Talk about Ben Simmons’ trade demand has dominated the NBA preseason. The saga has apparently become so big that it could lead to significant changes in the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the frequency of trade requests — and the lack of consequences star players have to consider when making them — is becoming an even bigger concern for teams around the league. Another issue is that supermax contracts, which were meant to keep stars with their current teams, have seemingly had the opposite impact.
Fischer’s story states that NBA teams have taken issue with the speed with which some players demand a trade after signing a long-term contract. This problem is exemplified by Simmons, who requested a trade just one year into a supermax deal he signed with Philadelphia.
Fischer says there is a desire among ownership to see penalties introduced for players who demand trades. Some penalties suggested in the story included financial repercussions to draft pick compensation for teams. The players union would be unlikely to accept this without a significant concession, perhaps in the form of additional basketball related income going to players.
One NBA capologist outlined the issues the supermax has caused for teams, arguing to Fischer that handing out that kind of contract either leads to the luxury tax or the player ultimately being traded.
It’s clear that the supermax has not worked. It limits the ability of teams to build strong supporting casts for stars. Then those players become frustrated as the team does not contend and they seek a trade elsewhere. That cycle has repeated itself multiple times, and has sparked concerns for years. It sounds like Simmons may well be the last straw from the league’s perspective.
Photo: Dec 27, 2019; Orlando, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
