The Pelicans have applied for a disabled player exception for their season-ending loss of Darius Miller, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). The amount of the exception would be $3.625MM, half of Miller’s $7.25MM salary.
As we outline in our glossary entry on the disabled player exception, a team can apply for a DPE to replace a seriously injured player. Miller ruptured his Achilles in August, rendering him unlikely to see action this season.
In order for a disabled player exception to be granted, an NBA-designated physician must determine that the player is “substantially more likely than not” to be sidelined through at least June 15 of that league year. If granted, the disabled player exception allows a club to sign a replacement player for 50% of the injured player’s salary, or for the amount of the non-taxpayer’s mid-level exception, whichever is lesser.
New Orleans isn’t the only team to file for a disabled player exception for the upcoming season. The Lakers (DeMarcus Cousins) and Wizards (John Wall) have applied for exceptions as well.
All three are former Kentucky guys. Weird coincidence.
Should AD be worried?
The number of Kentucky guys in the league is startling. Calipari does a great job. He gets these kids into the league.