On Friday, ESPN cap guru Bobby Marks brought forth an interesting proposal that NBA teams are delivering in an amnesty provision. The amnesty was most recently used in 2011 after the conclusion of the lockout. Marks explained the provision in his piece for the ESPN.
The amnesty provision introduced in the 2011 CBA allowed teams to waive a player and remove his cap hit from their books, though they were still responsible for paying his salary. A one-year reintroduction of the rule could help cash-strapped teams, especially if the cap drops or remains flat.
Two teams told ESPN that the provision would help a franchise like the Detroit Pistons the most. Blake Griffin will count against their cap for $36.8 million and $38.9 million in the next two seasons. With this proposal, Detroit could amnesty Griffin and have over $50 million in room; without the provision it would have less than $20 million in space under a flat cap.
The introduction of the amnesty provision would present a lot of very tough and interesting decisions for general managers across the league. With so much money expected to be lost in the coming months and years, teams could be forced into making decisions that could benefit the short-term over the long-term.
It could also present opportunities for franchises to get the chance to sign players amnestied on low-risk, high-reward contracts. With the Pelicans having no bad contracts on their cap sheet and a host of cap space, they could be one of the teams to take advantage of the opportunity.
Here’s a look at five potential amnestied players the Pelicans could target.
1. Nicolas Batum, Hornets
One of the areas the Pelicans lack depth in the most is the wing. One of the first names that could be available is Nicolas Batum of the Charlotte Hornets. While he is an expiring contract, he’s also a highly-paid player and cutting him would give a rebuilding Hornets team more cap flexibility.
Batum would come into New Orleans and serve as a backup small forward to Brandon Ingram. While his counting stats and efficiency have taken a hit in limited time this season, Batum was a solid contributor that shot 38.9% from three.
On the Pelicans, he would provide spacing, size and depth on one of the team’s shallowest positions as well as another veteran presence on a young team.
2. Andrew Wiggins, Warriors
One of the more fascinating options as to whether he is amnestied and where he might end up is Andrew Wiggins. The enigmatic wing man currently plays in Golden State. While the Warriors would not gain cap space by amnestying Wiggins, they would save a substantial amount of money on their tax bill by doing so.
If he became available, the market for him would be interesting. Teams likely don’t see him as a No. 1 option anymore even if he may still view himself that way. New Orleans would provide him a chance to come off the bench and be a scorer, the role he excels most in.
3. Rudy Gay, Spurs
The last of the potential wing options for the Pelicans, Gay would be yet another veteran depth option. Again, Gay was productive two seasons ago for the Spurs, flirting with a 50/40/90 season while averaging 13.7 points. But this season, Gay has taken a significant step back, averaging 10.0 points while shooting 44.2% from the field and 31.4% from beyond the arc.
Still, he’s a veteran wing that would give the Pelicans more options at the small forward position. He has the size to play either the three or four and could help the Pelicans play smaller with different variations of lineups.
4. Thaddeus Young, Bulls
Two seasons ago, Thaddeus Young was a key piece of the Pacers front court. But in Chicago, Young has not had the same success, playing in the fewest minutes per game since his rookie season.
With a new front office coming in, Chicago could look to commit more to a younger front court and cut Young free. In that case, he would be a highly sought-after forward and could provide the Pelicans will versatility in the front court.
His ability to knock down threes would allow him to play with either Derrick Favors or Zion Williamson while his defensive ability makes him an attractive option as well.
5. Kevin Love, Cavaliers
The last one is a bit of a wild card in both regards. On one hand, the Cavaliers may still think they can get value back for Love. And if he is cut free, what type of deal and where will be a question as well.
Love is still capable of contributing at a solid level in the NBA but his commitment has wavered by his own admission. If he is committed, he’s one of the best stretch big men in the league that is still a high-level rebounder. But his fit would be an odd one in New Orleans.
While Williamson can play the small ball center role, starting him there next to Love would be a tough assignment for the team defensively. It would also potentially remove Derrick Favors from the starting lineup. But Nicolo Melli has seen much success this season playing next to Williamson and Love is a better version of Melli in nearly every facet of the game.
