Posted by gunsnewing:
wow that would mean around $1omil to spend on a free agent! and that could actually be someone who is worth it for a change! not using the Amnesty on H20 was definitely worth the gamble!
[Edited by - gunsnewing on 08-16-2005 01:43 AM]
Actually, the injury exception is only for the MLE (well the rule is, half the players salary or the MLE, whichever is less. it can also be used in a trade. The Knicks got one for McDyess if you recall, but never used it. Here's the rule:
DISABLED PLAYER EXCEPTION -- This exception allows a team which is over the cap to acquire a replacement for a disabled player who will be out for the remainder of the season. This exception can also be granted in the event of a player's death. This exception can only be used to acquire one player. The maximum salary for the replacement player is 50% of the injured player's salary, or the average salary, whichever is less. Approval from the league (based on a determination by an NBA-designated physician) is required for this exception to be used. This exception can be used to sign a free agent, or to create room to accept a salary in trade. When used for trade, it is treated in a similar fashion to the traded player exception. If a team is under the salary cap by more than the combined amount of their exceptions, or drops below the cap by more than the combined amount of their exceptions after receiving this exception, then they lose this exception. If a team is under the salary cap and has this exception available to use, then it is included in their team salary.
If a player is disabled between July 1 and November 30, the team must acquire the replacement player within 45 days. If the player is disabled between December 1 and June 30, and the physician determines that the player will be out the entire following season as well, then the team has until October 1 to sign a replacement. If the disabled player comes back sooner than expected, then he may be activated immediately, and the replacement player (or exception, if it hasn't been used yet) is not affected.
http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm