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NBA might delay free agency and 2020 draft

By Steven Kubitza

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 30: A general view the court with Black Lives Matter written above the NBA logo is seen at center court prior to the game between the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 30, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - JULY 30: A general view the court with Black Lives Matter written above the NBA logo is seen at center court prior to the game between the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 30, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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The NBA is facing questions regarding the start of the next league year.

The NBA pulled off a minor miracle by figuring out a way to finish the 2019-20 season in the Orlando bubble. Now the questions begin to arise about what the league will look like next year.

The first two big things following the conclusion of the Finals in October will be the start of free agency and the 2020 NBA Draft. A recent report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski explained how the entire timeline may be pushed back.

The NBA is taking its time to learn more

The reasoning behind the move, according to Woj, is to allow the league to project revenues for next season. Starting the season early and not being able to have fans in attendance lowers the amount of money being brought in and thus the expected salary cap.

This is an unprecedented situation and the NBA has proven it can move start dates around and still be fine. The ESPN article also mentions how the start of next season can be pushed back into January or February with the hope that the COVID-19 pandemic will be under some sort of control by then.

A more clear financial picture needs to be in place before teams sign players to big deals, only to learn they are now way over the salary cap. Pushing the draft back allows for a clearer picture when it comes to draft-day trades with specific-salary matching as well.

Next. The Whiteboard: 2020 NBA Draft Lottery karmic odds. dark

This is all new and the NBA schedule may not be back to normal for two or three years. The league taking its time and not rushing is a good sign and will hopefully allow for the 2020-21 season (or just the 2021 season if it starts later) to go off without any major problems.

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