is too good, it’s too popular, everyone loves our game all across the world and we don’t want to get to a point where there’s another lockout.”

While we wait to see if LeBron can help bring the sides to the table, here’s the latest on his rivals from the Eastern Conference:

The Knicks continue to have internal discussions about ways to trade J.R. Smith, just as they have since July, tweets Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com. A report early this month indicated that New York and the Pacers had engaged in talks about a Smith trade, and while a follow-up cast doubt on that notion, the most recent dispatch indicates that the Pacers do have interest in the volatile shooting guard.
An anonymous executive suggests to fellow ESPNNewYork.com scribe Ian O’Connor that Smith continues to be a viable trade asset in the proper circumstances. “J.R. has had a lot of issues but he can be a big-time scorer when he’s doing the right things,” the executive said. “There’s always a team out there willing to take a chance on somebody if they feel he can put them over the top, and there’s no doubt J.R. can play. People are going to be concerned about chemistry issues in the locker room, so it would have to be a strong leadership and coaching staff that take him in.”
Randy Wittman was the driving force behind the Wizards‘ decision to sign Rasual Butler, as the coach prevailed upon the team to invite the 35-year-old to camp, according to J. Michael of CSNWashington.com, who writes in his mailbag column. The move has paid off, as Butler made the opening-night roster and is averaging 8.8 points in 17.6 minutes per game.
The Cavs have assigned rookie Alex Kirk to the D-League, the team announced. Kirk has only seen three minutes of regular season action thus far for Cleveland.

Deadline Notes: Redick, Robinson, Luxury Tax

February 23rd, 2013 at 11:54am CST by Sean Highkin

Reactions continue to pour in following the trades made at Thursday's deadline, especially now that players are beginning to make their debuts with their new teams. Here is the latest post-deadline buzz:

Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has quotes from J.J. Redick and Bucks GM John Hammond, both of whom believe Redick can fit in with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis in Milwaukee's backcourt.
Joel Brigham of HoopsWorld thinks the acquisition of Redick will help Milwaukee extend their playoff run.
Thomas Robinson tells Ryne Nelson of SLAM Magazine that he is excited for a fresh start with the Rockets after an uneven beginning to his rookie season.
Michael Lee of the Washington Post writes that the Collective Bargaining Agreement contributed to the decreased amount of moves made at the deadline.

Odds & Ends: Deadline, Nets, Colangelo, Hibbert

February 21st, 2013 at 10:39pm CST by Sean Highkin

The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Thursday evening:

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com writes that the Collective Bargaining Agreement has restricted player movement, resulting in an underwhelming trade deadline.
Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News laments the Nets' inability to find Deron Williams more help at the deadline.
Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun writes that Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo deserves a contract extension.
Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star writes that Roy Hibbert is looking to ramp up his performance as the Pacers gear up for a playoff run.
The Oklahoman has a primer on Georgios Printezis, acquired by the Thunder on Thursday.
Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel praises the Bucks' acquisition of J.J. Redick.
Tim Cowlishaw of SportsDayDFW.com writes that the Mavericks' relative inactivity at the trade deadline puts increased pressure on the team to have a successful offseason.
John Canzano of The Oregonian praises the Blazers' acquisition of Eric Maynor from the Thunder.

Odds & Ends: Roy, Jones, Nene, PEDs

January 17th, 2013 at 10:51pm CST by Sean Highkin

The latest news and notes from around the NBA on Friday evening:

Ray Richardson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press writes that Brandon Roy has shown no indication of thinking about retiring from the Timberwolves.
Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel talks to Magic rookie DeQuan Jones about his unlikely path to the NBA.
Aaron J. Lopez of Nuggets.com revisits the Nuggets' trade of Nene Hilario to the Wizards for JaVale McGee.
In light of the recent steroids controversies surrounding cyclist Lance Armstrong and the Baseball Hall of Fame, HoopsHype has a new column by former D-League player Rod Benson about the relative lack of performance-enhancing drug use in the NBA.
Larry Coon has updated his invaluable Salary Cap FAQ with a new entry on rules regarding international players and some corrections.

Hunter Discusses Future, Next CBA

March 1st, 2012 at 10:08pm CST by Sean Highkin

SI.com's Sam Amick interviewed National Basketball Players Association general counsel Billy Hunter, and the players' chief attorney discussed the recently-negotiated CBA, his future as an NBPA executive, and the next CBA the players' union will negotiate, probably in 2017. Here are the highlights:

Hunter is not paying attention to the backlash to his performance during the recent CBA negotiations, saying that criticism simply comes with the job.
Hunter is under contract through 2016, and strongly hints that he will step down when his deal expires.
The players and owners have an opt-out clause in the current CBA that can be used after the 2016/17, and Amick believes it will almost certainly be used by one of the sides.