The way NBA teams make deals has changed a lot since last year, especially after the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was approved.
Impact of the New CBA:
When the Clippers lost Paul George to the 76ers in free agency, they blamed it on โthe constraints of the new CBA.โ This agreement from 2023 aims to limit how much teams can spend over their budget, particularly targeting those who exceed whatโs called the โsecond apron.โ The Nuggets faced similar issues losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and now the Lakers are worried about facing these same problems.
โWeโre now in the apron world,โ said general manager Rob Pelinka. โWeโve seen top teams lose players because of this. It makes trades harder but not impossible.โ
Silver defends tax apron: Helps all teams compete
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Adam Silver Defends New Rules:
NBA commissioner Adam Silver spoke at a press conference after meetings in Las Vegas to defend these new rules. He said teams are starting to realize how serious these provisions are. Some reports claimed that this summer was boring for fans, but Silver disagreed. He pointed out that many important players still moved between teams as free agents.
Silver believes this system will help all 30 teams compete better. “I donโt want it to be boring,” he said, “but I want all teams to have a fair chance.”
Fans hope this really helps balance things out.
He also noted that six different champions in six years show that it’s already working and clarified that they aren’t trying to stop dynasties from forming.
โAs long as we create something close to a level playing field for all teams, Iโm fine with dynasties or new champions each year,โ he added.
Celtics Ownership Change:
Silver also talked about other topics like franchise expansions and media rights deals. However, he expressed sadness over Boston governor Wyc Grousbeck announcing that the Celtics are up for sale despite their recent successes on and off the court.
โHeโs been a leader in our committee system and involved in every aspect of the league,โ Silver praised Grousbeck’s contributions.
Calling it โbittersweet,โ Silver empathized with personal reasons behind this decision and hoped future owners would continue Grousbeckโs philosophy.
โI understand why his family chose this moment to sell,” he said. “Itโs sad because they not only won two championships but also ran the team excellently.โ
