The NBA Calendar Is Set

The NBA has officially released a timeline leading up to the start of the 2020-21 season. 

NBA Calendar ...

Nov. 18: NBA Draft*

Nov. 20: Free agency starts at 6 PM

Nov. 22: Free agent signings can begin at 12:01 PM

Dec. 1: Training camps open

Dec. 22: Opening Night

*Freeze on trades being lifted is still TBD but remains likely to happen in the Nov. 16 range

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 10, 2020

With Basketball Related Income (BRI) down 35-40% from the COVID-shortened season, the salary cap has been set at $109.1M, and the luxury tax at $132.6M, which are both level with the 2019-20 season. There also happens to be an interesting little caveat regarding the luxury tax, which could assist some teams financially. 

For example: If Golden State used the $17.2M trade exception and revenue decreased by 30%, they could save close to $50M.

This will help out the Warriors, Boston, Brooklyn and Philadelphia plus possibly a team like Milwaukee. https://t.co/uxII5oQXzl

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 10, 2020

There are now 6 weeks left before the 2020-21 NBA season starts, which leaves teams with little time to prepare for the draft, target prospective free agents and hold training camps. The frenetic pace to start the season, coupled with the end of the previous season in the bubble, will test all NBA front offices and could impact the league for years to come. 

Photo Credit: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire