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2011 NBA Draft and Offseason Blog

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
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2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Central Division

One of the topics expected to be discussed during the pending NBA lockout is the possible revival of The Allan Houston Rule. When a new CBA was agreed upon in 2005, it allowed NBA teams a one-time opportunity to waive a player and not have his contract count against the luxury tax. The released player becomes a free agent but his salary still gets paid and counts against his former team's salary cap. Ironically enough, Allan Houston was not a victim of The Allan Houston Rule. The Knicks instead decided to waive Jerome Williams.

If the new CBA once again invokes this clause, most teams will probably take advantage since it would save them possibly tens of millions of dollars. To keep up with the times, we will change the name of this from "The Allan Houston Rule" to the "Rashard Arenas Rule" since Rashard Lewis and Gilbert Arenas easily have the two worst contracts in the league. Allow me to break down each team and who would end up being the casualties of this rule. I'll start with the Southeast Division.

Chicago Bulls:
The Bulls are probably one of the few teams that would pass up this one-time opportunity. They don't have any terrible contracts and can afford to pay a luxury tax. If Chicago did decide to exercise this clause, Ronnie Brewer's remaining two years, $9-plus million might be their only option.

Cleveland Cavaliers:
Here is the likely debate: cut Antawn Jamison who is owed more than $15 million this season or Baron Davis who will make $28.8 million over the next two seasons. I think the no-brainer decision would be bidding farewell to Davis especially with top overall pick Kyrie Irving added to the fold at the point along with Ramon Sessions. Plus, Jamison's expiring contract could actually be a useful trade chip at the deadline for a team looking to dump salary and maybe willing to deal a veteran player in addition to a first-round pick (kind of like the Cavs did with Davis this past season.)

Detroit Pistons:
Rip Hamilton is scheduled to make $26.3 million in the next two seasons and Detroit has reportedly been proactive in trying to find a suitor to take on his contract. This would be the perfect opportunity to get rid of Hamilton who has practically no trade value. The Pistons could also consider Ben Gordon (three years, $37.2 million), Charlie Villanueva (three years, $24.2 million) or Jason Maxiell (two years, $10 million.)

Indiana Pacers:
With T.J. Ford, Mike Dunleavy, Jeff Foster and Jamaal Tinsley's contracts coming off the books this summer (yes, Indiana was still paying Tinsley last year), the Pacers only somewhat bad contract belongs to James Posey. The veteran small forward is in the final year of his deal which will earn him almost $7 million dollars this season. Indiana is well below the likely salary cap amount so they would not have to pay a luxury tax even if it kept Posey. My guess is it would pass on the "Rashard Arenas Rule," keep Posey's expiring contract, and try using it as trade bait during the season.

Ben 04-15-2012 09:06 pm xxx.xxx.xxx7.65 (total posts: 1)

I like how only one of these players actually got traded

Omar 03-23-2012 04:20 pm xxx.xxx.xxx6.60 (total posts: 1)

its a good thing i was wearing sartight white with built in neon when i went to the Super bowl. they almost didnt let me on the field:) and on a side note.. i feel bad for Slash:/

MaliceAtThePalace 03-09-2012 01:38 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.201 (total posts: 1)

Stephen Jackson is a phenomenal teammate. Just ask Ron Artest back in '04.

Sean Shearier 03-09-2012 12:27 am xxx.xxx.xxx.117 (total posts: 1)

great site lots of information. Please check out www.walloffamesports.com

Mike again 12-25-2011 02:01 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.237 (total posts: 2)

Lakers got Mavs first rounder this year for odom

mike 12-25-2011 01:56 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.237 (total posts: 2)

you still have the clippers owning the twolves pick

Joe 12-23-2011 11:05 am xxx.xxx.xxx.204 (total posts: 1)

Walt, I dont think you understand what the Amnesty Clause does. The contract doesnt count against the payroll, but you still have to pay the player. You dont just get out of the contract for free. There was no point in using it on Rashard Lewis, because he can still at least play. Even if you are paying him a ton of money, he can still give you decent minutes. Plus, next year, he is a huge expiring that can be used as a trade chip.

Pete 12-23-2011 01:45 am xxx.xxx.xxx.167 (total posts: 1)

Dude Wizards don't amnesty Lewis because if they did, they would be significantly below the salary cap floor imposed on teams, forcing them to spend a bunch of money on an extremely weak free agent class. Makes sense that they wouldn't amnesty him because of that.

Walter 12-23-2011 12:11 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.88 (total posts: 10)

133

Ugh, what page is that on? Editing at 3 am apparently isn't a good idea.

Oh, and I'm always up this late during football season. My Russian gypsy neighbors are surprisingly quiet.

Peter 12-22-2011 04:25 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.62 (total posts: 1)

Walter - Aren't you an English major? Or should I say, Engrish major?

"However, if Davis plays with a chip on his shoulder, he provides the Knicks with a much-needed veteran experience in the backcourt, and unlike Mike Bibby, can still productive in the downside of his career."

All kidding aside, you're doing a great job with this website.

BTW, what are you doing up at 2:55 AM? Are the Russians keeping you up? Or are you trying to spy on the hot neighbor next door?

Walter 12-22-2011 02:55 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.88 (total posts: 10)

Sorry about that. It was my fault (editing error). I posted the wrong logo. It's fixed.

Fitz 12-20-2011 08:03 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.242 (total posts: 2)

Dude can you please correct that Davis for Bass trade. Bass plays for Orlando, not Dallas. It is the most annoying thing seeing that big of a mistake on an otherwise good website

Fitz 12-19-2011 02:58 am xxx.xxx.xxx.242 (total posts: 2)

Bass plays for Orlando. Therefore Glen Davis is going to Orlando. Can you please correct this already

Bro 12-16-2011 10:44 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.89 (total posts: 1)

The Pistons bought out Rip Hamilton's contract so they could still use their amnesty on Ben Gordon. I was hoping that the Pistons wouldnt resign Tayshaun Prince so we could land the first pick of the draft and get a stud to join our young core of Greg Monroe, Austin Daye and Brandon Knight. But, the Pistons are stupid so they will rely on bums like Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon to win us out of a good draft pick and stay mediocre.

Also... 12-16-2011 11:10 am xxx.xxx.xxx6.44 (total posts: 2)

The Pistons bought out Rip's contract, and didn't use their amnesty clause yet. God willing, Ben Gordon is next to go.

Pages: 12 3 4

2012 NBA Mock Draft - May 19

2013 NBA Mock Draft - March 2

2012 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings: C | PF | COMBO-F | SF | COMBO-G | SG | PG | Sr | Jr | So | Fr

2011 NBA Free Agents: C | PF | SF | SG | PG

2011 NBA Mock Draft - June 23

2011 NBA Mock Draft - Walt's (June 21)

2011 NBA Mock Re-Draft

2010 NBA Mock Re-Draft

2009 NBA Mock Re-Draft

2011 NBA Draft Scouting Reports

2010-11 NBA Season Previews

2009 NBA Draft Grades

2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 24

2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 22

Charlie's 2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 21

2012 NBA Mock Draft - May 19

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 7

2011 NBA Draft and Offseason Blog

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