NBA salary cap projected to jump by nearly $5 million in 2014-2015
By Brad Rowland
As the 2014 NBA Playoffs are upon us, the current focus of the league isn’t exactly on salary cap considerations, but if the latest cap projections are correct, they could be hugely impactful for some high-profile teams around the league.
Larry Coon of CBA FAQ (and ESPN.com) reports that the NBA is set for a sizable jump in both the salary cap and luxury tax next season:
"The NBA issued new projections for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 salary cap and luxury tax thresholds. The 2014-15 salary cap is now projected to be $63.2 million and the tax level is projected to be $77.0 million. The numbers for 2015-16 are now projected to be $66.5 million and $81.0 million, respectively."
While it might not seem like much, that increase could be incredibly crucial from a player movement standpoint, as the NBA is infamous for having the most restrictions on transactions due to their cap situation.
.@LarryCoon projecting unexpected jump of $5M in salary cap for next year. If that holds, it's a game changer for Melo & his CHI/HOU options
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) April 19, 2014
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst sheds a bit of light on the situation, reminding the public that Carmelo Anthony could much more easily land in a market like Chicago or Houston with this increase. In addition to that, this bump would affect luxury tax teams like the Lakers and Heat (if they chose to get underneath the new, easier tax line), and in reality, more money being thrown around is great for the players in general.
Nothing is set in stone yet (which Coon is quick to note in his initial report), but the new projections are great for the players and, likely, the fans.