Right now, the NBA world might feel like a calm place after the storm. Ahead of the trade deadline, the dynamics of the league kept changing as the teams engaged in power moves in the last few days. No one can forget the blockbuster Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade swap the Lakers managed to pull in the years to come. But the drama isn’t over yet, as the buyout market popped out, ultimately opening doors for more player movement. Despite the pivotal chance, Ben Simmons’ future hangs on a thin thread.
An ESPN report stated that the Brooklyn Nets are working on a buyout for the Aussie baller who is in the last year of his 5-year $177.2 million extension. Amid this situation, a particular reason holds off teams like the Lakers, Celtics, Nuggets, and a few others from signing him.
In short, let me clear a few confusions. Yes, the teams can sign buyout players after the deadline. It’s a buyout when a player and the team come to an agreement where a portion of their annual salary will be released. The buyout market also consists of players whose contracts are outrightly waived. One of the common links between these players is that they will be on an expiring contract. So, waiving the contract will make them a free agent and the other teams can re-sign them.
However, at the same time, not all teams can sign them. Under the current CBA, the teams over the first and second apron tax can’t sign players, whose previous was greater than $12.8 million. Unfortunately, Ben Simmons holds a $40.3 million salary for the last year of his contract. So, teams that are above the tax ceiling – Lakers, Celtics, Nuggets, Bucks, Wolves, Knicks, and Suns – can’t trade Simmons
This is a developing story!
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