Salary Cap Likely to Rise by $5 Million Next Season

[cd021]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10808291/nba-salary-cap-projected-rise-nearly-5-million to $63.2 Million

Spurs have $53 Million committed to 10 players next season. With Dayes deal partially guaranteed for $250,000. Luxury tax likely to jump to $77 million.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/contracts/SAS.html

[exstatic]

:lol NYK = fucked. If the cap goes up that much, Chicago's money would be almost as much as NY's.

[BatManu20]

Interesting. Gives us a little more to work with next season.

[BatManu20]

:lol NYK = fucked. If the cap goes up that much, Chicago's money would be almost as much as NY's.

If Melo has any sense, he'll go to Chicago regardless of money imo.

[Chinook]

Interesting. Gives us a little more to work with next season.

Not really. Diaw's hold eats all of that space.

[heyheymymy]

Not really. Diaw's hold eats all of that space.

theres a joke in there but i'm not gonna......

[Mark in Austin]

I'm curious what Diaw's next contract will look like. If it's between 4M & 5M/yr that will still leave SA at least 5M below the cap to address Mills / go shopping. (Assuming Duncan picks up his option and the Spurs fully guarantee Parker's deal.)

[cjw]

Others have already covered the Spurs' perspective ... some extra room to play with beyond Diaw / Mills which doesn't hurt. Most of the other contenders in the West won't have much use for it:

- Clippers, Houston, Portland, are capped out even with this figure going up.

- Memphis is too, but with several expiring deals they'll probably maneuver under it (ZBo trade IMO).

- For OKC, amnestying Perkins this year didn't make sense as they were well over the cap even afterwards. Now, dumping him may get them some cap space if only just a little bit (or give them flexibility to use the full MLE).

- Golden State will have space but need to figure out what to do with / how to replace Bogut which will take up most if not all of it. Unless O'Neal pretends to be 10 years younger like he was today. On edit, forgot they already extended him and he's already hurt - thanks Chinook.

- Including Phoenix too given they will have around $20 million to spend after extending Bledsoe. They can trade up in the first round with the three firsts they have to grab the guy they want, albeit I don't think it gets them to the top tier guys, and sign an eight figure a year free agent. I think they make a serious leap next year.

Minnesota was unlucky this year in close games, but pretty sure they'll have to shake things up with Love's opt out approaching and little cap room to play with. Phoenix would be a very interesting destination for Love, but not sure they want to give up the assets needed without assurance he'll sign.

- Dallas has a lot of cap space and Dirk says he will sign for a lot less, so they may have room for a max guy that could vaunt them to a higher seed. Not that there's much FA talent out there.

[exstatic]

If Melo has any sense, he'll go to Chicago regardless of money imo.

Yeah, but it was a decision before. I'd have categorized it as a coin flip. Now, it's a slam dunk.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Good for the Spurs.. Enough to resign some of the players that are expiring this season - Diaw and Mills for decent ~$5 million/year..

[ironman2886]

theres a joke in there but i'm not gonna......
:rollin

[HemisfairArena]

:lol NYK = fucked. If the cap goes up that much, Chicago's money would be almost as much as NY's.

Wrong. That's not how it works. Knicks can offer 30 mil more than any team regardless how much the cap goes up.

[exstatic]

Good for the Spurs.. Enough to resign some of the players that are expiring this season - Diaw and Mills for decent ~$5 million/year..

Both of them signed off waivers or from out of the league in the spring of 2012 for the remainder of the season. This is their third consecutive unbroken part or full season with the Spurs, meaning we have Bird rights for them.

[cd021]

theres a joke in there but i'm not gonna......
:lol

[Chinook]

I'm curious what Diaw's next contract will look like. If it's between 4M & 5M/yr that will still leave SA at least 5M below the cap to address Mills / go shopping. (Assuming Duncan picks up his option and the Spurs fully guarantee Parker's deal.)

Nah. Their pick-hold, the MLE and the LLE will eat that. The Spurs won't have cap space unless Duncan retires.

[cd021]

Yeah, but it was a decision before. I'd have categorized it as a coin flip. Now, it's a slam dunk.
There have been rumors that Houston would unload Lin and Osik to pursue Melo. If Morrey can, they could have legit shot at him. Howard at the 5 and Melo at the 4 with Harden and Parsons on the wing, that could be to hard to pass up.

[exstatic]

Wrong. That's not how it works. Knicks can offer 30 mil more than any team regardless how much the cap goes up.

The major difference would be the extra year. Before this news, the difference could have been 40-45M because the annual salary was way different. You may be right, though. I guess we'll see if Melo really wants to win, or just throw more money on the shit pile he's already made. Chicago, adding back DRose, and adding Melo, would be scary.

[Chinook]

Others have already covered the Spurs' perspective ... some extra room to play with beyond Diaw / Mills which doesn't hurt. Most of the other contenders in the West won't have much use for it:

- Clippers, Houston, Portland, are capped out even with this figure going up.

- Memphis is too, but with several expiring deals they'll probably maneuver under it (ZBo trade IMO).

- For OKC, amnestying Perkins this year didn't make sense as they were well over the cap even afterwards. Now, dumping him may get them some cap space if only just a little bit (or give them flexibility to use the full MLE).

- Golden State will have space but need to figure out what to do with / how to replace Bogut which will take up most if not all of it. Unless O'Neal pretends to be 10 years younger like he was today.

- Including Phoenix too given they will have around $20 million to spend after extending Bledsoe. They can trade up in the first round with the three firsts they have to grab the guy they want, albeit I don't think it gets them to the top tier guys, and sign an eight figure a year free agent. I think they make a serious leap next year.

Minnesota was unlucky this year in close games, but pretty sure they'll have to shake things up with Love's opt out approaching and little cap room to play with. Phoenix would be a very interesting destination for Love, but not sure they want to give up the assets needed without assurance he'll sign.

- Dallas has a lot of cap space and Dirk says he will sign for a lot less, so they may have room for a max guy that could vaunt them to a higher seed. Not that there's much FA talent out there.

Golden State extended Bogut already. They don't have cap room

[HemisfairArena]

The major difference would be the extra year. Before this news, the difference could have been 40-45M because the annual salary was way different. You may be right, though. I guess we'll see if Melo really wants to win, or just throw more money on the shit pile he's already made. Chicago, adding back DRose, and adding Melo, would be scary.

'Melo loves New York as does his wife...he demanded a trade there and the Knicks were shit even then....he didn't care..and he wont now especially with Phil Jackson on board. After next year...the Knicks will have huge cap space to work with even after signing 'Melo to the max. Don't be surprised to see a Rondo/Melo/Love big 3 in New York after next year.

[PingPong]

There have been rumors that Houston would unload Lin and Osik to pursue Melo. If Morrey can, they could have legit shot at him. Howard at the 5 and Melo at the 4 with Harden and Parsons on the wing, that could be to hard to pass up.

Melo-Howard-Harden? It's not gonna work....

[HemisfairArena]

Look...no way 'Melo leaves New York. He was born there...he won a college national championship there at Syracuse...and he demanded a trade to go back home there. He's already said he wants to re-sign with the Knicks and will do so for less money. The guy isn't leaving.

[99 Problems]

Yer, I noticed Phil Jackson getting a mention above. This factor must not be underestimated as it means that NYK are unlikely to be shite moving forward. A lot of media gearing up for change of head coach starting next week in NY as well.

[ElNono]

Somebody explain to me how we can land Lebron with this piece of news...

[exstatic]

There have been rumors that Houston would unload Lin and Osik to pursue Melo. If Morrey can, they could have legit shot at him. Howard at the 5 and Melo at the 4 with Harden and Parsons on the wing, that could be to hard to pass up.

Morey's poison pill contracts bite him in the ass, and become his poison. Even though their cap figures are reasonable, their salaries are $15M each, because of the back loading. No one wants to pay either of them that, not even Morey. He's stuck with them.

[HemisfairArena]

I forgot to put in my post that his wife was also born in Brooklyn and loves New York. There is no way this guy leaves 30 mil on the table with his wife wanting to stay and both of them from New York and Phil Jackson arriving and big money to spend after 2015 in free agency.

[spurraider21]

The Knicks hold Melos bird rights so cap room doesn't affect their offer whatsoever

[exstatic]

I forgot to put in my post that his wife was also born in Brooklyn and loves New York. There is no way this guy leaves 30 mil on the table with his wife wanting to stay and both of them from New York and Phil Jackson arriving and big money to spend after 2015 in free agency.

Melo can always live in NY after his late 30s. He'll have probably 40 years to shop in Manhattan and see Broadway shows. His career, OTOH, has a shelf life. You're asking him to throw away another season waiting, and then hope that NY can sign some FAs.

[exstatic]

The Knicks hold Melos bird rights so cap room doesn't affect their offer whatsoever
No, but it vastly increases what other teams can offer him. The annual salaries would start the same now.

[HemisfairArena]

No, but it vastly increases what other teams can offer him. The annual salaries would start the same now.

No it doesnt vastly increase what other teams can offer him.

[spurraider21]

No, but it vastly increases what other teams can offer him. The annual salaries would start the same now.
Only the first year. Team with bird rights can offer annual raises in higher increments not to mention the extra year. And that does matter. If Melo signs elsewhere for a max, he'd get 4 years. When that expires he'd be what 33/34? He's not going to get a 20 mil or so salary at that age (I would assume). Getting a 5th year with max money is desirable for a guy his age

[letmk]

Melo can always live in NY after his late 30s. He'll have probably 40 years to shop in Manhattan and see Broadway shows. His career, OTOH, has a shelf life. You're asking him to throw away another season waiting, and then hope that NY can sign some FAs.

If I were him, I would go to Chicago, Houston or other contenders. But those professional athletes care more about endorsement and publicity than winning.

[ElNono]

Should've signed AK47 when we had a chance... missed 65 wins bliss, tbh

[HemisfairArena]

If I were him, I would go to Chicago, Houston or other contenders. But those professional athletes care more about endorsement and publicity than winning.

Why? What has Chicago and Huston won since MJ and Hakeem

[exstatic]

No it doesnt vastly increase what other teams can offer him.

It does if they didn't have enough cap room for a MAX offer. It sure as FUCK increases what Chicago can offer.

[exstatic]

If I were him, I would go to Chicago, Houston or other contenders. But those professional athletes care more about endorsement and publicity than winning.

MJ made out pretty well with endorsements in Chicago.

[cd021]

It does if they didn't have enough cap room for a MAX offer. It sure as FUCK increases what Chicago can offer.

Chicago has 7 players on the hook for $47.5 million (that's after the amnesty Boozer). I believe they can offer him up to 4 years, $80 million (max) but would have to do so heavy maneuvering to do so.

Gibson-$8.5 Million
Dunleavy Jr.-$3 Million
2 Draft Picks -$2.6 Million

unloading Gibson and Dunleavy for cheap returns would allow them to sign Melo to the max and not have to worry about reaching the new luxury tax.

If he would be willing to take a 4 year, $60 million the Bulls could potentially keep Gibson.

[cd021]

Why? What has Chicago and Huston won since MJ and Hakeem

The draft Lottery.:lol

[Mel_13]

Chicago has 7 players on the hook for $47.5 million (that's after the amnesty Boozer). I believe they can offer him up to 4 years, $80 million (max) but would have to do so heavy maneuvering to do so.

Gibson-$8.5 Million
Dunleavy Jr.-$3 Million
2 Draft Picks -$2.6 Million

unloading Gibson and Dunleavy for cheap returns would allow them to sign Melo to the max and not have to worry about reaching the new luxury tax.

If he would be willing to take a 4 year, $60 million the Bulls could potentially keep Gibson.

The luxury tax is not an issue if a team is using cap space to sign a free agent.

[Mel_13]

From a Spurs perspective, the most likely result of this change is an increased price to retain Diaw and Mills.

[exstatic]

From a Spurs perspective, the most likely result of this change is an increased price to retain Diaw and Mills.

I don't see either as more than an MLE player, so I doubt this changes much. This really only affect high dollar players that teams would spend large amounts of cap room for. In fact, teams that may have had the MLE before could lose it if they drop too far below the cap. They would only get the lower "room" exception.

[Mel_13]

I don't see either as more than an MLE player, so I doubt this changes much. This really only affect high dollar players that teams would spend large amounts of cap room for. In fact, teams that may have had the MLE before could lose it if they drop too far below the cap. They would only get the lower "room" exception.

Basic economics. More money chasing the same amount of goods.

[exstatic]

Basic economics. More money chasing the same amount of goods.

Your model is too simple. The NBA isn't a true free market. It's also not egalitarian. A few players make the bulk of league salaries, and the rest fight for exception money or outright scraps.

[Mel_13]

Your model is too simple. The NBA isn't a true free market. It's also not egalitarian. A few players make the bulk of league salaries, and the rest fight for exception money or outright scraps.

In this example, it is that simple. More teams will now be able to offer Diaw/Mills an MLE or larger contract. The likely result of that simple fact is that the price of retaining their services will go up.

I'm headed to the arena now.

:flag:

[cd021]

The luxury tax is not an issue if a team is using cap space to sign a free agent.

I meant after the sign Melo. They would have to fill most of their roster with vet. min. deals. depending on how they shed salary. if they try to keep Gibson and move Dunleavy they would have $44.5 million committed to 6 players (7.4 per player, on average). If Melo were to sign, for say a 4 year 60 million dollar deal, they would have just under $60 million commited to 7 players.

Throw in the salaries of their 2 1st round picks (which can be 80% less or 120% above the rookie scale) that would put them at about $62.1 for 9 players. They would also have to fill holes at PG, in case Rose gets injured again. They would also have the M.L.E if i'm not mistaken. They may not crack $70 million though.

[Big P]

Melo's not leaving $60 + mil. on the table.

[Chinook]

I meant after the sign Melo. They would have to fill most of their roster with vet. min. deals. depending on how they shed salary. if they try to keep Gibson and move Dunleavy they would have $44.5 million committed to 6 players (7.4 per player, on average). If Melo were to sign, for say a 4 year 60 million dollar deal, they would have just under $60 million commited to 7 players.

Throw in the salaries of their 2 1st round picks (which can be 80% less or 120% above the rookie scale) that would put them at about $62.1 for 9 players. They would also have to fill holes at PG, in case Rose gets injured again. They would also have the M.L.E if i'm not mistaken. They may not crack $70 million though.

There are a few things wrong with your scenario. First, the Bulls won't have the MLE if they use cap space. Second, the holds for the picks have to be factored in BEFORE they have any cap space. Third they'd have four additional roster chargers of around $400k before they could sign FAs.

All that means the Bulls have about $50 Million already on the cap prior to even trying to sign Anthony. Chicago would need to dump salary to get Melo. A sign-and-trade involving Gibson and picks would be a likelier solution.

[exstatic]

There are a few things wrong with your scenario. First, the Bulls won't have the MLE if they use cap space. Second, the holds for the picks have to be factored in BEFORE they have any cap space. Third they'd have four additional roster chargers of around $400k before they could sign FAs.

All that means the Bulls have about $50 Million already on the cap prior to even trying to sign Anthony. Chicago would need to dump salary to get Melo. A sign-and-trade involving Gibson and picks would be a likelier solution.

I think if they have a shot at Melo, they might FINALLY amnesty Boozer. That would lop like $16M right off the top.

[Chinook]

I think if they have a shot at Melo, they might FINALLY amnesty Boozer. That would lop like $16M right off the top.

He had already assumed that.

[BackHome]

First off who the fuck would want Melo?

[Kidd K]

If Melo has any sense, he'll go to Chicago regardless of money imo.

Agreed. Imagine that team heathy.

D. Rose
Jimmy Buckets
Melo
Carlos Bruiser
Joakim

Captain Kirk, D.J. and Taj off the bench

gtfo Heat, you ain't getting past that shit now that Wade's career use of HGH has led his body to start breaking down.

[exstatic]

Agreed. Imagine that team heathy.

D. Rose
Jimmy Buckets
Melo
Carlos Bruiser
Joakim

Captain Kirk, D.J. and Taj off the bench

gtfo Heat, you ain't getting past that shit now that Wade's career use of HGH has led his body to start breaking down.

They have to amnesty Boozer to sign him. That's OK, though. Melo is a better 4 than he is a 3.

[Kidd K]

They have to amnesty Boozer to sign him. That's OK, though. Melo is a better 4 than he is a 3.

Good point. Taj in starting lineup then. He is an excellent PF imo. Melo can still play SF if he wants

[Chinook]

Good point. Taj in starting lineup then. He is an excellent PF imo. Melo can still play SF if he wants

They have to trade Gibson as well.

[Richie]

Scenario: We're going to be around $10m under the cap and need to resign Diaw and Mills. That means we're not going to be able to use cap space any more than the MLE, which makes cap space irrelevant for this summer.

With the luxury tax going up, what would be the scenario with Timmy opting out and taking a larger contract? Could we get in trouble if we gave him $15m and then he chose to come back the year after at a heavily reduced salary? It seems dodgy but if there's absolutly no agreement between Timmy and the Front Office, would the Spurs have done anything wrong?

[tuncaboylu]

Resigning with Diaw + Mills will eat all of our space even though that raise.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

This just means the Spurs will more than likely be resigning both Diaw and Mills. Spurs will still have wiggle room to make a acquisition for a backup SF if needed.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Resigning with Diaw + Mills will eat all of our space even though that raise.

That's okay. The Free Agent Market is bad for MLE type of players this year. Outside of the Heat Big 3, Gasol, Deng, & Melo, there is a significant drop in talent in the FA market. You know its bad when Blair is considering the 3-4 best C available by most websites.

After resigning both (I would say for 5mil a year contracts), the Spurs will still have the full MLE and BAE to use in Free Agency this year I believe. It is my understanding that a team can first resign its own players. And if they are over the Salary Cap, but under the Luxury Tax, they will still be afforded the Full MLE and BAE. Spurs more than likely will resign Bonner as well, for a less contract.

I don't see the Spurs doing much this off season other than resigning Mills, Diaw & Bonner. Spurs targets will probably be a backup SF in Granger, Pierce, AK47, RJ (just kidding) for the MLE.

[Big Empty]

so, assuming this happens, how much cap space do we have to resign current or new players

[dunkman]

I would say Diaw will resign for a similar $4.5M contract, Mills for around $3M multi-year and Bonner for the veteran minimum. Then the Spurs should try to sign Pau Gasol with a MLE multi-year contract (doubt the Spurs will agree to send anyone from the 'ship team in a S&T with the Lakers) and Pierce with the BAE or what is left from the cap.

Adding Gasol would be great also in the long term, with Splitter, Kawhi, Green and Parker - the Spurs would be set for another run or two.

[Seventyniner]

so, assuming this happens, how much cap space do we have to resign current or new players

Zero right at first because the cap holds for Diaw, Bonner, and Mills put the Spurs well above the cap.

If the Spurs renounce everyone they can have about $10M. Realistically, it will probably be less than the MLE (bringing back Diaw is a high priority), so the Spurs should have the MLE to work with.

[cd021]

so, assuming this happens, how much cap space do we have to resign current or new players

about $52. 7 million if they cut Daye and let Baynes walk. I could see Diaw signing a $3 year, 15 million dollar deal or maybe a 2 year, $12 million dollar deal. For Mills, maybe a 3 year, $10 million with the final year a player option (would be 28 if he opted out)

that would put the Spurs around $61 million roughly.

Assuming Bonner is gone. the Spurs would have 4 open roster spots. If they use their draft pick , thats an addition $1 million putting them at $62.

I think their are a couple of exceptions they can use (maybe room exception or the Bi exception) but i'm not sure.

Cojo and Ayers combine for $3.9 million next season. If we could pawn them off for a serviceable player or throw in a future second rounder for a team to take them on. We could have almost $5 million if my numbers are right.

[Brazil]

I would say Diaw will resign for a similar $4.5M contract, Mills for around $3M multi-year and Bonner for the veteran minimum. Then the Spurs should try to sign Pau Gasol with a MLE multi-year contract (doubt the Spurs will agree to send anyone from the 'ship team in a S&T with the Lakers) and Pierce with the BAE or what is left from the cap.

Adding Gasol would be great also in the long term, with Splitter, Kawhi, Green and Parker - the Spurs would be set for another run or two.

Pau and Pierce :lmao resigning diaw and mills

yeah sure

[kobyz]

An addition of Pierce will be great, i was calling to trade for him even last summer, hope this time we could get him...

[Dizzle]

pierce on the spurs doesnt make sense ... but GASOL OH MAMA yes he would fit perfectly with his IQ and skills

[SpursFan86]

I don't know how I feel about Pau. He's clearly skilled offensively and I feel like he could do wonders coming off the bench for us...but 3 things:

1) I'm not sure if he'd be willing to come off the bench

2) I'm not sure what type of contract he'd be looking for

3) He's pretty shitty on defense at this point in his career. Then again part of that might just have to do with the trainwreck team he was on.

[cd021]

I don't know how I feel about Pau. He's clearly skilled offensively and I feel like he could do wonders coming off the bench for us...but 3 things:

1) I'm not sure if he'd be willing to come off the bench

2) I'm not sure what type of contract he'd be looking for

3) He's pretty shitty on defense at this point in his career. Then again part of that might just have to do with the trainwreck team he was on.

He'd probably only play up to 20 mpg but is a clear upgrade over Baynes and Ayers as a 4th big man. The Spurs bench wasn't very good defensively last season, it just hammered teams offensively.

a Mills (if resigned)-Belinelli-Manu-Diaw-Gasol could be ridiculous.

if he is in play for the vet min. (doubtful, imo) Memphis seems like a legit choice, or probably Miami depending on how their cap works out. He could easily start for them, I don't think they'd continue with the Bosh at 5 as much.

Memphis is where his parents reside, obviously his brother as well. With Randolph aging, i could see him having a bigger role as 3rd big off the bench playing with either Gasol or ZBo.

[cd021]

An addition of Pierce will be great, i was calling to trade for him even last summer, hope this time we could get him...

Can still but up numbers but the miles on him would worry me. If KG is back, then he'd probably stay in BK. They aren't a bad squad when healthy. They need to improve defensively in order to have any chance of being a legit contender

[cjw]

Zero right at first because the cap holds for Diaw, Bonner, and Mills put the Spurs well above the cap.

If the Spurs renounce everyone they can have about $10M. Realistically, it will probably be less than the MLE (bringing back Diaw is a high priority), so the Spurs should have the MLE to work with.

On determining if a team is above or below the cap as it relates to the MLE (bigger MLE for teams above cap), do they look at payroll as of the start of free agency? Could we theoretically use the bigger MLE and then renounce Bonner / sign him at the minimum which would have effectively put us under the cap pre-FA?

[Mark in Austin]

The only place Pierce would go besides Brooklyn is the Clips. He's an LA guy and would be reunited with Doc. Plus, Clips had shit for SF's last year.

[Seventyniner]

On determining if a team is above or below the cap as it relates to the MLE (bigger MLE for teams above cap), do they look at payroll as of the start of free agency? Could we theoretically use the bigger MLE and then renounce Bonner / sign him at the minimum which would have effectively put us under the cap pre-FA?

Can't use both cap space and the MLE. I believe that if the team's cap space is less than the MLE the team gets to use the MLE instead (but not both) so as not to put a team a little under the cap at a competitive disadvantage vis a vis a team over the cap.

But Diaw's cap hold alone is almost $9M, and that doesn't count Bonner (though if he is willing to take the min the Spurs will renounce him and sign him last) or Mills. If Mills leaves and Diaw takes $4M or less, the Spurs could slightly beat a MLE offer, but I don't see Diaw taking that little.

[cjw]

Can't use both cap space and the MLE. I believe that if the team's cap space is less than the MLE the team gets to use the MLE instead (but not both) so as not to put a team a little under the cap at a competitive disadvantage vis a vis a team over the cap.

But Diaw's cap hold alone is almost $9M, and that doesn't count Bonner (though if he is willing to take the min the Spurs will renounce him and sign him last) or Mills. If Mills leaves and Diaw takes $4M or less, the Spurs could slightly beat a MLE offer, but I don't see Diaw taking that little.

Thanks, I was thinking of the "Room" MLE (http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm) which lets a team get a $2.6mm MLE if it otherwise were to lose other exceptions on a deal for up to two years. Would much rather have the full MLE.

I forgot Boris' cap hold was that high. Either way, in all likelihood we have room for one guy at around the MLE, and Holt will hopefully pony up the cash to get someone who can eat quality minutes during the regular season and be part of the rotation (no matter how small) in the postseason.