ESPN reports that some NBA teams are upset with the Miami Heat for dodging the luxury tax.
Miami Heat president Pat Riley has done it again. The boss of all bosses managed to arrange the buyout of guard Beno Udrih, ultimately saving them from having to pay the league luxury tax.
And while Heat Nation may be thrilled, apparently the rest of the NBA is not, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
"Buyouts are routine at this time of the year, and many players use them to find a different team. What has caused some teams to scrutinize the move is that Udrih had foot surgery last week and is expected to be out at least 12 weeks, essentially the rest of the season. It makes it unlikely Udrih will make up the money he walked away from or sign with another team.For competitive reasons — numerous teams were after Johnson when he became a free agent — and because nonpayers will see their payouts drop slightly as a result of the move, the Heat’s buyout with Udrih caused some complaining across the league on Monday."
The organization was able to get below the luxury tax line after the trade deadline, by trading Chris Andersen, Jarnell Stokes and then eventually Brian Roberts, who they initially acquired for Andersen. However, this new-found financial situation did not last long, as Miami just recently signed Joe Johnson.
Adding the veteran was a great move, but obviously the franchise was not satisfied with going over the luxury tax line.
On Monday, the Heat bought out Udrih, making him available to any other team for the next 48 hours on waivers. But, given that Udrih’s recently had season-ending foot surgery, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be claimed.
The 33-year-old is currently being paid $2.17 million and has agreed to leave some money behind in order to help Miami out, according to reports. The Heat will save roughly $110,000 in taxes and should receive a $2.6 million payout from other tax-paying organizations.
Buyouts are definitely not unusual in this league, but what has some people peeved is that Udrih will not be able to return this year. And many are speculating that he will end up re-signing with Miami again anyways, in the end.
But, hey, that is why Riley and general manager Andy Elisburg make up what is considered one of the most creative front offices in the NBA.