NBA Commissioner Adam Silver believes that players frequently switching teams in free agency is good for the league, but the superstars that push to leave franchises via trade not so much.
Free agency has really grow in the NBA and players are allowed to test the market. Although their is concerns that the system can hurt small-market teams. In recent collective bargaining agreements, the franchises in those places have more leverage in keeping their stars.
Even though this constant movement can affect fan loyalty and believe that free agency have adjusted the guidelines. In addition, shorter contracts have been a major fact in the league. In a interview on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Silver explained that the trend of shorter contracts has real benefits for players and teams, and essentially improves the league as a whole.
However, while Silver is a big proponent of the current state of free agency, that doesn’t mean he is in favor of all types of player movement. Especially, when superstars force franchises to trade them out of a situation they are unhappy with.
Adam Silver stated “Now what we’re seeing in the league, first of all, shorter contracts,” said Silver “Which I don’t think is a bad idea because one of the things we tried to do with our players’ association back beginning around 10 years ago was tie performance to pay in a closer way. And I think that’s what we’ve seen with shorter contracts.”
“The data shows that superstars moving isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it allows bad situations to [resolve] in an orderly way, to change,” he added. “It gives teams that may not be in a competitive position hope that they can sign one of those players. “
