NBA Trade Thread #12

[jnrjr79]

Jokic makes $55 mill next year. Our expensive players are Vucevic, Williams, Collins and Huerter. Then we don't have the defensive rim protecting PF next to him Denver you need next to Jokic, same problem we've had with Vuc. Maybe a trade of a re-signed Giddey, Vucevic and 6 firsts and 6 pick swaps would have some interest. Hopefully they don't make us include Coby too.

We're left basically with Coby, Matas and Jokic as the replacements for Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.

Jokic is 30, and has a player option in 2027. Have no idea how his body will hold up the next few years, but we're certainly looking at a max extension probably in 2026. Or max contract for a 32 yr old in 2027. We've given up our draft capital for years, so there's no adding rookies to help. Would be great to get 25 yr old Jokic, not giving up a 23 yr old Giddey and our best picks for the next 12 years for a 30 year old Jokic. Most NBA players retire in their early to mid 30's, especially centers.

This is exactly the type of move people have been complaining AK does. Trade future draft picks and young assets for older win now players. If Jokic is injured or leaves in free agency, we have very little left and our future sucks. The number of picks this would cost should be a deal killer to anybody who really believes in build through the draft.

I have zero interest in Jokic. Yes he is an all-time great, but he’s on the wrong side of 30 and we would have to gut our team to get him. It’s not like he guarantees championships by himself.

We need to stick with our youth movement. Stop looking for quick fixes.

You’d have to be insane to have ZERO interest in Jokic. I’d give up our entire team, Matas included, and toss in The Bean and Willis Tower if needed.

No chance Denver moves him. I do think he leaves once his deal is up and joins Luka in LA, unfortunately.

Ahem, it's the Sears Tower.

[jnrjr79]

Does AD have any power to force a trade? Hasn't seemed like a disruptive guy in his career, and with Kyrie out for the season doesn't matter much if he gives 110% or 50% in terms of effort. Once you leave LA, Dallas is probably a top destination, guess it would depend on his priorities. Only reason he'd want to leave there is to join a win now team, and the Bulls ain't that. Maybe he wants to come home, the playing for your hometown effect is real.

Last 5 years including this one he's played 50, 76, 54, 40, 36 games. Most of that he was under 30, as impactful as he is, he's a terrible long term gamble at his contract even if he cost no assets. Giving up Coby or Giddey and a lottery pick for the chance to pay AD $63 mill at age 34, no thanks.

He might be a great add to a team like Denver in a trade for Aaron Gordon plus pieces, for instance.

He forced his way to L.A. out of New Orleans, so we already know he's the type of guy who would be willing to do that under certain circumstances. I'm not sure he has enough juice anymore, though, to make that kind of a play. And I also have no reason to think he'd want out of Dallas, specifically.

True that. Season he forced his way out, AD averaged 26 and 12, with 2.4 blocks. His sixth All-Star game, had 3 DPOY's already. Team went 33-49. Three seasons before that Pelicans won 48, 34, and 30. Not going to lie, if I could force my way off that team after giving them 7 years to get a team together and end up in LA with Lebron, sign me up, lmao!

Texas, Florida and Tennessee considered the best tax states for NBA players btw. Dallas is a pretty nice place to be when you're making over $60 million.


Illinois Residents State Income Tax Tables for Single Filers in 2025
Personal Income Tax Rates and Thresholds (Annual)
Tax Rate Taxable Income Threshold
10% Income from $ 0.000.00 to $ 11,925.00
12% Income from $ 11,925.01 to $ 48,475.00
22% Income from $ 48,475.01 to $ 103,350.00
24% Income from $ 103,350.01 to $ 197,300.00
32% Income from $ 197,300.01 to $ 250,525.00
35% Income from $ 250,525.01 to $ 626,350.00
37% Income from $ 626,350.01 and above

Could this be part of the reason Chicago is not a huge NBA destination?

That chart you posted seems to be including federal income tax, which wouldn't change depending on your market (except Toronto).

Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax rate. There was an effort to amend the state constitution to allow for graduated income tax rates here a few years back and it failed.

[Infinity2152]

He forced his way to L.A. out of New Orleans, so we already know he's the type of guy who would be willing to do that under certain circumstances. I'm not sure he has enough juice anymore, though, to make that kind of a play. And I also have no reason to think he'd want out of Dallas, specifically.

True that. Season he forced his way out, AD averaged 26 and 12, with 2.4 blocks. His sixth All-Star game, had 3 DPOY's already. Team went 33-49. Three seasons before that Pelicans won 48, 34, and 30. Not going to lie, if I could force my way off that team after giving them 7 years to get a team together and end up in LA with Lebron, sign me up, lmao!

Texas, Florida and Tennessee considered the best tax states for NBA players btw. Dallas is a pretty nice place to be when you're making over $60 million.


Illinois Residents State Income Tax Tables for Single Filers in 2025
Personal Income Tax Rates and Thresholds (Annual)
Tax Rate Taxable Income Threshold
10% Income from $ 0.000.00 to $ 11,925.00
12% Income from $ 11,925.01 to $ 48,475.00
22% Income from $ 48,475.01 to $ 103,350.00
24% Income from $ 103,350.01 to $ 197,300.00
32% Income from $ 197,300.01 to $ 250,525.00
35% Income from $ 250,525.01 to $ 626,350.00
37% Income from $ 626,350.01 and above

Could this be part of the reason Chicago is not a huge NBA destination?

That chart you posted seems to be including federal income tax, which wouldn't change depending on your market (except Toronto).

Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax rate. There was an effort to amend the state constitution to allow for graduated income tax rates here a few years back and it failed.

Got you. NBA players pay state taxes depending on where they play. At least half their games will be home games. So half their salary taxed at their team state rate. AD makes $62.8 mill his last contract year. So $31.4 mill taxed at 4.95% vs 0%. $1.6 mil saved, not including playoff games and in-state endorsements. Over three years, that will add up. Especially since this could be his last contract. He gets hurt a LOT and he'll be 34 in his contract year.

From how I understand their endorsements, they can be taxed based on the state they're living in or the state the do the work in, so when it's one and the same and the state tax is 0%, has to be the best of both worlds.

Thanks for the info about the graduated tax rates here. Didn't know if we had that here. AD makes a ton, so it matters less but I wonder how much the average NBA players nets after taxes, agent's fees, accountants, lawyer fees, trainers, high real estate cost a lot of times because they're young guys buying quickly whenever they get traded, plus begging family and friends.

[WindyCityBorn]

Jokic makes $55 mill next year. Our expensive players are Vucevic, Williams, Collins and Huerter. Then we don't have the defensive rim protecting PF next to him Denver you need next to Jokic, same problem we've had with Vuc. Maybe a trade of a re-signed Giddey, Vucevic and 6 firsts and 6 pick swaps would have some interest. Hopefully they don't make us include Coby too.

We're left basically with Coby, Matas and Jokic as the replacements for Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.

Jokic is 30, and has a player option in 2027. Have no idea how his body will hold up the next few years, but we're certainly looking at a max extension probably in 2026. Or max contract for a 32 yr old in 2027. We've given up our draft capital for years, so there's no adding rookies to help. Would be great to get 25 yr old Jokic, not giving up a 23 yr old Giddey and our best picks for the next 12 years for a 30 year old Jokic. Most NBA players retire in their early to mid 30's, especially centers.

This is exactly the type of move people have been complaining AK does. Trade future draft picks and young assets for older win now players. If Jokic is injured or leaves in free agency, we have very little left and our future sucks. The number of picks this would cost should be a deal killer to anybody who really believes in build through the draft.

I have zero interest in Jokic. Yes he is an all-time great, but he’s on the wrong side of 30 and we would have to gut our team to get him. It’s not like he guarantees championships by himself.

We need to stick with our youth movement. Stop looking for quick fixes.

You’d have to be insane to have ZERO interest in Jokic. I’d give up our entire team, Matas included, and toss in The Bean and Willis Tower if needed.

No chance Denver moves him. I do think he leaves once his deal is up and joins Luka in LA, unfortunately.

I’m insane then because I don’t want him unless it’s signing as a free agent. Not trading for him.

[WindyCityBorn]

Does AD have any power to force a trade? Hasn't seemed like a disruptive guy in his career, and with Kyrie out for the season doesn't matter much if he gives 110% or 50% in terms of effort. Once you leave LA, Dallas is probably a top destination, guess it would depend on his priorities. Only reason he'd want to leave there is to join a win now team, and the Bulls ain't that. Maybe he wants to come home, the playing for your hometown effect is real.

Last 5 years including this one he's played 50, 76, 54, 40, 36 games. Most of that he was under 30, as impactful as he is, he's a terrible long term gamble at his contract even if he cost no assets. Giving up Coby or Giddey and a lottery pick for the chance to pay AD $63 mill at age 34, no thanks.

He might be a great add to a team like Denver in a trade for Aaron Gordon plus pieces, for instance.

He forced his way to L.A. out of New Orleans, so we already know he's the type of guy who would be willing to do that under certain circumstances. I'm not sure he has enough juice anymore, though, to make that kind of a play. And I also have no reason to think he'd want out of Dallas, specifically.

True that. Season he forced his way out, AD averaged 26 and 12, with 2.4 blocks. His sixth All-Star game, had 3 DPOY's already. Team went 33-49. Three seasons before that Pelicans won 48, 34, and 30. Not going to lie, if I could force my way off that team after giving them 7 years to get a team together and end up in LA with Lebron, sign me up, lmao!

Texas, Florida and Tennessee considered the best tax states for NBA players btw. Dallas is a pretty nice place to be when you're making over $60 million.


Illinois Residents State Income Tax Tables for Single Filers in 2025
Personal Income Tax Rates and Thresholds (Annual)
Tax Rate Taxable Income Threshold
10% Income from $ 0.000.00 to $ 11,925.00
12% Income from $ 11,925.01 to $ 48,475.00
22% Income from $ 48,475.01 to $ 103,350.00
24% Income from $ 103,350.01 to $ 197,300.00
32% Income from $ 197,300.01 to $ 250,525.00
35% Income from $ 250,525.01 to $ 626,350.00
37% Income from $ 626,350.01 and above

Could this be part of the reason Chicago is not a huge NBA destination?

Now you want Broke Down Davis too? Jesus Christ.

[Infinity2152]

He forced his way to L.A. out of New Orleans, so we already know he's the type of guy who would be willing to do that under certain circumstances. I'm not sure he has enough juice anymore, though, to make that kind of a play. And I also have no reason to think he'd want out of Dallas, specifically.

True that. Season he forced his way out, AD averaged 26 and 12, with 2.4 blocks. His sixth All-Star game, had 3 DPOY's already. Team went 33-49. Three seasons before that Pelicans won 48, 34, and 30. Not going to lie, if I could force my way off that team after giving them 7 years to get a team together and end up in LA with Lebron, sign me up, lmao!

Texas, Florida and Tennessee considered the best tax states for NBA players btw. Dallas is a pretty nice place to be when you're making over $60 million.


Illinois Residents State Income Tax Tables for Single Filers in 2025
Personal Income Tax Rates and Thresholds (Annual)
Tax Rate Taxable Income Threshold
10% Income from $ 0.000.00 to $ 11,925.00
12% Income from $ 11,925.01 to $ 48,475.00
22% Income from $ 48,475.01 to $ 103,350.00
24% Income from $ 103,350.01 to $ 197,300.00
32% Income from $ 197,300.01 to $ 250,525.00
35% Income from $ 250,525.01 to $ 626,350.00
37% Income from $ 626,350.01 and above

Could this be part of the reason Chicago is not a huge NBA destination?

Now you want Broke Down Davis too? Jesus Chris.

I absolutely don't want Davis. Horrible fit for us now, was trying to say no in a nice way to the brother that proposed trading for him. I've thrown up some trade proposals too but really until we lock Giddy down and see where and who we draft, we don't even have an idea what this team really needs.

Only position I think is clearly up for grabs for a building piece or incoming star is center. But either a young center like Naz Reid, or ride it out and let Vuc and Collins expire if you can't trade either is my view. I'm just assuming if we get a top 8 pick or so, we're drafting a guard or a forward to play big minutes. Wouldn't trade for Sabonis either and I think he's a better gamble than Davis.

[sco]

I really doubt AK seriously plays in any of the KD, AD or Joker sweepstakes, but our opportunity is to jump in with our many expirings, young non-core guys, and future picks to help facilitate the deal as a 3rd team. Maybe there is a good pick or young asset we can take in, in order to exchange a bad contract for expiring ones?

[Infinity2152]

I really doubt AK seriously plays in any of the KD, AD or Joker sweepstakes, but our opportunity is to jump in with our many expirings, young non-core guys, and future picks to help facilitate the deal as a 3rd team. Maybe there is a good pick or young asset we can take in, in order to exchange a bad contract for expiring ones?

Good point. If we're not committed to being players in FA 2026 and competing with half the league, this could be a great time to take some contracts and stack some serious assets. I probably wouldn't take bad contracts, but some moveable longer term contracts from teams trying to clear 2026 cap. Sell that cap space to thirsty teams trying to enter the frenzy or who need to get out the repeater tax and still maintain some flexibility if a trade opportunity arises.

Vucevic is a $20 mill expiring 18/10 machine. That's going to have value to several teams by the deadline. Collins and Huerter too.

[jnrjr79]

True that. Season he forced his way out, AD averaged 26 and 12, with 2.4 blocks. His sixth All-Star game, had 3 DPOY's already. Team went 33-49. Three seasons before that Pelicans won 48, 34, and 30. Not going to lie, if I could force my way off that team after giving them 7 years to get a team together and end up in LA with Lebron, sign me up, lmao!

Texas, Florida and Tennessee considered the best tax states for NBA players btw. Dallas is a pretty nice place to be when you're making over $60 million.


Illinois Residents State Income Tax Tables for Single Filers in 2025
Personal Income Tax Rates and Thresholds (Annual)
Tax Rate Taxable Income Threshold
10% Income from $ 0.000.00 to $ 11,925.00
12% Income from $ 11,925.01 to $ 48,475.00
22% Income from $ 48,475.01 to $ 103,350.00
24% Income from $ 103,350.01 to $ 197,300.00
32% Income from $ 197,300.01 to $ 250,525.00
35% Income from $ 250,525.01 to $ 626,350.00
37% Income from $ 626,350.01 and above

Could this be part of the reason Chicago is not a huge NBA destination?

That chart you posted seems to be including federal income tax, which wouldn't change depending on your market (except Toronto).

Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax rate. There was an effort to amend the state constitution to allow for graduated income tax rates here a few years back and it failed.

Got you. NBA players pay state taxes depending on where they play. At least half their games will be home games. So half their salary taxed at their team state rate. AD makes $62.8 mill his last contract year. So $31.4 mill taxed at 4.95% vs 0%. $1.6 mil saved, not including playoff games and in-state endorsements. Over three years, that will add up. Especially since this could be his last contract. He gets hurt a LOT and he'll be 34 in his contract year.

From how I understand their endorsements, they can be taxed based on the state they're living in or the state the do the work in, so when it's one and the same and the state tax is 0%, has to be the best of both worlds.

Thanks for the info about the graduated tax rates here. Didn't know if we had that here. AD makes a ton, so it matters less but I wonder how much the average NBA players nets after taxes, agent's fees, accountants, lawyer fees, trainers, high real estate cost a lot of times because they're young guys buying quickly whenever they get traded, plus begging family and friends.

California's income tax rate is 12.3% on income over about $720K (double that if married filing jointly), so AD's move from California (highest tax rate in the country) and Texas (lowest in the country), will definitely have a real impact on his bottom line.

NBA player tax returns must be a real pain given how many different states they play in over the course of the year, plus playing in Canada, plus the occasional game in France or Mexico.

[Infinity2152]

That chart you posted seems to be including federal income tax, which wouldn't change depending on your market (except Toronto).

Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax rate. There was an effort to amend the state constitution to allow for graduated income tax rates here a few years back and it failed.

Got you. NBA players pay state taxes depending on where they play. At least half their games will be home games. So half their salary taxed at their team state rate. AD makes $62.8 mill his last contract year. So $31.4 mill taxed at 4.95% vs 0%. $1.6 mil saved, not including playoff games and in-state endorsements. Over three years, that will add up. Especially since this could be his last contract. He gets hurt a LOT and he'll be 34 in his contract year.

From how I understand their endorsements, they can be taxed based on the state they're living in or the state the do the work in, so when it's one and the same and the state tax is 0%, has to be the best of both worlds.

Thanks for the info about the graduated tax rates here. Didn't know if we had that here. AD makes a ton, so it matters less but I wonder how much the average NBA players nets after taxes, agent's fees, accountants, lawyer fees, trainers, high real estate cost a lot of times because they're young guys buying quickly whenever they get traded, plus begging family and friends.

California's income tax rate is 12.3% on income over about $720K (double that if married filing jointly), so AD's move from California (highest tax rate in the country) and Texas (lowest in the country), will definitely have a real impact on his bottom line.

NBA player tax returns must be a real pain given how many different states they play in over the course of the year, plus playing in Canada, plus the occasional game in France or Mexico.

I agree. NGL, I didn't start learning a lot of basic money fundamentals till my 40's. These guys come in the league at 18 and 19, a lot are out by 23-24. Rookies make what seems like a ton of money, but seems like you could go broke fast with a few bad moves unless you get that second or third contract.

[kodo]

Thanks for the info about the graduated tax rates here. Didn't know if we had that here. AD makes a ton, so it matters less but I wonder how much the average NBA players nets after taxes, agent's fees, accountants, lawyer fees, trainers, high real estate cost a lot of times because they're young guys buying quickly whenever they get traded, plus begging family and friends.

Someone posted the financials for Lebron some years back:

Read on Twitter

[Dan Z]

That chart you posted seems to be including federal income tax, which wouldn't change depending on your market (except Toronto).

Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax rate. There was an effort to amend the state constitution to allow for graduated income tax rates here a few years back and it failed.

Got you. NBA players pay state taxes depending on where they play. At least half their games will be home games. So half their salary taxed at their team state rate. AD makes $62.8 mill his last contract year. So $31.4 mill taxed at 4.95% vs 0%. $1.6 mil saved, not including playoff games and in-state endorsements. Over three years, that will add up. Especially since this could be his last contract. He gets hurt a LOT and he'll be 34 in his contract year.

From how I understand their endorsements, they can be taxed based on the state they're living in or the state the do the work in, so when it's one and the same and the state tax is 0%, has to be the best of both worlds.

Thanks for the info about the graduated tax rates here. Didn't know if we had that here. AD makes a ton, so it matters less but I wonder how much the average NBA players nets after taxes, agent's fees, accountants, lawyer fees, trainers, high real estate cost a lot of times because they're young guys buying quickly whenever they get traded, plus begging family and friends.

California's income tax rate is 12.3% on income over about $720K (double that if married filing jointly), so AD's move from California (highest tax rate in the country) and Texas (lowest in the country), will definitely have a real impact on his bottom line.

NBA player tax returns must be a real pain given how many different states they play in over the course of the year, plus playing in Canada, plus the occasional game in France or Mexico.

NBA players have to pay taxes in each state they've had games in? That doesn't sound like its right, but I don't really know.

[WesPeace]

I have zero interest in Jokic. Yes he is an all-time great, but he’s on the wrong side of 30 and we would have to gut our team to get him. It’s not like he guarantees championships by himself.

We need to stick with our youth movement. Stop looking for quick fixes.

You’d have to be insane to have ZERO interest in Jokic. I’d give up our entire team, Matas included, and toss in The Bean and Willis Tower if needed.

No chance Denver moves him. I do think he leaves once his deal is up and joins Luka in LA, unfortunately.

I’m insane then because I don’t want him unless it’s signing as a free agent. Not trading for him.

Totally agree.. I would be insane to gut the team completely for Jokic. He is on the wrong side of 30s and he isnt exactly the guy you can build around for next 6-7 years. Its rather short 3 year window.

[jnrjr79]

Got you. NBA players pay state taxes depending on where they play. At least half their games will be home games. So half their salary taxed at their team state rate. AD makes $62.8 mill his last contract year. So $31.4 mill taxed at 4.95% vs 0%. $1.6 mil saved, not including playoff games and in-state endorsements. Over three years, that will add up. Especially since this could be his last contract. He gets hurt a LOT and he'll be 34 in his contract year.

From how I understand their endorsements, they can be taxed based on the state they're living in or the state the do the work in, so when it's one and the same and the state tax is 0%, has to be the best of both worlds.

Thanks for the info about the graduated tax rates here. Didn't know if we had that here. AD makes a ton, so it matters less but I wonder how much the average NBA players nets after taxes, agent's fees, accountants, lawyer fees, trainers, high real estate cost a lot of times because they're young guys buying quickly whenever they get traded, plus begging family and friends.

California's income tax rate is 12.3% on income over about $720K (double that if married filing jointly), so AD's move from California (highest tax rate in the country) and Texas (lowest in the country), will definitely have a real impact on his bottom line.

NBA player tax returns must be a real pain given how many different states they play in over the course of the year, plus playing in Canada, plus the occasional game in France or Mexico.

NBA players have to pay taxes in each state they've had games in? That doesn't sound like its right, but I don't really know.

Yep, the income is considered earned wherever the game is located. So your home state income tax only applies to half your games.

[Infinity2152]

Got you. NBA players pay state taxes depending on where they play. At least half their games will be home games. So half their salary taxed at their team state rate. AD makes $62.8 mill his last contract year. So $31.4 mill taxed at 4.95% vs 0%. $1.6 mil saved, not including playoff games and in-state endorsements. Over three years, that will add up. Especially since this could be his last contract. He gets hurt a LOT and he'll be 34 in his contract year.

From how I understand their endorsements, they can be taxed based on the state they're living in or the state the do the work in, so when it's one and the same and the state tax is 0%, has to be the best of both worlds.

Thanks for the info about the graduated tax rates here. Didn't know if we had that here. AD makes a ton, so it matters less but I wonder how much the average NBA players nets after taxes, agent's fees, accountants, lawyer fees, trainers, high real estate cost a lot of times because they're young guys buying quickly whenever they get traded, plus begging family and friends.

California's income tax rate is 12.3% on income over about $720K (double that if married filing jointly), so AD's move from California (highest tax rate in the country) and Texas (lowest in the country), will definitely have a real impact on his bottom line.

NBA player tax returns must be a real pain given how many different states they play in over the course of the year, plus playing in Canada, plus the occasional game in France or Mexico.

NBA players have to pay taxes in each state they've had games in? That doesn't sound like its right, but I don't really know.

Called the "jock tax". Not only for athletes, but they're a major part of why it was created. They better have competent accountants, lol. That's why I say it could play a factor in big name free agents coming here. Illinois is at 4.95% state tax on half your games, or say 2.5% on your total contract. Vs some states with 0% state tax. That might not sound like much but over a $200 mill contract? That's an additional $5 mill in your pocket. Mind you, the player might have only netted say $125-$140, not $200 mill in the first place.

Real estate taxes are pretty high here too. Rookies have no choice where they go, and guys just getting their second contracts are usually around 22-24, probably not worried about taxes much. The more seasoned free agents we usually want have been around the block longer, usually going to be more financially aware and the bigger the contract, the bigger the savings.

[jnrjr79]

California's income tax rate is 12.3% on income over about $720K (double that if married filing jointly), so AD's move from California (highest tax rate in the country) and Texas (lowest in the country), will definitely have a real impact on his bottom line.

NBA player tax returns must be a real pain given how many different states they play in over the course of the year, plus playing in Canada, plus the occasional game in France or Mexico.

NBA players have to pay taxes in each state they've had games in? That doesn't sound like its right, but I don't really know.

Called the "jock tax". Not only for athletes, but they're a major part of why it was created. They better have competent accountants, lol. That's why I say it could play a factor in big name free agents coming here. Illinois is at 4.95% state tax on half your games, or say 2.5% on your total contract. Vs some states with 0% state tax. That might not sound like much but over a $200 mill contract? That's an additional $5 mill in your pocket. Mind you, the player might have only netted say $125-$140, not $200 mill in the first place.

Real estate taxes are pretty high here too. Rookies have no choice where they go, and guys just getting their second contracts are usually around 22-24, probably not worried about taxes much. The more seasoned free agents we usually want have been around the block longer, usually going to be more financially aware and the bigger the contract, the bigger the savings.

In terms of state income tax and its affect on market appeal, only FL, TN, and TX have NBA teams and have no income tax.

You make a good point about real estate taxes here. They are pretty brutal. And high sales tax on top of that. Housing cost isn't terrible relative to coastal markets, but they aren't dirt cheap, either.

If I had to guess, maybe Memphis is the cheapest overall market you could play in, in terms of tax burden + cost of living/housing? Fun to think about.

[Infinity2152]

NBA players have to pay taxes in each state they've had games in? That doesn't sound like its right, but I don't really know.

Called the "jock tax". Not only for athletes, but they're a major part of why it was created. They better have competent accountants, lol. That's why I say it could play a factor in big name free agents coming here. Illinois is at 4.95% state tax on half your games, or say 2.5% on your total contract. Vs some states with 0% state tax. That might not sound like much but over a $200 mill contract? That's an additional $5 mill in your pocket. Mind you, the player might have only netted say $125-$140, not $200 mill in the first place.

Real estate taxes are pretty high here too. Rookies have no choice where they go, and guys just getting their second contracts are usually around 22-24, probably not worried about taxes much. The more seasoned free agents we usually want have been around the block longer, usually going to be more financially aware and the bigger the contract, the bigger the savings.

In terms of state income tax and its affect on market appeal, only FL, TN, and TX have NBA teams and have no income tax.

You make a good point about real estate taxes here. They are pretty brutal. And high sales tax on top of that. Housing cost isn't terrible relative to coastal markets, but they aren't dirt cheap, either.

If I had to guess, maybe Memphis is the cheapest overall market you could play in, in terms of tax burden + cost of living/housing? Fun to think about.

FL, TN, and TX account for 6 teams, or 20% of the league. Houston, Dallas, SA, Miami and Orlando are probably all top free agent targets.

I'd guess Memphis too. Wife is retiring in a few years and we're looking at places where you get a better quality of life on relatively fixed income. NBA players mostly retire in their 30's, that contract they get at 30-32 could be their last contract for many. Ideal plan for an NBA player might look like play as many years as you can in income tax friendly states, avoid buying real estate till retirement and retire in a place with low real estate taxes with your million dollar home. We're looking for 5-10 acres of land, do not want to pay Illinois taxes on that.

I love Chicago, but water tax? City stickers? Bottle tax? Bag tax? High tobacco and liquor taxes. On top of the high sales tax, income tax and real estate taxes?

[jnrjr79]

Called the "jock tax". Not only for athletes, but they're a major part of why it was created. They better have competent accountants, lol. That's why I say it could play a factor in big name free agents coming here. Illinois is at 4.95% state tax on half your games, or say 2.5% on your total contract. Vs some states with 0% state tax. That might not sound like much but over a $200 mill contract? That's an additional $5 mill in your pocket. Mind you, the player might have only netted say $125-$140, not $200 mill in the first place.

Real estate taxes are pretty high here too. Rookies have no choice where they go, and guys just getting their second contracts are usually around 22-24, probably not worried about taxes much. The more seasoned free agents we usually want have been around the block longer, usually going to be more financially aware and the bigger the contract, the bigger the savings.

In terms of state income tax and its affect on market appeal, only FL, TN, and TX have NBA teams and have no income tax.

You make a good point about real estate taxes here. They are pretty brutal. And high sales tax on top of that. Housing cost isn't terrible relative to coastal markets, but they aren't dirt cheap, either.

If I had to guess, maybe Memphis is the cheapest overall market you could play in, in terms of tax burden + cost of living/housing? Fun to think about.

FL, TN, and TX account for 6 teams, or 20% of the league. Houston, Dallas, SA, Miami and Orlando are probably all top free agent targets.

I'd guess Memphis too. Wife is retiring in a few years and we're looking at places where you get a better quality of life on relatively fixed income. NBA players mostly retire in their 30's, that contract they get at 30-32 could be their last contract for many. Ideal plan for an NBA player might look like play as many years as you can in income tax friendly states, avoid buying real estate till retirement and retire in a place with low real estate taxes with your million dollar home.

I don't think free agent signings really support the idea that Memphis or SA are particularly sexy FA destinations. Mostly I'd imagine young super-rich guys are happy to pay some extra tax to live where they want to live, and also it's not really a free market, so you're sort of the victim of whoever has cap space in a given year. But I imagine that at least for a decent plurality of players, the tax/cost of living landscape is something they're at least taking into account when discussing options with their agents.

We're looking for 5-10 acres of land, do not want to pay Illinois taxes on that.

I love Chicago, but water tax? City stickers? Bottle tax? Bag tax? High tobacco and liquor taxes. On top of the high sales tax, income tax and real estate taxes?

Amen. I have lived in the city for 20-odd years now and there is always a hand in your pocket. Don't forget parking tickets, speed cameras, etc. I remember I had a work thing that ran long when I was parked at a meter in Waukegan some years ago and I got a ticket. It was $20. That seemed downright quaint compared to a parking infraction in the city. Real estate taxes in Wisconsin are a small fraction of what they are here, their sales tax is half ours...I could go on and on lol.

[Infinity2152]

Everybody knows the Suns have to move somebody. Most of us think it's going to be KD. Analysts think Phoenix will have to take pennies on the dollar. Coincidentally, the owners of the Suns, Justin and Matt Ishbia, just increased their ownership interest in the White Sox. They are now listed as co-owners with Jerry Reinsdorf. Relationships matter in the big leagues. I know there will be a lot of pushback against this, but KD, outside his age, is kind of an ideal fit if the cost is low enough. Slot into PF next to Matas, one of the highest basketball IQ's in the league. Short-term rental possibly, but instantly makes the Bulls a top team in the east, depending on what we have to give up. Any big contract trade with Phoenix would be extremely difficult, but of course Pat Williams contract is included.

[WesPeace]

For KD, it would include Vooch, PWill and Collins to make salaries work, it they take those 3 guys ok lol.. but thats bad deal for Suns!
KD is expiring and we get out of PWill deal. Then we have huge chunk of salary cap space for 2026-27.

But anyway thats not happening..