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Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Summary
I do not expect Bjelica to hit free agency in 2020, as it would require the Kings to waive him before his salary becomes guaranteed. However, due to the depth at power forward (caused partly by the Kings signing multiple centers last summer, thus appearing to be set on playing Harry Giles and Marvin Bagley at power forward, it is certainly in the realm of possibility that Bjelica is waived.
The Kings would certainly look to trade Bjelica before waiving him, and I think multiple teams would be interested. Despite shooting very poorly at the rim last season, Bjelica has shot 40% or better from three each of the past three seasons. That ability alone makes Bjelica valuable, despite being a little slow-footed on defense.
Cap Considerations
Bjelica's $7.2 million salary for 2020-2021 is non-guaranteed, so he may be waived by the Kings in order increase their cap space. The Kings waive Bjelica, they could free up to around $6 million in cap space, which isn't very much. Therefore, the Kings would likely be better off staying over the cap, which makes Bjelica being waived even less likely. If the Kings waive Bjelica, they will have no form of his Bird rights, and would have to use cap space or the Mid-Level Exception to re-sign him.
Other teams will have multiple ways to sign Bjelica, as even teams without cap space could possibly use any of the Non-Taxpayer, Taxpayer, or possibly even the Room Mid-Level Exception to sign him.
Potential Teams: Kings, Nets, Celtics, Trailblazers, Pacers, Jazz
Predicted Contract: Not waived
If waived: 1-year, $8 million with the Nets
Actual Contract: Not waived
Unsurprisingly, the Kings picked up the $7.2 million guarantee for Bjelica. If the Kings fall out of the playoff race, they could probably get a second round pick for Bjelica.
Last updated: 12/31/2020
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