LeBron James publicly courted Anthony Davis. Many free agents seemingly struck deals before free agency even began. Kawhi Leonard’s uncle/advisor reportedly sought prohibited extra benefits from teams.
The NBA finally reached its breaking point on tampering and circumvention.
After late apprehension, the league will enact stricter enforcement.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
The NBA Board of Governors passed a stricter package of measures to enforce compliance with tampering and salary cap circumvention, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 20, 2019
Just how much of the NBA's complete proposal was approved in BOG vote is still unclear. There had been apprehension on approving the random team audits. Adam Silver has a news conference soon in New York. https://t.co/j9eQgOOAPO
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 20, 2019
Adam Silver says provisions passed unanimously.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 20, 2019
Adam Silver on tampering punishments: "Suspending executives...taking away draft picks....voiding contracts...All those provisions are on the table. The ultimate goal is compliance." Silver says fining teams can often be the least effective avenue to rules compliance.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 20, 2019
Adam Silver on tampering punishments: "Suspending executives...taking away draft picks....voiding contracts...All those provisions are on the table. The ultimate goal is compliance." Silver says fining teams can often be the least effective avenue to rules compliance.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 20, 2019
I’m not surprised this passed unanimously. NBA commissioner Adam Silver wanted this to happen and wasn’t going to have owners vote unless he knew it’d pass. At that point, any protest-voting owners would just put themselves at odds with the commissioner. Not worth it.
We’ll see how long this crackdown lasts. I think that anonymous general manager represents many. If nobody is tampering, it’s fine not to tamper. But if some teams tamper, nobody wants to be at a disadvantage.
This could slowly creep back toward the old status quo. But if there’s a clear violator early, Silver will have an opportunity to send a message. We’ll see whether he takes it.
This should be less about which communication is or isn’t allowed. It’s about fairness.
That’s why it’s important the NBA has rules it will enforce and only rules it will enforce. That hasn’t been the case. If it is now, this will be a success.
