The Impact of the New CBA on NBA Free Agency

The 2023 NBA offseason was barely underway when the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) came under fire. Austin Rivers, a former player, famously remarked, "You either make $50 million or $2 [million]. It's a joke, bro." This sentiment was echoed by many mid-level players who found themselves signing for the veteran minimum.

The Second Apron and Its Effects

The 2024 offseason introduced the salary cap's restrictive second apron, which limited high-spending teams from adding to their rosters outside of their own players. Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors further fueled the debate by stating that the new CBA has ruined the excitement of free agency.

"I'm sitting in my mancave having a conversation with my wife. Baffled at the fact that NBA free agency is over," Green posted on Threads in July. "Quite frankly it never really started. The level of anticipation leading up to July 1st was as exciting as the fireworks on the 4th."

The Verdict: Fact or Fiction?

Is the second apron ruining free agency?

Verdict: Fiction (for now)

While Draymond Green has a point, the second apron hasn't completely killed the anticipation of free agency. However, it has certainly watered it down. Teams are now allowed to negotiate with their own free agents immediately after the Finals, leading to many players re-signing before June 30.

The Middle Class of Free Agents

Has the middle class been squeezed out?

Verdict: Fiction

NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated, "The data does not support this notion." In fact, the middle class of players has seen a slight increase in compensation compared to previous years.

Restricted Free Agents at a Disadvantage

Are restricted free agents like Josh Giddey and Jonathan Kuminga at a disadvantage?

Verdict: Fact and Fiction

While teams like Chicago and Golden State have leverage in negotiations, the market for restricted free agents remains limited. Only two restricted free agents have signed offer sheets since 2022.

The Decline of Bonuses in Contracts

Has the second apron dissuaded teams from including bonuses?

Verdict: Fact

This offseason, none of the over 150 players who signed contracts had bonuses negotiated into their deals. This is a significant shift from previous years.

The Current CBA and Drafting Well

Does the current CBA penalize teams that draft well?

Verdict: Fact, unless you plan ahead

Teams like Oklahoma City have navigated the new CBA by planning ahead and protecting themselves financially. The Thunder have a surplus of draft picks and have structured contracts to decline or include team options.

Conclusion

The new CBA has undeniably reshaped the landscape of NBA free agency. While it hasn't completely killed the excitement, it has introduced new challenges and considerations for teams and players alike. As the league continues to evolve, only time will tell how these changes will impact the future of the NBA.