LAS VEGAS — The match-up in Tuesday night’s NBA Cup final highlighted contrasting approaches between the competing teams. On one side, the Milwaukee Bucks, who exceed the NBA’s second salary apron, faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team operating beneath the first apron. This distinction also reflects on their respective spending habits.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted the relevance of this scenario, remarking on the implications of the league’s recent collective bargaining agreement. “I believe this situation showcases the new CBA effectively,” Silver stated in a pre-game press briefing prior to Milwaukee’s victory of 97-81. He continued to emphasize the link between financial investment and success on the court, which is part of the rationale behind establishing the second apron. “We are transparent about this objective,” he added.
With these new financial regulations, teams may find their trading capabilities restricted in the upcoming months. A recent trade attempt involving the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks, where Karl-Anthony Towns was a key figure, brought these complexities to light. Timberwolves basketball operations president Tim Connelly expressed his concerns regarding the new CBA rules, stating, “The new regulations are fraught with unintended consequences. It’s become significantly difficult to navigate trades when exceeding certain financial thresholds.”
Silver acknowledged the challenges that come with these regulations. “I recognize the frustration among some general managers, particularly those going beyond the salary apron, as it has diminished their flexibility,” he stated. However, the objective of these regulations is to ensure a more equitable distribution of star players across the league, a goal Silver believes the NBA has made progress toward achieving.
The league asserts that teams of varying market sizes and budgets can find success. Currently, Milwaukee is one of four franchises exceeding the second apron, along with the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Minnesota Timberwolves. “There are numerous strategies to attain victory,” Silver concluded.
Looking ahead, the NBA Cup is set to return for another season, but uncertainty lingers regarding its location. The league’s fresh broadcasting deals will take effect next season, including coverage of the tournament’s knockout phase by one of its new partners, Amazon. Yet, no conclusion has been reached concerning the venue for the 2025 title match.
“There has been some interest shown by teams in potentially hosting the event in their home markets,” Silver remarked. “However, organizing a neutral site poses its own challenges. I’m not opposed to the idea of utilizing home markets.”
He acknowledged that the league has been pleased with the reception the inaugural years of the event have received in Las Vegas. “Tradition builds over time, and fans can plan their celebrations around these dates in Las Vegas,” Silver explained. “Teams appear divided on the prospect; they relish the chance to win the opportunity to compete at home, but it also brings the dilemma of managing ticket sales on short notice. While we have experience with this during the playoffs, it’s a unique situation here.”
However, if Milwaukee’s head coach Doc Rivers had a say in the matter, he would prefer to keep the tournament in Las Vegas. “Right here. Right here,” Rivers responded enthusiastically after his team’s triumph. “I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. I initially worried that lacking a Los Angeles team would hinder attendance, but the Las Vegas community came out fully. The atmosphere was electric, which is significant for both the city and the league.”