The NBA and players’ union have hit a roadblock in talks on adding a potential 18th roster spot, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Teams are currently allowed to carry 17 players — two two-way players, and 15 on standard contracts. Players on two-way deals must have three years or less of NBA experience.
And that is where the stalemate arises, according to Stein. The league would prefer that an 18th spot go to a third two-way player. The union would like the 18th roster spot to go to a player on a standard deal.
“There is concern in some corners of the league that an 18th roster spot open to all players potentially creates a competitive advantage for hard-capped teams to add another quality player,” Stein reported.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks added that teams towing the luxury-tax line are particularly considered. “A bunch of teams with roster spots open are holding office because of the tax,” Marks wrote.
Meanwhile, executive director Michele Roberts and the union reportedly want an 18th roster spot to be available to all veteran free agents, giving teams the freedom to pick from a significantly large pool of players.
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