detalils of CBA, according to David Aldridge

[arnfarm@tvsonline.net (Arneal, MaryLe)]

Here is what David Aldirdge is reporiting on the new deal, the whole story
is at:
http://espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/990106/01030376.html
Nathan A.


Both sides had to compromise, and they wound up doing that. The owners get a
five-year rookie deal, which is what they wanted, with a fifth-year right of
first refusal. They get caps on the high-end players. The numbers are $9
million for players with 0-6 years experience, $11 million for players with
7-9 years experience, and $14 million for players with 10 or more years
experience. They split the difference between $12.5 million and $15 million,
which was where they were.

The percentage in escrow years, I believe, is 54 percent, which is a win for
the owners because the players had started at 63 percent and the owners were
at 48.


But the league also gave the union something in terms of the $1 million
exception. Previously, teams could only use the $1 million exception every
other year. Now every team will have to use the $1 million exception every
year. Add that to the average salary exception to be phased in over the next
three years and there will be more salaries in the million-dollar range for
more players who otherwise would be making the minimum.


arnfarm@tvsonline.net