In the dead of a recent night, the NBA and its player union secured labor peace for another seven years after agreeing to a collective bargaining agreement, scheduled to start next season. The CBA is expected to be ratified in the coming weeks.
Many of the big features of the latest CBA are already drawing plenty of discussions. Among them is the addition of a regular season tournament and a minimum amount of games someone needs to play in to be eligible for certain postseason awards.
There are also a few notable things omitted from the CBA. For instance, it doesn’t seem players will be able to make the jump from high school to the pros, an oft-rumored discussion point.
Most of the changes in the CBA feel speculative. They will change the way the NBA functions, to some degree, but the product of that change may not be noticeable until things like the regular season tournament actually happens for the first time.
A key element that could make an immediate difference, however, is an increase in the upper limits of contract extensions. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the upper limit will jump from 120 percent to 140 percent.
Which players stand to benefit the most from the newly agreed upon CBA between the NBA and its players association?
This change will particularly affect young stars eligible for a contract extension from their team. There’s at least one player who has been in trade and free agency rumors for years, but could lock up his future with the only team he’s ever played for at a better rate with the new CBA.
Here are a few players who could benefit from the CBA’s ratification.