Can contracts be ripped up in new CBA?

[Froob]

For example, can Boston re-sign Thomas to a new 3 year max starting next year and eliminating the final year of his current contract he originally signed with Phoenix?

[BdeRegt]

They could renegotiate and extend his contract using cap space in the same manner the Rockets did with Harden last year. It isn't really tearing up his contract just a renegotiation. These are rare as it would take away Boston's ability to improve through free agency.

[Smitty731]

They could renegotiate and extend his contract using cap space in the same manner the Rockets did with Harden last year. It isn't really tearing up his contract just a renegotiation. These are rare as it would take away Boston's ability to improve through free agency.

Yup. You have to use cap space to renegotiate and extend someone, so unlikely Boston goes that route until all other options are gone. Which was the case for both Houston and OKC with Harden and Westbrook last year.

[Smitty731]

when you say "New CBA" ... did they come up with a newer one since the last agreement?

He's talking about the new CBA that takes effect on 7/1.