By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
One of the founding principles in the US professional leagues is a version of the salary cap.
In Europe, there’s no such provision, while Financial Fair Play is roughly the equivalent. Speaking about Kawhi Leonard, however, Draymond Green challenged the whole concept of the salary cap.
“I’m happy the team got the bulk of the penalty and not Kawhi”, said Green about the Clippers punishment which had to do with the salary cap rules.
For Green, salary cap must be addressed in general: “We heard a lot that Kawhi may be suspended and I’m happy he didn’t get suspended. And like I said, address the issues of the salary cap. I think that’s what comes out of this. Why is there a salary cap? Why are guys being prevented from making money from team sponsors or league sponsors or whoever else?”
According to Green, the market should decide on the salary, like it happens in European sports: “We talk about we’re in a league that is player-centric, that is player-focused, that is player-driven, that has the best interest for the players. And here was a situation where a guy can make 20 to 30 extra million dollars and we’re like, oh yeah, you’re in trouble. I’m happy Kawhi didn’t get the bulk of this punishment. I think that is absolutely beautiful.”
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