NEWSLETTER
Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before this new dropped.
The NBA and NBPA have agreed to push back the date of the NBA Draft (previously scheduled for October 16th), the start of free agency (previously scheduled for October 18th), and opening night of the 2020-21 season (previously scheduled for December 1st).
The NBA and NBPA have agreed to push back key dates such as Oct. 16 draft, Oct. 18 free agency and 2020-21 season, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. New dates will be determined later.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 8, 2020
We’ve known this was a possibility for a couple of weeks now, as the league is trying to give itself a bit more time to figure out the ramifications of the initial league hiatus. With so much time away from the game, an no fans in attendance to restart play, the NBA is expecting some major hits to the salary cap. The more time they have to communicate – uninterrupted – the better chance they have to reach a deal that can limit the damage across the board.
Also, there is still some hope around the idea that the NBA can have fans in arenas at some point next season. Pushing back the start of the 2020-21 campaign, gives more time for that dream to become a reality.
I totally understand why all of this has to and should be done … but I’m still bummed. I was really looking forward to the draft and free agency happening in a little over a month. Now, there is no telling how much longer we’ll have to wait, except for maybe the draft which appears to be on track for some time after October 16th but before November.
Draft is still scheduled in October, but expected to be pushed back. NBPA in memo sent to agents tonight: “All other dates related to the 2020-21 Season are likewise postponed to dates that will later be agreed upon by the NBA and NBPA.“ https://t.co/Axfbmkpo2M
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 8, 2020
