Nineteen NBA franchises now face roster choices. Under the league’s new financial rules, a bad trade or a failed season costs more than a draft pick. It can cost a team its ability to build a winner. The Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat are already under these new pressures. One faces a league investigation while the other struggles to make its stars work together.
Bucks Risk Draft Picks in Cap Probe
The Milwaukee Bucks are in trouble not because of a bad trade, but because of a contract that looks suspicious. In July, an investigation into salary cap circumvention was launched by the league against the team concerning guard Gary Trent Jr. According to ESPN, this matter originated from Trent’s four-year, $64 million contract signed this summer, even though he posted the second-worst field goal percentage of his career. This deal was signed after he made only $3.7 million the prior season.
If the league finds the Bucks guilty of a prior agreement to sign him cheap and then pay him big, the penalty will be harsh. Front office staff could face suspensions while the team might forfeit multiple first-round picks. This comes at a time when Milwaukee already has no control over its next four first-round picks.
The New York Knicks face a different kind of money problem. Owner James Dolan has ordered the team to avoid the second apron, a strict financial limit. Although the Knicks are expected to be $15 million under that limit next season, reserve guard Miles McBride will depart unless a salary trade occurs. The team has a massive payroll coming up for Jalen Brunson, who is expected to see his salary jump from $43 million to $66 million.
Heat Culture Tested by Poor Defense
Miami Heat fans expected a championship contender after the team acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and signed Klay Thompson. Through 10 games, the Heat have been outscored by 53 points. Their defense ranks 25th in the league, a shocking number for a team loaded with former All-Defensive players.
Klay Thompson knows what it takes to win, having won four titles with the Warriors. Despite surrendering millions to join Miami, the team conceded 138 points during a Monday defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers. Thompson told ESPN, “It’s important for all of us to stay present and not look too far ahead in the season.” He added, “When you have big expectations, you think about the postseason, you think about seeding. I think we just need to really stay week-to-week.”
Despite the talent, the team is not clicking. Antetokounmpo offered a blunt assessment after the loss, stating, “Right now, we don’t trust one another.” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra refused to accept time as a fix. He said, “It can’t just be on paper, and it can’t just be reputation.”
Spoelstra noted that the team cannot use a lack of time as an excuse. The 19 teams on the danger list must make roster moves or risk long-term penalties. The Bucks could lose their future draft assets if found guilty, and the Heat face trust issues that could jeopardize their season.
