Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton Secure All-NBA Honors and Big Raises

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards and the Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton have led their respective teams to the NBA conference finals this season, marking a significant achievement in their careers. Their impressive performances throughout the season have earned them spots on the 2024 All-NBA teams and, consequently, substantial financial rewards.

All-NBA Selections and Financial Windfalls

Anthony Edwards: All-NBA Second Team

Anthony Edwards has been selected to the 2024 All-NBA second team, a testament to his remarkable season. Averaging 25.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, Edwards has been a key player for the Timberwolves, contributing significantly to their success. His strong defensive play and leadership helped secure the fourth-best record in the National Basketball Players, solidifying his case for All-National Basketball Players honors.

Tyrese Haliburton: All-NBA Third Team

Tyrese Haliburton’s journey to the 2024 All-NBA third team was more challenging. Despite a hamstring injury that caused him to miss 10 games in January, Haliburton returned swiftly, avoiding any further rest to meet the eligibility criteria of playing at least 65 games. He averaged 20.1 points and a league-leading 10.9 assists per game, demonstrating his value to the Pacers and earning his place on the All-NBA team.

Financial Implications: The “Derrick Rose Rule”

Both Edwards and Haliburton signed rookie contract extensions last summer, which were initially worth $204 million over five years. Thanks to the “Derrick Rose Rule,” a clause in the 2011 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) allowing players to earn up to 30% of the salary cap if they achieve certain criteria, their contracts have now escalated to $245 million over five years. This significant increase is directly tied to their All-NBA selections.

Criteria and Challenges

Under the 2023 CBA between the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and the league, players must participate in at least 65 games to be eligible for such contract increases. While Edwards comfortably met this requirement by playing in 79 games, Haliburton’s injury made his qualification more precarious. Nonetheless, both players met the criteria, securing their financial bonuses.

Broader Implications and Controversies

Luka Doncic: Supermax Eligibility

While Edwards and Haliburton celebrated their All-NBA honors, other players like Luka Doncic also benefited. Doncic’s first-team All-National Basketball Players selection makes him eligible for a “supermax” contract in the 2025 offseason, potentially worth more than $80 million in its final year.

Players Missing Out

Conversely, some players were not as fortunate. Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo missed out on a lucrative supermax extension due to his exclusion from the All-National Basketball Players teams. Similarly, Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers will have his next contract capped at 25% of the salary cap instead of 30%.

Controversy Over Voting Influence

The significant financial stakes tied to All-NBA selections have sparked debate over the voting process. The fact that media members’ votes can determine players’ salaries is seen as problematic by some. ESPN senior writer Zach Lowe, for instance, chose to relinquish his ballot this season, citing discomfort with influencing player earnings. Ryen Russillo, another awards voter, expressed similar concerns, highlighting the ethical dilemma faced by voters.

Conclusion

The current system, which allows substantial variations in player contracts based on a single season’s performance and media voting, remains contentious. Despite its flaws, the system has worked favorably for Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton this year. As the NBA continues to evolve, the debate over the influence of All-NBA selections on player salaries is likely to persist, with future players potentially facing different outcomes.