Why no fine for trying to claim Miles off waivers?

[d-train]

The NBA didn’t give a reason for denying the Blazers attempt to claim Miles off waivers. However, the only reason I can see that would permit the NBA to take this action is salary cap circumvention. So, where is the fine and further penalties that salary cap circumvention would warrant based on past precedent.

[Dunkenstein]

I suspect that by telling Portland that they couldn't claim Miles off waivers they also prevented Portland from actually circumventing the cap. Thus no penalties.

Do you have a past precedent that you can cite where a team was fined in a similar situation?

[d-train]

The only case I know of is the Timberwolves. So, the Timberwolves were only fined because for a period they benefited from their circumvention.

I just thought of another case that maybe does apply if someone can fill in the details. The Miami Heat was fined for signing Juwon Howard to an offer sheet that was voided before it became a contract. The league declared some sort of salary cap violation and fined the Heat.

[FGump]

The NBA didn’t give a reason for denying the Blazers attempt to claim Miles off waivers. .

They used the "Because We Can"* excuse as the reason why they denied the Blazers' waiver claim.


PS - The document describing the Because We Can, as well as governing other league office rights, inter-team rules and guidelines, is buried in the league's very private Constitution and By-laws. That's my logical guess, if you can't find it in the CBA anywhere.

[casey]

A likely scenario imo is that the league told Portland they would lose the exemption and be penalized (fine, draft picks, whatever) if they claimed Miles and sat him on the bench. So they mutually agreed that the waiver request should be denied. Either that or what FGump said.

[Dunkenstein]

A likely scenario imo is that the league told Portland they would lose the exemption and be penalized (fine, draft picks, whatever) if they claimed Miles and sat him on the bench. So they mutually agreed that the waiver request should be denied.

Gee, that's a great idea. I wish I'd thought of that.

[casey]

For the record I thought of that before you had posted it, so I wasn't just trying to copy what you said.

[Dunkenstein]

For the record I thought of that before you had posted it, so I wasn't just trying to copy what you said.

Then that just goes to show that great minds think alike. Some just write faster than others.

[casey]

touche