Andande talks about NBA, Europe, and salary cap

Credit: ESPN, J.A. Adande.

Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/s ... raw-080809

Legend has it that Bryant was the only player who voted against ratifying that agreement. The salary limit didn't affect him then, but he knew one day it would. That time has come, and will be in play again when he can opt out of his contract next year. It's hard to think of a man who will make $21 million in the upcoming season as limited, but Bryant knows he could be pulling in the $30 million-plus salaries Jordan racked up in his final two seasons with the Bulls.

And he still can. He's grandfathered in under the old CBA deal.

Kobe could sign a new six year deal starting around $22.26 million next season. (Or he could wait two years and start even higher.) With 10.5% raises, he'll make $30+ million by the fourth year of a new contract and make $37 million in the final season of the contract.

If he waits until 2011 and signs a new six year deal, he'd make $30+ million by 2013 and end with a $43 million season.

1996-97 Chicago Bulls NBA $30,140,000
1997-98 Chicago Bulls NBA $33,140,000

Damn i wish i had b ball skills

Oh my god...

I think this raises some interesting questions about David Stern's ongoing desire to expand into Europe. Could European teams under the NBA's jurisdiction truly be successful if other leagues allow players seemingly unlimited earning potential? Why compete for talent in a league that restricts your ability to snag the top players when such players are interested in playing for European clubs anyway? And if the best of the best are willing to leave what has long been considered the top league in the world, what kind of prestige would a European team gain from becoming a part of the NBA?

Bryant, speaking to reporters Friday in Beijing, put it in undisputable terms: "Do you know any reasonable person that would turn down 50 [million dollars]?"

Dave Chappelle?