Despite recently agreeing to sell the Boston Celtics, current owner Wyc Grousbeck addressed a critical issue facing NBA teams: the penalties associated with exceeding the second apron payroll threshold. In a radio interview, Grousbeck boldly predicted that no team will remain above this threshold for more than two years under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Grousbeck emphasized that the prohibitive factor isn`t just the luxury tax, but the severe team-building restrictions. These penalties, designed to prevent excessive spending, include limitations on draft picks, trades, and player acquisitions for teams surpassing the second apron.
Specifically, teams above the second apron risk having their first-round draft picks frozen or moved to the end of the round. They also lose access to key roster-building tools like the mid-level exception and the ability to aggregate salaries in trades.
Grousbeck suggested these stringent rules might have influenced the Los Angeles Clippers` decision regarding Paul George. He highlighted the importance of exceptional management in navigating these restrictions, praising Celtics` executive Brad Stevens for his strategic acumen in this new landscape.
With star players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum commanding significant salaries, the Celtics, like other high-spending teams, face the challenge of balancing competitiveness with the constraints of the new CBA. Grousbeck anticipates that decisions regarding roster management will be crucial in the upcoming offseason.
Finally, Grousbeck mentioned that the sale of the Celtics is expected to be finalized around July, attributing the timeline to the upcoming playoffs and the league`s preference to avoid major announcements during this period.
