Let’s use Rip Hamilton just as an example here. If Detroit cuts him loose he will be put into a waiver/claim situation for teams under the cap. There, teams bid and the highest bidder (if there is one) assumes that portion of the salary and the Pistons would pay the rest. Let’s say a team like the Denver offers 5 million they pay that and Detroit pays the difference. If no team claims Rip, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Moke Hamilton of TKB helps to point out that there are still many questions to be answered regarding the new CBA…

“Is the bidding process blind? Or do teams know who is bidding? That makes a BIG difference. we don’t know if you have to assume the years left on the guy’s deal. Gilbert has four years remaining, if he’s cut, and, let’s say, the Kings claim him for $3M. Is it $3M for all 4 yrs? Or just this year?”

It’s a great question and one we’ll find out soon, but as we get closer to seeing who becomes available, it’s important to understand how the process works. And it’s nice to have an member of the NYS Bar, and a future member of the NYS Bar helping us out here.