The NBA decided to shorten the free agency moratorium and the NBA Players Association has seemingly agreed. The new period between when the season ends and when free agent contracts can formally be signed is now July 1 to July 6, rather than July 11.
The decision is likely as much a reaction to the DeAndre Jordan saga of last summer as it is to the anticipation of the upcoming free agency of Kevin Durant and the salary-cap expansion. The NBA and NBA Players Association agreed on the new rule and teams were formally notified on Thursday.
The new rule is already being dubbed the "DeAndre Jordan Rule" because of the Los Angeles Clippers' highly publicized change of heart last summer. Jordan reportedly agreed to sign with the Dallas Mavericks on July 3, but backed out of the deal and agreed to re-sign with the Clippers before the end of the moratorium.
But what ensued in between was as entertaining for the public as it was stressful for those involved. Clippers players and head coach Doc Rivers went to Jordan's house to convince him to re-sign while Mavericks personnel attempted to do the same to get him to affirm his decision.
The Mavericks were understandably infuriated, and the new rule is expected to benefit both sides of the matter. Now free agents still have a window to change their mind before putting pen to paper and the teams have the peace of mind knowing their signees will have to be more decisive.
That could be invaluable with the potential the next free agent class holds. The NBA's salary cap is set to spike, giving teams more room to spend on a wealth of talented free agents. While Durant may well just stay put in Oklahoma City, various reports indicate just about every team will pursue him.
The salary cap rising is believed to be the reason why LeBron James signed a two-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers last summer with an opt-out after one season. Though James seems committed to staying in Cleveland, he will force the Cavaliers to pony up to keep him.
Other free agents that could hit the open market this summer is Dwayne Wade, Pau Gasol, Al Horford, Mike Conley, DeMar DeRozan and Hassan Whiteside. Durant's teammate, Russell Westbrook, and Warriors guard Stephen Curry will become free agents in 2017 and will likely demand monstrous max contracts.
