$27.8 million. That’s how much money Oklahoma City Thunder owner Clay Bennett is set to pay in additional taxes to the NBA this season (if no other roster moves are made).
In today’s NBA it costs to compete. Cleveland, Golden State and Oklahoma City – the top three contenders as of now – all have payrolls over $130 million. Four other teams are currently above the luxury tax line just to make the playoffs. In a time when many NBA teams are still losing money, owners aren’t as motivated to reach deeper in their pockets.