Prominent agent Mark Bartelstein shared his thoughts on the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, which he finds to be more restrictive for teams looking to sign and acquire players above the first or second apron.
“My initial reaction to it is negative,” Bartelstein stated on the Hoop Collective Podcast. “I prefer flexibility for my clients and the ability for player movement. Under the old CBA, we could engage with all 30 teams, even though they had limitations. Now, the restrictions are much tighter. Some teams are off-limits for engagement, except maybe for minimum deals. Even the Knicks faced limitations at the beginning of the season.”
“From my perspective, I’m not a big fan. While I understand the reasoning behind it and Commissioner Adam Silver’s goals of parity and equal competition, I disagree on what’s best for the league. The offseason is where the most interest in the NBA is generated. Fans buy season tickets, sponsors get involved, and excitement builds when teams make significant moves to improve.”
“If you limit teams that want to be competitive, spend money, and give their fans hope to win, or if you make it too restrictive with harsh penalties, I don’t think it benefits the game.”
“Adam’s argument is that by creating 30 teams with an equal chance to win a championship, the season will be more engaging for fans throughout the year. Only time will tell how this plays out, but as a player, having choices and leverage is crucial in the business. With diminished choices, players have less leverage, which poses a challenge under the new CBA.”
Bartelstein’s client roster includes Bradley Beal, Kyle Lowry, Michael Porter Jr., Keegan Murray, and several others.
