Donatas Motiejunas‘ long restricted free agency saga is the latest example of the limitations the system imposes on players’ freedom and flexibility. However, while the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement is expected to include some small tweaks to that system, most people in the know don’t expect it to help RFAs significantly, writes David Aldridge of NBA.com. “Any changes made will be minimally helpful to players, at best,” one prominent agent tells Aldridge.
Let’s round up a few more odds and ends from around the NBA…
- Speaking of that new Collective Bargaining Agreement, there’s still optimism that the NBA and the players’ union can work out a deal soon, despite Carmelo Anthony‘s skepticism. According to an Associated Press report, most major aspects of the deal have been addressed and agreed upon, so the two sides remain at odds over secondary issues. If they can’t strike a deal by Thursday, the December 15 opt-out deadline could be extended. If one side does opt out, the league and NBPA would still have until next July to work out a new agreement to avoid a lockout for 2017/18.
- J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic.com believes the Magic and Rockets could be logical trade partners at some point this season, since Houston’s roster is heavy on scorers and Orlando’s is heavy on defensive stoppers.
- After being waived last week by the Pelicans, former Lakers second-rounder Anthony Brown has rejoined the Erie BayHawks (Twitter link via Chris Reichert of The Step Back). The BayHawks – Orlando’s D-League affiliate – held Brown’s NBADL rights before he signed with New Orleans.