2027 NBA Season

[Cointxz]

That’s how NBA works. They gave value to the players that has more popularity rather than the actual contribution in the game.

Take example Paul George, He is not that productive anymore and he is just getting that numbers because he gets a lot of ball possession yet he earns huge salary despite being injured most of the time.

Team is choosing based on the player popularity.

Well, last year Paul only played half of the regular season games, and his stats dropped significantly, although it is worth noting that in the 23-24 season, he played almost the entire regular season and averaged 22 points per game. As for the player's popularity, I think it’s good for any team’s management to have such players, since tickets to their games get more expensive.

This is true, team profit through tickets and sponsorship are the top priority next to championship.

This is why some team is willing to risk a lot of salary cap to players that has a lot of popularity despite being overrated when it comes to the stats.

Those old era star player is still being value good until now.

[sana54210]

By the way, there is a reason why players often "prefer" to go to teams like Lakers, or Boston, or even New York when they are bad. These places are places you can get the most endorsements and the most money. I understand that some teams are lower on the rankings there, like not that many would prefer to go to Minnesota for it, but if you go to Lakers for example, you are literally right in the middle of Hollywood, and right next to silicon valley too, not far away.

It means ads, as in like just "oh I got paid 10 million to do one day of work for some ads for some company" is easier there compared to some team like Denver lets say. This may not be paid under the table like Kawhi situation, but those players are getting that money thanks to being there.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

That’s how NBA works. They gave value to the players that has more popularity rather than the actual contribution in the game.

Take example Paul George, He is not that productive anymore and he is just getting that numbers because he gets a lot of ball possession yet he earns huge salary despite being injured most of the time.

Team is choosing based on the player popularity.

Well, last year Paul only played half of the regular season games, and his stats dropped significantly, although it is worth noting that in the 23-24 season, he played almost the entire regular season and averaged 22 points per game. As for the player's popularity, I think it’s good for any team’s management to have such players, since tickets to their games get more expensive.

This is true, team profit through tickets and sponsorship are the top priority next to championship.

This is why some team is willing to risk a lot of salary cap to players that has a lot of popularity despite being overrated when it comes to the stats.

Those old era star player is still being value good until now.

Yeah, they wanted players to have a name in their team so called they can sell tickets, merchandise and anything relating to that well known player. But not just well-known but at least a good player like in the case of Paul George even if he is not that productive.

And it just shows that NBA is a business as well just like any team sports. The owners invested billions in them, so they might as well get that value back by paying high salary player to attract fans and watch their games so their ticket sales will compensate everything the owner has shell out from his pocket.

[rbynxx]

By the way, there is a reason why players often "prefer" to go to teams like Lakers, or Boston, or even New York when they are bad. These places are places you can get the most endorsements and the most money. I understand that some teams are lower on the rankings there, like not that many would prefer to go to Minnesota for it, but if you go to Lakers for example, you are literally right in the middle of Hollywood, and right next to silicon valley too, not far away.

It means ads, as in like just "oh I got paid 10 million to do one day of work for some ads for some company" is easier there compared to some team like Denver lets say. This may not be paid under the table like Kawhi situation, but those players are getting that money thanks to being there.

Well, if you’re a legit star player, it would not be surprising at all to get those deals. But it’s not as simple as you're moving in LA, you'll get rich, that is not how it goes. It really depends on who you are, your marketability, and I think timing is important too. Just being an NBA player in LA doesn’t automatically mean the endorsement deals will roll in, the city gives you the platform, but you still need the best profile to earn those.

[OgNasty]

By the way, there is a reason why players often "prefer" to go to teams like Lakers, or Boston, or even New York when they are bad. These places are places you can get the most endorsements and the most money. I understand that some teams are lower on the rankings there, like not that many would prefer to go to Minnesota for it, but if you go to Lakers for example, you are literally right in the middle of Hollywood, and right next to silicon valley too, not far away.

It means ads, as in like just "oh I got paid 10 million to do one day of work for some ads for some company" is easier there compared to some team like Denver lets say. This may not be paid under the table like Kawhi situation, but those players are getting that money thanks to being there.

Well, if you’re a legit star player, it would not be surprising at all to get those deals. But it’s not as simple as you're moving in LA, you'll get rich, that is not how it goes. It really depends on who you are, your marketability, and I think timing is important too. Just being an NBA player in LA doesn’t automatically mean the endorsement deals will roll in, the city gives you the platform, but you still need the best profile to earn those.

I think it probably meant more back in the day when all the advertisements and things were shot in Southern California. Thanks to Gavin Newscum’s policies, filming is fleeing California like never before, not to mention the internet’s impact and advancements to filming hardware… So I don’t think it matters as much as before and someday it won’t matter at all.

[Webetcoins]

I thinking, what will be the consequences though if they are found guilty? Kawhi ban from playing or suspended for games? And Ballmer fined for millions? Might be peanut for him if that will be the case.

And for Kawhi, maybe a whole season might not be big for him as well even if they suspend his pay for a year. Although this shouldn't be let pass by the NBA as this could set precedence or this could be happening already and other team owners are doing under the table pays for their star player.

This is what possibly might gonna happen for Balmer or Clippers if they found guilty on those controversy they are facing.

They could pay massive fines.
Might also lose a draft picks.
Suspension.
Criminal investigation.

Effect for Kawhi.

He's contract might get void in Clippers.
Fines also suspension.
Damage to his reputation.
Then also might lose some endorsement deals.

This is awful situation for both of them and lets find out what will be the result of the investigation done by NBA. This is also explains well the situation of Kawhi https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/clippers/2025/09/04/kawhi-leonard-la-clippers-contract-situation-explained/85977096007/

Damage to his reputation is the lowest of the problems. I mean the real problems are always financial, if nothing financial happens, then the rest are not important at all. For the financial part, like a real actual damage, it would have to be just pay a fine by Kawhi, and it can't be a small amount, it has to be something so huge that it would prevent others to even attempt something like that in the future.

So it has to be like 100 million, sure could be paid over time and not right away, like maybe 10 million a year or something, so it can be made to be easily payable, but still has to be big. I mean even if he got 50 million, he has to pay a lot more. For clippers I agree, make them pay too, and also take their draft picks, that's enough.

[Oasisman]

Speaking of value, I just saw a few hours ago that Cam Thomas, a player who's averaging 24 PPG in Brooklyn signed a 1-year deal worth $6M to stay. I mean a player that offensive only got that amount. I wonder why though. 

Yeah, for real, that’s way too low for a player averaging 24 PPG. Meanwhile, Pat Connaughton is making $9.4M while only averaging 5.3 PPG. Lol. Even if people say he’s putting up numbers because of the team he’s on and wouldn’t score like that on a top team, it’s still too low, and he’s still young, just 23. Other players with lower averages are getting paid more. Honestly, that feels unfair. His agent doesn’t seem great at negotiations. Cooper Flagg is even making more in his first season.

That's the weird part about the NBA. Some players are overpaid, and some are underpaid based on their performance and contribution to the team. Nevertheless, the NBA is a business. I think they're also looking at whether the player can draw a lot of fans/market. Cam Thomas is indeed underrated. This is a challenge to him. He's still young, and he has all the time to improve and show his real worth. If Brooklyn won't see that in the next couple of years, then I don't see him staying with that team.

[OgNasty]

Speaking of value, I just saw a few hours ago that Cam Thomas, a player who's averaging 24 PPG in Brooklyn signed a 1-year deal worth $6M to stay. I mean a player that offensive only got that amount. I wonder why though. 

Yeah, for real, that’s way too low for a player averaging 24 PPG. Meanwhile, Pat Connaughton is making $9.4M while only averaging 5.3 PPG. Lol. Even if people say he’s putting up numbers because of the team he’s on and wouldn’t score like that on a top team, it’s still too low, and he’s still young, just 23. Other players with lower averages are getting paid more. Honestly, that feels unfair. His agent doesn’t seem great at negotiations. Cooper Flagg is even making more in his first season.

That's the weird part about the NBA. Some players are overpaid, and some are underpaid based on their performance and contribution to the team. Nevertheless, the NBA is a business. I think they're also looking at whether the player can draw a lot of fans/market. Cam Thomas is indeed underrated. This is a challenge to him. He's still young, and he has all the time to improve and show his real worth. If Brooklyn won't see that in the next couple of years, then I don't see him staying with that team.

I already posted this but people continue having bad takes so I’ll post it again. The Nets made him 3 offers and he took the lowest one.

2-years, $30M (team option)
1-year, $9.5M (can be traded)
1-year, $6M qualifying offer (no-trade clause)

He chose to take less money to guarantee that he wouldn’t be traded this year. Maybe he has a girlfriend in Brooklyn or something. He left 9 million this year on the table by not being willing to sign with a team option for next year. Likely because he knew he would be traded and wants to stay where he is.

[LogitechMouse]

---
2-years, $30M (team option)
1-year, $9.5M (can be traded)
1-year, $6M qualifying offer (no-trade clause)

He chose to take less money to guarantee that he wouldn’t be traded this year. Maybe he has a girlfriend in Brooklyn or something. He left 9 million this year on the table by not being willing to sign with a team option for next year. Likely because he knew he would be traded and wants to stay where he is.

Thanks for reminding.

My personal guess as to why he picked the lowest one is that, no other team wants to sign him that's why he went with a guaranteed offer. The first option is the best obviously at least for me. I mean the Nets can trade him mid-season, but the problem is when they trade him, that team that will receive him can just waive or bought him out as well. The 2nd option is the riskiest one. I still can't think of any logical reason as to why he picked the 3rd one, but it is what is.

The best thing for him is to play better this season because he's good offensively already averaging around 24 PPG last season. I guess his defense and playmaking is where he needs to improve.

[Fredomago]

Speaking of value, I just saw a few hours ago that Cam Thomas, a player who's averaging 24 PPG in Brooklyn signed a 1-year deal worth $6M to stay. I mean a player that offensive only got that amount. I wonder why though. 

Yeah, for real, that’s way too low for a player averaging 24 PPG. Meanwhile, Pat Connaughton is making $9.4M while only averaging 5.3 PPG. Lol. Even if people say he’s putting up numbers because of the team he’s on and wouldn’t score like that on a top team, it’s still too low, and he’s still young, just 23. Other players with lower averages are getting paid more. Honestly, that feels unfair. His agent doesn’t seem great at negotiations. Cooper Flagg is even making more in his first season.

That's the weird part about the NBA. Some players are overpaid, and some are underpaid based on their performance and contribution to the team. Nevertheless, the NBA is a business. I think they're also looking at whether the player can draw a lot of fans/market. Cam Thomas is indeed underrated. This is a challenge to him. He's still young, and he has all the time to improve and show his real worth. If Brooklyn won't see that in the next couple of years, then I don't see him staying with that team.

Indeed, still young and still have a lot of time to improve and to showcase his talents, might be possible that he accepts the deal to continue pursuing his career. Though it's too low for such a offensive player but still better than not playing, and similar to what you said if he continue providing those numbers and Nets still not going to offer him decent contract, possible that he may explore and find a new team or if by chance he may seek for other opportunities like playing outside US.

[Shinpako09]

I already posted this but people continue having bad takes so I’ll post it again. The Nets made him 3 offers and he took the lowest one.

2-years, $30M (team option)
1-year, $9.5M (can be traded)
1-year, $6M qualifying offer (no-trade clause)

He chose to take less money to guarantee that he wouldn’t be traded this year. Maybe he has a girlfriend in Brooklyn or something. He left 9 million this year on the table by not being willing to sign with a team option for next year. Likely because he knew he would be traded and wants to stay where he is.

Oh, ok, while others want to get a bigger bag, he chose the smallest offer. I don’t know what he’s thinking, but to me, that seems like a bad decision. He should’ve grabbed a good offer while he’s still young and while there are even better deals available. Just grab it and make a name for yourself so you can negotiate better deals later. For sure, he and his agent already have a plan for accepting the third offer. Maybe he wants to maintain, or even improve, his average points with his current team. That way, he can negotiate a better deal in the future.

[batang_bitcoin]

The intention to keep Kawhi and make sure that he still be with the team, that's something the team owner needs to deal with, and his action is now being exposed, it's how the investigator comes up with their proft and evidences to settle this issue.

It's said that Ballmer is likely to pay for around $50M just for the penalty if proven guilty on this case. Well, he's paid Kawhi with that amount for the fraud that they did just for him to be retained in the Clippers. While this is unethical as per NBA's terms and agreement. This is already a case that they can't win. And if this had happened to Clippers, maybe this can also happen to other teams but they're not exposed. What do you think guys? but if there are teams that plans to do this, they won't pursue it any longer for how it's exposed already.

[btc_angela]

The intention to keep Kawhi and make sure that he still be with the team, that's something the team owner needs to deal with, and his action is now being exposed, it's how the investigator comes up with their proft and evidences to settle this issue.

It's said that Ballmer is likely to pay for around $50M just for the penalty if proven guilty on this case. Well, he's paid Kawhi with that amount for the fraud that they did just for him to be retained in the Clippers. While this is unethical as per NBA's terms and agreement. This is already a case that they can't win. And if this had happened to Clippers, maybe this can also happen to other teams but they're not exposed. What do you think guys? but if there are teams that plans to do this, they won't pursue it any longer for how it's exposed already.

It's been compared to Joe Smith case before,

https://www.talkbasket.net/202301-insider-compares-kawhi-leonard-salary-cap-probe-to-joe-smith-scandal

Wolves pay a hefty fine that time and could be the case for Kawhi here. Also in the Joe Smith case, the Wolves forfeited their picks in the NBA draft. So if that happens to the Clippers, it will obviously that a serious toll on them.

[dwyane36]

It's been compared to Joe Smith case before,

https://www.talkbasket.net/202301-insider-compares-kawhi-leonard-salary-cap-probe-to-joe-smith-scandal

Wolves pay a hefty fine that time and could be the case for Kawhi here. Also in the Joe Smith case, the Wolves forfeited their picks in the NBA draft. So if that happens to the Clippers, it will obviously that a serious toll on them.

Yep, if the Clippers end up in the same situation as the Wolves, it won't be good for them. There is a chance that they could be fined several million dollars and lose their first-round draft picks, although it's worth noting that they have almost none of them until 2030 anyway.
I think the worst-case scenario, although extremely unlikely, would be if the NBA voids Leonard's contract and forces Ballmer to sell the team.

[danherbias07]

NBA News is filled with the Kawhi Leonard name, and I think this could be the biggest investigation regarding contracts/salary caps that the NBA will do.

The funny thing: It's Steve Ballmer who wants the NBA to make an investigation about it.
Is he saying he is not guilty? He might be innocent. Who knows? But he is talking.

He is saying that he just introduced Kawhi Leonard to Aspiration (partner of the Clippers) because they want to meet Kawhi. About the contract they did with Kawhi, he knows nothing about it.

[avp2306]

That's the weird part about the NBA. Some players are overpaid, and some are underpaid based on their performance and contribution to the team. Nevertheless, the NBA is a business. I think they're also looking at whether the player can draw a lot of fans/market. Cam Thomas is indeed underrated. This is a challenge to him. He's still young, and he has all the time to improve and show his real worth. If Brooklyn won't see that in the next couple of years, then I don't see him staying with that team.

I already posted this but people continue having bad takes so I’ll post it again. The Nets made him 3 offers and he took the lowest one.

2-years, $30M (team option)
1-year, $9.5M (can be traded)
1-year, $6M qualifying offer (no-trade clause)

He chose to take less money to guarantee that he wouldn’t be traded this year. Maybe he has a girlfriend in Brooklyn or something. He left 9 million this year on the table by not being willing to sign with a team option for next year. Likely because he knew he would be traded and wants to stay where he is.

I think its not about having other things that's why he want to stay on Brooklyn.

Since if it happens that he take that $30m for 2 years he won't have power to negotiate and will always follow what Brooklyn wants.

if he agree to that 1 year $9.5m he had a chance to be traded to other teams which he might don't want to play and he's career is at risk in this option.

Also if he take that $6m in 1 year no trade clause he could have total control of his career and he could possibly get more bigger contracts to other team especially if he performs well this season. Its like he bet on his self for taking that $6m. So hopefully he could perform well and would able to get what he want for next season. He's taking risky path for taking this option.

[Sanitough]

I think the purpose of a qualifying offer is to let a player get evaluated based on his performance, and from there he can aim for a maximum contract - that’s the main point IMO. For Thomas, he probably knows his own value is high because of his performance, so he’s confident the team might offer him a better deal.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2020/11/all-star-brandon-ingram-others-receive-qualifying-offers.html

after that he received a max contract.

[batang_bitcoin]

The intention to keep Kawhi and make sure that he still be with the team, that's something the team owner needs to deal with, and his action is now being exposed, it's how the investigator comes up with their proft and evidences to settle this issue.

It's said that Ballmer is likely to pay for around $50M just for the penalty if proven guilty on this case. Well, he's paid Kawhi with that amount for the fraud that they did just for him to be retained in the Clippers. While this is unethical as per NBA's terms and agreement. This is already a case that they can't win. And if this had happened to Clippers, maybe this can also happen to other teams but they're not exposed. What do you think guys? but if there are teams that plans to do this, they won't pursue it any longer for how it's exposed already.

It's been compared to Joe Smith case before,

https://www.talkbasket.net/202301-insider-compares-kawhi-leonard-salary-cap-probe-to-joe-smith-scandal

Wolves pay a hefty fine that time and could be the case for Kawhi here. Also in the Joe Smith case, the Wolves forfeited their picks in the NBA draft. So if that happens to the Clippers, it will obviously that a serious toll on them.

That's what I've read in some threads and articles too. There will be voidance of the early drafts done by Clippers and the trades that it has made prior to this case. It's interesting how things are going to happen for this case with Steve Ballmer, Kawhi Leonard and for the entire team of the Los Angeles Clippers.

NBA News is filled with the Kawhi Leonard name, and I think this could be the biggest investigation regarding contracts/salary caps that the NBA will do.

The funny thing: It's Steve Ballmer who wants the NBA to make an investigation about it.
Is he saying he is not guilty? He might be innocent. Who knows? But he is talking.

He is saying that he just introduced Kawhi Leonard to Aspiration (partner of the Clippers) because they want to meet Kawhi. About the contract they did with Kawhi, he knows nothing about it.

Well, maybe he's applying the number #1: Never admit what you've done. 

[livingfree]

So him and Ballmer went under the table so to speak and goes on some scheme so that he can pay Kawhi more because they are over the salary cap. But as what we said, they are not yet guilty so let's see the investigation of the NBA.

I still don't understand this case. So does this means that Ballmer paid more than the cap in the NBA and did an under the table just for them to keep Kawhi on their team?

No they remain on the cap and they made that malicious endorsement deal so that they can pay and retain Kawhi on Clippers.

This is subject of their investigation and Balmer and Kawhi will be in huge trouble with this issue since its clear that they violate the rules of NBA for having this deal.

If they just do some little works to justify all of those actions they have done maybe the NBA or someone investigating their issue would gonna notice those possible illegal transaction they made. But it seems that they rush it all and spend lots of money just to get the service of Kawhi in Clippers.

Well, I now understand and it's all about making Kawhi stay for the LA Clippers with that deal.

But they have to do it through some bogus tree planting whatnot? I guess that the both will still be able to escape it, it's only about the penalties that they have to pay.

[LogitechMouse]

I thinking, what will be the consequences though if they are found guilty? Kawhi ban from playing or suspended for games? And Ballmer fined for millions? Might be peanut for him if that will be the case.

And for Kawhi, maybe a whole season might not be big for him as well even if they suspend his pay for a year. Although this shouldn't be let pass by the NBA as this could set precedence or this could be happening already and other team owners are doing under the table pays for their star player.

I watched a video on YouTube regarding this scandal, and I'll share the link here as well. LINK
Well based on that video, the worst thing that the Clippers as a whole may face is their future draft picks being void. The worst that Kawhi can face is a termination of his current contract, and the least sanction that the management can get is a fine that Ballmer can just pay immediately without any worries at all because... he's just the richest owner in sports right now.

I don't see any suspension for Kawhi for year because that's not in the CBA rules. I hope that Adam Silver though will punish those that are needed to be punished, and don't take this scandal lightly.