According to Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News the new collective bargaining agreement may spell the end of Michael Finley's time as a Maverick.
The same clause in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement which would allow the New York Knicks to save luxury tax money by waiving Allan Houston could essentially end up saving Mavericks owner Mark Cuban $51 million over the next three seasons.
Should the Mavericks decide to waive Finley they would still have to pay his salary, but they would not have to pay the dollar for dollar luxury tax which affects all teams over the threshold. The luxury tax threshold was set at $61 million last season.
Essentially, the remainder of Finley's $51 million contract could cost Cuban $102 million if they remain over the luxury-tax threshold, which is probable if Finley is retained.
The Mavericks have discussed the issue and are aware of the implications. It represents a chance to take a huge step toward the club being in a better financial situation for future player dealings. If the Mavericks execute this option, they would not be allowed to re-sign Finley for the length of the contract.
"Under the new CBA, a player could be released and you would save that money off the tax," president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. "Every team in the NBA has a player who fits that mode."