Hickson Can Veto Any Trade He’s Involved In
J.J. Hickson is on a one-year deal worth $4 million, but will be eligible for Bird rights this summer, which gives him some fairly uncommon power.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement allows for Hickson to have Bird rights after being with the same team or on the same contract for three or more years. Hickson was waived by the Sacramento Kings and scooped up by Portland last year. After the NBA Players’ Association won a grievance with the NBA regarding Bird rights and waived players, the Blazers were permitted to ink Hickson to a one-year deal using those rights, rights he still retains. But, with Hickson’s one-year deal he would lose them if traded, which then gives him the power to veto any trade.
It is a unique combination of circumstances designed to close salary cap loopholes, but also gives Hickson some control over where he’ll end the season.
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