Suns Will Go After Michael Finley

The Suns are set on exploring the possibility of going after Michael Finley on the free agent market, a league source said Tuesday. The Mavericks bought out Finley for $51 million as a way to avoid paying the NBA's luxury tax. A number of teams with expensive contracts are doing the same thing because of a provision in the new collective bargaining agreement.

The Suns could use a shooter now that Quentin Richardson is going to New York for center-forward Kurt Thomas.

The Suns drafted Finley in 1995. He left in December, 1996 as part of the big trade that brought Jason Kidd from Dallas to the Suns.

Via East Valley Tribune

Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks

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Finley's Release in July Said To Be "Academic"

For the past couple of days, rumors that Dallas Mavericks swingman Michael Finley will be released have heaten up and now it appears very likely to happen when the CBA is finalized in June.

According to a team source, Finley's release is "academic" due to the financial incentives.

"Whatever decisions [we make] will be made in the best interest of the franchise," Mavs coach Avery Johnson said Sunday. "That's pretty much what we promised our players and our fans. The part of the business of losing anyone on our team isn't a good feeling, especially Finley."

If the Mavericks waive Finley, they would save $51.8 million in luxury tax payments.

Via Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

Dallas Mavericks

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Will The Mavericks Waive Finley?

According to Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News the new collective bargaining agreement may spell the end of Michael Finley's time as a Maverick.

The same clause in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement which would allow the New York Knicks to save luxury tax money by waiving Allan Houston could essentially end up saving Mavericks owner Mark Cuban $51 million over the next three seasons.

Should the Mavericks decide to waive Finley they would still have to pay his salary, but they would not have to pay the dollar for dollar luxury tax which affects all teams over the threshold. The luxury tax threshold was set at $61 million last season.

Essentially, the remainder of Finley's $51 million contract could cost Cuban $102 million if they remain over the luxury-tax threshold, which is probable if Finley is retained.

The Mavericks have discussed the issue and are aware of the implications. It represents a chance to take a huge step toward the club being in a better financial situation for future player dealings. If the Mavericks execute this option, they would not be allowed to re-sign Finley for the length of the contract.

"Under the new CBA, a player could be released and you would save that money off the tax," president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. "Every team in the NBA has a player who fits that mode."

Via Dallas Morning News

Dallas Mavericks

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