The 2019-20 NBA season is quickly approaching. The preseason is less than two weeks away, as the NBA experienced significant changes in the offseason.
Over the summer, various star players went to different teams via trade or free agency. Players such as Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard joined new teams during the free agency period. On the other hand, players such as Anthony Davis, Paul George and Russell Westbrook joined new teams through trades.
In scenarios such as this, salary cap plays a big part in how these moves are handled. In some cases, teams make certain moves to clear cap space in order to get star players (and sign them to max contracts).
The NBA keeps a close eye on the salary cap and how it is utilized among its teams. The cap typically grows, and this year is no exception. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the NBA has informed its teams of the 2020-21 salary cap.
Recently, the league informed its teams of its projected salary cap as well as its tax level in 2020-21. The salary cap in 2020-21 is $116 million, and the tax level is $141 million. In the next season (2021-22) the cap is $125 million, and the tax level is $151 million.
While both seasons are growths from this year’s cap (roughly $109.14 million), 2020-21 is one million lower than earlier projections. The current forecast for 2021-22 is the same as previous projections.
The 2021 offseason could be interesting as the free agency class will potentially feature players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Antetokounmpo, Beal and Davis will be unrestricted free agents and James and Leonard have player options.
That year’s free agency is another class, where fans could see several players change teams. If this happens, the NBA’s salary cap will come into play.
The NBA salary cap is a big factor in the way teams conduct business. With the NBA giving its teams a projected salary cap, they can prepare for any future moves.
Featured Image courtesy of Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
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