Anthony Davis (Photo : Reuters/Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)
Anthony Davis should heave a sigh of relief that the disappointing 2015-16 season is finally reaching an early end. The only problem is that he could lose as much as $ 24 million because of it.
The decision to shut down was announced by the team but Head Coach Alvin Gentry has recommended it days before Davis had a knee collision in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Gentry mentioned that Davis also had a lingering issue with his shoulder.
It seems like the correct decision considering that the New Orleans Pelicans have no chance to make the playoffs anymore. However, there is one thing to consider: Davis contract falls under the Derrick Rose rule.
The Unibrow signed a contract that could be worth $ 145 million in 5 years, but only if he qualifies for the special provision named after former league MVP Derrick Rose because he was the first player to qualify for it.
The official rule, from Larry Coon's CBA FAQ states that the players maximum for Davis "is usually the 0-6 year maximum, which is based on 25% of the salary cap. However, a player may receive up to the 7-9 year maximum, which is based on 30% of the cap, if he meets any of the following criteria (called the '5th Year 30% Max criteria')."
In short, Davis' salary should only be 25% of the cap but if he qualifies (and the Pelicans anticipated that he would) it would be 30%.
The criteria that Davis must pass are as follows, (h/t Today's Fast Break).
1. Named to the All-NBA First, Second or Third team at least twice.
2. Voted as a starter in the All-Star Game at least twice.
3. Named the NBA Most Valuable Player at least once.
Davis is unlikely to win the MVP this year (they're probably engraving Stephen Curry's name on it) and he was not voted into the All Star Game. His last chance is to make criteria no.1 which is to be named to the All-NBA First-Third teams.
That seemed too easy at the start of the season when he was even projected as a possible MVP candidate. It would still be feasible if he finished the season, but stopping now would jeopardize that.
ESPN had the numbers based on the approximate cap, and if he does qualify for the Rose rule, he would get $ 145 million in 5 years. That drops to $ 121 million if he does not. That 5% makes a bigger difference because of the cap increase. Of course, he must meet the criteria before the contract takes effect. Even if wins MVP during the duration of the contract, it won't change the numbers.
The dismal season of the Pelicans will take its toll on Davis but they still have five years to turn things around. On the bright side, sidelining Davis practically places them in tanking category and places them in position for a better draft pick. The irony is that the Pelicans actually beat the Clippers, 4th ranked team in the West in their first game without the Unibrow.
