Eric Pincus

Los Angeles

Writer at Bleacher Report

General Manager @SportsBizClass; National NBA Writer @BleacherReport

Articles

A 3-Team Trade Idea That Would Save Celtics $230 Million, Cover Mavs' Kyrie Injury

1 week ago | bleacherreport.com | Eric Pincus

Why the Dallas Mavericks Do It2 of 4 The Mavericks are incentivized to push their chips in further after sending Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. Davis and Irving struggled to stay healthy; unfortunately, Irving's status won't be clear until January (and he possibly won't be back to himself until closer to the end of the regular season).
Breaking Down Each Team's Summer Position

1 week ago | substack.com | Eric Pincus

The NBA offseason is already here for 26 teams. Only those still active (the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Minnesota Timberwolves (RIP) and New York Knicks) are forbidden from executing trades. While those on vacation can make deals, most wait until closer to the NBA Draft (June 25-26), many need the clock to roll over to the 2025-26 season on July 1 (though trades aren’t legal until after the moratorium, starting July 6).
Every NBA Team's Toughest Upcoming Financial Decision

1 week ago | bleacherreport.com | Eric Pincus

The NBA's new national TV deals kick in this July. As a result, the salary cap is projected to jump to $154.6 million, the maximum 10 percent that it's allowed to increase year-over-year. The rest of the numbers, including on each team's slide, are estimates based on that cap figure. The NBA has a soft cap. Nearly every team typically exceeds it by the end of the season.
A Bit Worried About the Mid-Level Exception

1 week ago | substack.com | Eric Pincus

The NBA’s Mid-Level Exception (MLE) is a vital negotiating tool between teams and the agents representing players. While stars may have the leverage to demand maximum salaries, others who are in a position to earn more than a minimum contract need the possibility of another team’s MLE to demand more from their current squad (via Bird Rights).
Options for Giannis, Lakers (Probably Unrelated)

1 week ago | substack.com | Eric Pincus

I’m just starting to normalize after a bustling stretch of work and celebration. On May 11, I flew to Chicago for the NBA Draft Lottery and Combine, returning on the 15th to see my eldest daughter graduate from USC’s film school (specifically, animation). The festivities included seeing her final short film (about seven minutes long), which took over a year to produce. It was a wonderful time, followed by celebrations for my wife’s birthday.
How LA Lakers Are Trying to Fix Biggest Roster Weakness

1 week ago | bleacherreport.com | Eric Pincus

Straightforward Trade Targets3 of 4 Instead of chasing a center in a weak free-agent market, the Lakers may need to address their need through trade. The obvious option is Dončić's former teammate in Dallas. Daniel Gafford is 6'10" and 265 pounds and is a two-way solution around the rim. He'll turn 27 in October and is heading into the final year of his contract with the Mavericks at $14.4 million.
How Lakers Are Trying to Fix Biggest Roster Weakness

2 weeks ago | bleacherreport.com | Eric Pincus

Setting Up the Offseason1 of 4 The Lakers project to have a huge payroll next summer as long as James sticks around. Armed with a $52.6 million player option, he may opt out to re-sign at an even higher price ($54.1 million) on another two-year deal with a player option on the second season. He could help the Lakers by taking a smaller salary, giving them more wiggle room under the second apron. But James generates a tremendous income for the team, the league and its broadcast partners.
The Top 5 Realistic Landing Spots for Giannis If He Forces Out of Milwaukee

2 weeks ago | bleacherreport.com | Eric Pincus

What's next for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks? Several agents polled at the recent NBA combine in Chicago believe the former NBA MVP will direct the Bucks to send him to his preferred location, whatever that might be. The closer he gets to the end of his contract, the greater his power to dissuade other suitors. The team hasn't been able to replicate its 2020-21 championship run, seeming to fall further away each year.
2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

2 weeks ago | sportsbusinessclassroom.com | Eric Pincus

On June 25 and 26, the NBA will hold its annual draft (held over two days), pulling from an incredible domestic and global talent pool. As prospects continue to play, how do they rank as potential draft prospects?
Rookie-Scale Extensions: The Data

3 weeks ago | substack.com | Eric Pincus

This is the first post on the paid tier.