Are there any restrictions regarding how the expansion team can use their MLE/LLE exceptions? Their cap is much lower than other NBA teams and their minimum salary is only 2/3 of the normal amount. I am wondering whether they have the same 5M MLE as other teams have ... can't find the info anywhere. will appreciate your help~~~
No, you need to be over the hard cap ($50 million) to use the MLE or LLE. The only thing they have that is lower than other teams is the minimum salary cap.
Thanks pipdady33... but Bobcats's cap was 29M last summer and around 40M this year. Do they have to get over 50M or their own cap(29M) to use the MLE?
Almost. If they are underneath the cap by the total amount of their exceptions (including trade exceptions), then they lose their exceptions. But if they are only 3-4 million under the cap or something, then they get to keep them.
Bobcats management has stated they are not planning on spending big in free agency until they are closer to being a truly competitive team. Depending on how their rookies turn out, I'm thinking that will be next summer, at which point they will have another high draft pick and can sign whatever big name free agent they can attract.
yeah I understand this part. But if Bobcats determine to use the MLE, do they need to get over the 50M line or just the 30M line (2/3 of the normal cap) ?? Or ... just say .. if somehow Bobcats's team salary + exceptions reach 45M, can they use MLE?
Like I said, if they are under their cap by the amount of all their exceptions, then they will lose them. So it is based on the Bobcat's imposed salary cap figure.
so ... that's going to be 37.5M (3/4 of the normal cap), which means if the Bobcats manage to get to 38M (total salary + exceptions), they would have their MLE of 5M, while other teams would have to get over 50M. is this correct?
Why is their cap so much lower?? I can understand why their minimum would be lower, but if they want to spend as much as every other team, why shouldn't they?
according to the CBA, in the first 2 seasons, Bobcats' cap is lower than other teams. 04-05 is 2/3, 05-06 is 3/4.....
