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FORMULA 1
- OLYMPICS
Monday Morning Financial NBA Round Up
![](https://d1dglpr230r57l.cloudfront.net/images/xlarge/USATSI_10501001_160074578_lowres.jpg)
Early Financial Busts
The Washington Wizards (3-9) & Houston Rockets (5-7) are easily the early busts of the 2018-19 NBA season. These two franchises, each with Top 5 payrolls were legitimate contenders coming into the season, but are now poised for change after just 12 games.
Houston took a low risk chance on Carmelo Anthony after his trade & buyout from Atlanta this summer, signing him to a veteran minimum $2.3M salary for the season. That salary is fully guaranteed, even if the Rockets do release him as reports swirl, leaving behind a dead cap hit of $1.5M.
On the court, Houston is trying to combat key losses on the defensive side of the ball by simply outscoring teams - a feat that’s been unsuccessful early on in 2018, as much of the team is struggling to score with any consistency. It’s very possible Daryl Morey, one of the more progressive GMs in the league, explores trade options over the next few weeks to shake up a team that should be contending for June.
Financially speaking, the Rockets have $97M allocated to their guards, the most in the league by a whopping $25M, while their $132M total payroll ranks 4th in the NBA.
Related: The Best & Worst Value NBA Teams
Trade Winds in Washington
In Washington, it’s almost inevitable that major change is forthcoming, be it the firing of head coach Scott Brooks, or the trade of one of their main pieces in PG John Wall or SG Bradley Beal.
The Wizards hold the 5th highest payroll in the NBA, thanks to a 5 year, $127M extension to Beal & a what-appears-to-be brutal 4 year, $106M deal for Otto Porter Jr. They’ve also extended Wall to another 4 years, $169M, a contract that doesn’t even kick in until the 2019-20 season.
Of the three players mentioned here, Beal is the most likely to be traded based on his production & financial situation. He holds a $25M salary this year, followed by $27M & $28.7M through the 2020-21 season.
Related: Washington Wizards' Multi-Year Payrolls
The 2019 Lakers
At $89M, the Lakers (7-6) hold the 27th highest (4th lowest) active payroll in the NBA, 34% of of which belongs to LeBron James. Next year though, LA has just 8 players under contract for a total of $62M, 60% of which comes from James’ $37M salary. The Lakers, who possess $41M of practical cap space, are primed to add at least one big name next offseason, or even sooner should they become active leading up to the February 8th trade deadline.
Related: 2019 NBA Free Agents | 2019 NBA Options
Butler to Philly
Jimmy Butler ’s move to Philly puts them in position to become major contenders over the next 3 seasons. By acquiring him via trade, the Sixers can now extend him next July using Bird Rights, which won’t require the use of cap space. This will allow Philly the opportunity to fill other needs early in the offseason, before likely rewarding Butler a much deserved pay raise.
As for the rest of their core, Ben Simmons is eligible for restricted free agency after the 2019-20 season, Markelle Fultz holds salaries of $9.7M next year, then a $12M club option in 2020, and Joel Embiid is cemented in through 2022-23. It’s possible Fultz is the odd-man-out here going forward should Butler remain after this season.
Related: Philadelphia 76ers' Multi-Year Payrolls
CATEGORIES
- NBA 105
- NFL 68
- GOLF 50
- NWSL 30
- MLB 22
- NHL 1
AUTHORS
- Michael Ginnitti NFL, MLB
- Keith Smith NBA
- Scott Allen Contributor
- Taylor Vincent NWSL
![](https://d1dglpr230r57l.cloudfront.net/images/crop/4466_gotham-20240726.png)
Gotham FC Signs Youngest Ever Player in NWSL
Gotham FC signed the youngest ever player in the NWSL - 13 year old Mak Whitman
![](https://d1dglpr230r57l.cloudfront.net/images/crop/4451_USATSI_23779303_168390303_lowres.jpg)
The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline Primer
With the July 30th trade deadline approaching, Spotrac has identified dozens of players rumored as potential moves this week, including deadline salary, future contract status, & a team tax update.
![](https://d1dglpr230r57l.cloudfront.net/images/crop/4461_DSC07805.jpg)
San Diego Wave Sign Delphine Cascarino
San Diego Wave sign Delphine Cascarino through the 2026 NWSL season with a mutual option for 2027
![](https://d1dglpr230r57l.cloudfront.net/images/crop/4462_USATSI_23744008_168390303_lowres.jpg)
Central Division Summer League Notes
Keith Smith dumps out his Summer League notebook for the Central Division.
![](https://d1dglpr230r57l.cloudfront.net/images/crop/4460_USATSI_20326861_168390303_lowres2.jpg)
Meet the NWSL’s NTRPs
Let's meet the NWSL's National Team Replacement Players as the Olympics begin their play.
TRENDING PLAYERS
- 1 Jordan Love (QB, GB)
- 2 Tua Tagovailoa (QB, MIA)
- 3 Patrick Mahomes (QB, KC)
- 4 Dak Prescott (QB, DAL)
- 5 Trevor Lawrence (QB, JAX)
TRENDING PAGES
- 1 NFL Contracts
- 2 NFL Free Agents
- 3 NFL Salary Rankings
- 4 NFL Rankings
- 5 NFL Transactions