NBA Amnesty Clause: Detroit Pistons and Other Teams That Must Drop Dead Weight
The end of the NBA lockout ushers in a new clause that will allow all NBA teams to drop some dead weight—and I can think of more than one team that will be more than happy to do so.
Whether it's getting rid of a problem player or just clearing up some salary cap room, there is no doubt that every team can really benefit from getting rid of a contract.
This clause will essentially allow a team to cut one player from its roster. According to Chris Bernucca of SheridanHoops.com, there are still a ton of details that must be worked out (so a team cannot simply work the system):
"The report did not have all the particulars of the amnesty clause, which is kind of important, because there are somewhat obvious ways to manipulate it and create additional roster flexibility.
Does a team have to be over the luxury tax in order to release a player? If not, then the Washington Wizards could release Lewis, renounce Yi Jianlian and Josh Howard and free up nearly $40 million in cap room – and change their team in a hurry.
More significantly: Can a team be prevented from re-signing a player it releases? If not, then the San Antonio Spurs could amnesty Tim Duncan (wink, wink), re-sign him to the veteran’s minimum and use the net $20 million cap space to sign a free agent that could help them make one more championship run – someone like Tyson Chandler.
Would the NBA would allow that?
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While the details are still sketchy, that shouldn't stop us from wondering which teams would most benefit from this clause, and just who they might want to get rid of.
Here are a few teams that need to drop some dead weight.
The Pistons have new coach Lawrence Frank, the potential steal of the draft in Kentucky point guard Brandon Knight and are trying to develop a young, athletic team for the future.
For years, this team has been trying to live off the 2004 championship. There is no doubt that the "going to work" Pistons era has come and gone. The only players that remain from that team are Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace.
Hamilton has been causing trouble for the past few years—regarding playing time and the coaching staff—and I can't imagine the Pistons will have a problem giving up Hamilton's contract for $25.3 million over two years.
The Heat have an obvious need for a shakeup and some cap room—especially with reality setting in that LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade need legitimate role players to help their cause.
Forward Mike Miller averaged only 2.6 points per game in the playoffs, and he's extremely injury prone.
It's hard to justify the four years and $24 million left on his salary, and he would certainly open up a ton of room for a few players that could actually be helpful.
Many people feel that the Bulls decision to commit to Boozer—especially with his injury problems and a severe lack of defense—was a waste of time and money.
This would be the perfect opportunity for the Bulls to get somewhat of a free-pass on the move, and it would free up a ton of space for a younger, more durable player.
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