There’s more to a player’s NBA contract than just length, salary and type of options. These are just the main factors that fans typically focus on, but there are many other aspects that influence the terms and conditions of a deal and also highlight how teams protect themselves in the event of any unfortunate events.
The contract can also determine other bonuses that the player can receive. For example, certain players can be rewarded if they make the All-Star team or reach certain statistics within a specified period of time.
However, some contracts may also contain unique or strange provisions. There are countless such clauses throughout league history, but here are four of the strangest clauses included in player contracts.
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4 Weird NBA Contract Terms
#1 Steve Novak
Many New York Knicks fans will easily recognize Steve Novak. He is one of the best shooters the Knicks have ever had and helped the Knicks win a lot of games.
The Knicks wanted to keep him active because of his contributions, so they added a clause in his contract that prohibited him from having a dog. Novak likes them but is allergic to them, and the team wants to make sure he’s ready to play whenever his number is called. If he breaches the clause and gets a dog, he will have to pay a $100,000 fine to the animal charity.
#2 Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson could have a great career. Unfortunately, he’s missed too many games to be considered an NBA superstar at the moment. In addition to this, he also seemed to be having trouble managing his weight.
To protect themselves from the possibility of Williamson not playing for them, the New Orleans Pelicans added clauses to their NBA contract that lowered their guaranteed earnings. If he goes over a certain weight limit or plays fewer games, he loses money. Specifically, Williamson’s weight and body fat percentage combined must be under 295 pounds.
Also read: 5 landing spots for RJ Barrett as trade rumors surface for the New York Knicks star.
#3 Bill Walton
Bill Walton is a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen and made sure his NBA contract included a clause that allowed him to meet the singer-songwriter.
In 1979, his NBA contract included a clause that said teams would help him obtain tickets but he would pay for them himself, despite the fact that he could also have teams purchase tickets for him.
That year, Walton got tickets to seven Springsteen concerts, giving him an excuse to go to them all.
#4 Michael Jordan
Although Michael Jordan retired in 2003, he is still considered by many to be the “GOAT” of the NBA. Of course, being considered the greatest player of all time didn’t just happen to him. He works hard to play at this level and his love for the game has led him to win all the honors and championships.
Basketball is his hobby and he wants to play anytime, anywhere. Unlike most NBA players who have a clause in their contracts that prohibits them from playing outside the league, Jordan had a special clause that gave him the freedom to play whenever he wanted.