Anthony Davis may have just lost $23 million because of a funky NBA rule
While there's always an uproar about which players receive the most fan votes and therefore get to start the game, New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis has a special reason to be particularly upset - he may have just lost $23 million.
In the offseason, Davis signed a monster five-year, $145 million extension that will kick in after this year.
The extension was signed under a CBA rule often called the "Rose Rule," which grants players signing their first extension after their rookie contract a 30% max-level raise structure that hinges on three criteria. Larry Coon's CBA FAQ explains the criteria a player must meet during his rookie contract to receive this contract:
- Named to the All-NBA First, Second, or Third team at least twice
- Voted as a starter in the All-Star game at least twice
- Named the NBA Most Valuable Player at least once
On Thursday night, it was revealed that Davis did not get voted into the All-Star game as a starter - in fact, he wasn't all that close, finishing ninth in the West among frontcourt players. Davis needed to get voted in as a starter again to lock up the 30% raise structure.
Now that extra $23 million may seriously be in jeopardy.
It's not completely over for Davis, however. He made All-NBA First team last year, so if he makes First, Second, or Third team, he'll get the $23 million. In a crowded Western Conference, though, with tons of deserving players, it may be an uphill climb for Davis to meet the requirement, especially as his Pelicans, at 15-27, struggle to stay competitive.
And the chances of him getting MVP are slim to none - Stephen Curry locked that up months ago.
With the CBA set to expire in 2017, this will likely be bargaining point among the players and owners. The criteria to meet the 30% max raises are all based on individual accolades, and All-Star voting in particular can be pretty fluky.
Unfortunately for Davis, he may have lost out on some money he never had.
*Edit: This article previously stated Davis was unlikely to make the $23 million because of his chances to make the All-NBA First Team. If he makes All-NBA Second or Third Team, he will meet the requirement.