NBA Amnesty Clause Could Lead To Wild Shake-Ups With Bid System

Brandon Roy And Fan Ochlocracy: The Mess The Blazers Are In

The Portland Trail Blazers probably need to use the amnesty clause on Brandon Roy for the good of the franchise. Most fans hate that idea, and are already angry at the team's management. A storm is brewing as Portland figures out how to respect fans while preventing rule by angry mob.

Wizards Won't Use Amnesty Clause On Rashard Lewis, Agent Says

Rashard Lewis has long been mentioned as a player that will be a casualty of the amnesty clause once the new NBA collective bargaining agreement is complete. The Washington Wizards' agent, however, has been assured that that won't be the case for the high-paid forward.

The amnesty clause allows teams to waive one player of their choosing and removing his salary completely from the salary cap, allowing the team to avoid any luxury tax penalties as they look to sign a more affordable player. The Wizards are far enough under the cap, however, that it doesn't make sense to waive a still-talented Lewis at this time.

"I spoke to Wizards management and at this time there is (no) indication they will amnesty Rashard," Bryant told USA TODAY via email. "They have assured us that they will not use the Amnesty on him and that he is going to be a big part of their plans now and in the future."

Lewis is scheduled to make over $21 million during the 2011-12 season and is guaranteed $10 million of the $22,699,551 he's scheduled to be paid in the final year of his contract next season, according to the salary database at ShamSports.

Martell Webster Blasts Blazers For Potentially Waiving Brandon Roy In The Future

Brandon Roy Will Be Waived Via Amnesty Clause, Says Report

The Portland Trail Blazers will waive Brandon Roy using the NBA amnesty clause once league business returns to normal, reports columnist John Canzano of The Oregonian. Roy had double knee surgery last winter and was inconsistent in his return to the court, but had come back awful quickly and still turned out a magical playoff performance against the Dallas Mavericks. Roy has a minimum of $64 million left on the remaining four years on his contract.

Canzano reports that the decision has already been made by Blazers owner Paul Allen.

In response to the news, fans from SB Nation's Portland blog Blazer's Edge peppered Allen with tweets in opposition to waiving Roy on Monday. The volume was so heavy that Allen eventually broke the NBA's gag order to thank Blazers fans for their patience. That drew more comments supporting Roy.

If Roy is waived, teams with cap space will be able to bid for the opportunity to take over a portion of his contract, which means that he may not hit the free agent market.

NBA Amnesty Clause May Be Used Sparingly

The NBA amnesty clause, a result of the lockout deal reached Saturday, has a lot of fans excited. Under the rule, teams can cut one player whose salary cap hit will then be taken off the sheet. The player will still be paid by the team, but will become a free agent. (There is also a mechanism in place where other teams with cap space can claim players off of waivers before they reach free agency, assuming a portion of the old salary.)

But Howard Beck of the New York Times warns that the amnesty clause may not actually be used much this season.

"I don't think there will be very many at all," said one team executive, who asked to remain anonymous while the lockout remains in effect.

At most, three to six teams will take advantage of the amnesty clause this year, the executive said - a view that was echoed by others around the league.

Right now, Gilbert Arenas seems like the only sure bet to be waived under the clause. (Even then, Arenas is close to Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith, and Smith is a loose cannon. Wouldn't that be something, if Arenas Allan Houston'd the Gilbert Arenas rule by surviving it? Hedo Turkoglu is right there.)

NBA Amnesty Clause Includes Auction For Waived Players

The NBA's amnesty clause includes a mechanism under which teams with cap space can bid on waived players' contracts.