ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the second ... [+] half of a game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on December 30, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesThe Washington Wizards have a dilemma on their hands ahead of the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline.
Winners of five straight games and six of their last seven, the Wizards have vaulted right back into playoff contention after a brutal monthlong stretch in which they lost 13 of 14 games. If they can maintain that momentum and continue digging out from their early-season tailspin, they'll likely feel compelled to keep their roster together at the trade deadline rather than selling off parts to the highest bidder.
However, Kyle Kuzma's impending date with free agency might complicate that plan. The Wizards can thank the NBA's extension rules for that.
Kuzma is averaging a career-high 21.4 points on 46.5 percent shooting to go with 7.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.5 three-pointers per game. He’s earning $13 million this season and has a $13 million player option next season that he plans to decline so he can become an unrestricted free agent.
"Those are just business decisions," Kuzma told reporters in mid-December.
The Wizards could sign Kuzma to an extension between now and June 30 if he declines that player option, but the NBA's current collective bargaining agreement limits how much they're allowed to offer him. The salary in the first year of his extension can be no more than 120 percent of his previous salary, which means his extension could start no higher than $15.6 million. They could offer him 8 percent annual raises from there, which would bring the total value of a four-year extension to $69.9 million.
Rival executives told Shams Charania of The Athletic in early December that Kuzma "is expected to approach in excess of $20 million to $25 million per year" on his next contract. Unless he suffers a career-threatening injury in the coming months, he would likely be selling himself short by taking the Wizards' best possible extension offer.
That could leave the Wizards with a difficult decision ahead of the trade deadline.
"Here’s what can’t be true on Feb. 8, 2023: the Wizards not knowing what they’re going to do about Kyle Kuzma," David Aldridge of The Athletic recently wrote. "That’s the day before the NBA trade deadline. And one of two things must be true by the end of that day: Kuzma has agreed to a long-term deal to stay in Washington, or the Wizards have a deal in place to move him."
The Wizards aren't in a position where they can afford to lose Kuzma for nothing in free agency. If they were a legitimate title contender, perhaps they'd go all-in on this season and let the chips fall where they may in July. But as a fringe play-in team, they'd be far better off trading Kuzma and recouping assets for him if they don't believe they'll be able to retain him this offseason.
That's the sign of a flawed system, though. A team shouldn't feel pressure to preemptively trade one of its core players because the league's rules restrict it from paying him his market value on a contract extension.
The Wizards aren't the only team who've been forced to confront thorny decisions because of the NBA's current extension rules. Fresh off a run to last year’s NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics had to weigh whether to entertain trade offers for Jaylen Brown this past offseason for the same reason. The league's extension rules make it far more lucrative for Brown to play out the remainder of his contract and become a free agent following the 2023-24 season.
This problem might only get worse in the coming years, too. The league is due to sign new national TV contracts ahead of the 2025-26 season, which could cause the salary cap to soar. Players who signed non-max extensions in recent years such as Jaren Jackson Jr., Mikal Bridges and Keldon Johnson might have no financial incentive to ink another extension rather than testing free agency if the current rules remain in place.
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association are currently negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, which gives both sides a chance to address the problems with the extension rules. They have bigger fish to fry first—most notably the league's reported push for an "upper spending limit" (a fancy term for a hard cap)—but leaving the extension rules as is will only invite further issues down the road.
What's the potential solution? It could be as simple as allowing teams to offer as much money in an extension as they're allowed to in free agency. In Kuzma's case, the Wizards would be allowed to offer him up to 25 percent of the salary cap as the starting salary of his new contract with 8 percent annual raises from there.
While Kuzma isn't likely to earn that much from any team in free agency, he and the Wizards could at least have good-faith negotiations to see whether they'd be able to reach a middle ground. If not, the Wizards would have far more clarity about their inability to retain him in free agency. That might help them feel less regret about moving him ahead of the trade deadline, even if it comes at the expense of their short-term success.
Instead, the Wizards will have to weigh whether it's worth keeping Kuzma for a playoff run even if it means perhaps losing him for nothing as a free agent in July. They have only the NBA's broken extension rules to blame for that dilemma.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball Reference. All salary information via Spotrac or RealGM. All odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
Bryan Toporek, Senior Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryantoporek/2023/01/03/wizards-kyle-kuzma-dilemma-is-further-proof-of-nbas-broken-extension-rules/
By: Bryan Toporek, Senior Contributor
Title: Wizards' Kyle Kuzma Dilemma Is Further Proof Of NBA's Broken Extension Rules
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/bryantoporek/2023/01/03/wizards-kyle-kuzma-dilemma-is-further-proof-of-nbas-broken-extension-rules/
Published Date: 01-04-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the greatest player in basketball history?
This is a stupid question as there are so many exceptional players. Everybody has their opinions. However, Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant are among the top contenders for the title. Each of these basketball icons has made a huge impact on the game and have earned their place as legends in basketball history. Furthermore, these players have each had unique styles of play that have been admired by millions worldwide. Therefore, it is impossible to definitively answer this question as everyone has their own opinion on who the best player of all time is. We can all agree that these six exceptional players must be on any list of the greatest players of our time.
Most people agree that Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball star of all time. He was conceived in Wilmington, North Carolina on February 17th 1963.
Jordan started his professional basketball playing with the Chicago Bulls in 1984. He soon became one his era's most popular and successful players. Jordan was a six time NBA champion, six -time NBA finals M MVP, five -time NBA regular season MVP. He also served as a 10-time NBA score leader, 10-time NBA second team, nine times NBA all-defensive team MVP, and three times NBA steals leader.
Jordan was also a two time Olympic gold medalist and was inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame 2009. Jordan is known for his remarkable ability to make plays, score anywhere on the floor, and be a leader both on and off the court. Because of his endless drive and ambition, he will be an inspiration forever to millions.
Jordan's legacy will last forever. He is undisputedly the greatest basketball player ever. His level of greatness is unparalleled by any other player. He will be forever remembered as one among the greatest sports figures ever. Michael Jordan is simply the greatest ever. His extraordinary career and achievements will always be remembered. He was, is, and always will be "The GOAT." The one and only Michael Jordan!
What rivalry does the NBA have?
The NBA's largest rivalry is held between the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Boston Celtics.
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have met the most out of any teams in the NBA Finals, with 12 times. The Celtics have won nine of those meetings. Their first meeting was in 1959. But they both performed well in subsequent years, particularly during the 1960s & 1980s, when each team would face off six to three times. These two teams met twice more in the same time period, even though 2000 was a new millennium.
Who made the NBA's first basket?
Ossie Schectman (American professional basketball player) was the one who scored the first basket for the Basketball Association of America (BAA), later becoming the National Basketball Association (NBA). It was scored in a match between the New York Knickerbockers and the Toronto Huskies on November 1, 1946. Schectman's historic first basket opened up the BAA's inaugural season.
When did Bill Russell pass away?
"The great ones do what is most important" - Bill Russell
A legend lives for ever. A legend dies when it stops playing.
But those were just a few moments that gave us a glimpse at the greatness of the greatest basketball player.
Russell was born in February 1934 and died on July 31, 2022. In only thirteen seasons, Russell won 11 championships with Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell is the recipient of five MVP awards as well as 12 All-Star selections. He was a remarkable leader and defender, who ignited the game's passion for winning.
He transformed the Celtics team from a poor one to one of sports' greatest dynasties. He was a tough competitor and an unselfish teammate, who inspired his teammates towards their full potential.
Russell has inspired generations. His legacy will not be forgotten.
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace. We will forever remember you as one of basketball's greatest players.
Statistics
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20% of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
sports.yahoo.com
bleacherreport.com
- Which NBA Teams will Join the Victor Wembanyama Teamathon?
- Recent NBA Intel: Sources expect Zach LaVine will re-sign with the Chicago Bulls
twitter.com
- Tweet / tweet
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
si.com
How To
How do you get a NBA jersey?
An easy way to buy a NBA Jersey is to shop online. It is important to research the quality and size of your jerseys before you make a purchase.
Be sure to remember these things when you are shopping online for your NBA uniform. First, make sure you choose the right size. You can check the sizing charts for your team to see if the jerseys are measured in inches or millimetres. The best size will fit you. Make sure to allow for some extra room around the chest.
It is also important to know what jersey fabric was used. Most NBA jerseys are made from 100% polyester, but some may use a blend of different materials to achieve the desired look and feel. It's also important to check if the product is an authentic team replica or just a generic knockoff.
Before making a purchase, make sure you read customer reviews. This will give you an idea of the quality and customer support provided by the retailer. Before you shop at an online store, compare the prices of other stores.
