[CalChris]

How was KD signing his contract year a loophole? The Warriors paid the max that could be paid for a 9-year vet, $26,540,100, and they were still under the luxury cap. [1]

As for gaffing, it wasn't the NBA but rather the NBAPA. The NBA has good reason to smooth out salaries. But it's a stars league and the stars have good reason to lock in as much now as possible. Who has been the president of the Player's Association since 2013? CP3.

[1] https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/info/salary_cap

[achompas]

My point is that Houston and Golden State have identified and capitalized on arbitrage opportunities. I don’t think NBA fans are thrilled about either team at this point, since - despite concerns about Harden’s foul-baiting - Golden State has dominated the NBA for almost 3 years now.

As for cap smoothing - my bad, you’re right! https://www.si.com/nba/2015/03/11/nbpa-rejects-salary-cap-sm...

And GS in 2016-17, also right and I’m kind of shocked! That Curry contract was a steal in retrospect (although justified given his early career injury troubles). http://www.basketballinsiders.com/golden-state-warriors-team...

(The CP3 thing I won’t discuss except to say that he’s a prodigious talent who also takes shots, although they are sometimes of a cheaper, dirtier kind.)

[CalChris]

CP3 is unquestionably a first vote HOF. Not my favorite, but a great player. Arguably in the top 5 small players ever. (Edit: Sorry, I was agreeing with you.)

As for GS, it seems they're pretty popular elsewhere. I obviously like the Warriors brand of beautiful basketball, but I have to, I am forced to against my will, give credit to the Rockets for assembling the anti-Warriors and analyzing the game and the opposition. I can't watch their games but they are very effective.

(Weird that you're getting downvoted.)

[achompas]

I don’t think I questioned CP’s HOF credentials anywhere, except on whether he’s a dirty player. Which he is.