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Stephen A.: Kawhi’s Uncle Dennis’ alleged free-agency requests violated the CBA | First Take

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Stephen A. Smith breaks down why the Los Angeles Lakers shouldn’t feel slighted by Kawhi Leonard’s decision to choose to sign with the LA Clippers in free agency.

Stephen A. reports that people in NBA circles are talking about the alleged requests Kawhi Leonard’s Uncle Dennis made of teams interested in signing Kawhi in free agency.

What is the NBA’s CBA, and why is it important for free agency negotiations?

Stephen A.: Kawhi’s Uncle Dennis’ Alleged Free-Agency Requests Violated the CBA | First Take

The 2019 NBA free agency period was one of the most exciting and highly anticipated in recent memory. Among the biggest names on the market was Kawhi Leonard, the two-time NBA Finals MVP and one of the league’s most dominant players. Leonard ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, but his free agency was not without controversy, thanks in no small part to his uncle and advisor, Dennis Robertson.

On a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, analyst Stephen A. Smith argued that Robertson’s alleged requests on behalf of Leonard during free agency had violated the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Specifically, Smith pointed to reports that Robertson had sought a “prohibited inducement” for Leonard from the Toronto Raptors, where he had played the previous season.

Article 35 of the NBA’s CBA prohibits teams from offering or providing “any undisclosed compensation, promises of future employment, or other prohibited inducements” to players or their representatives. The language of the rule is designed to prevent teams from engaging in under-the-table negotiations or backroom deals with players, which could result in a competitive disadvantage for other teams in the league.

Smith argued that Robertson’s alleged request for a prohibited inducement from the Raptors was a clear violation of the CBA. “This is underhanded stuff. This is the kind of stuff that the league does not want happening,” he said. “So for Dennis Robertson to be out here allegedly pursuing prohibited inducements, that is a serious problem – not just for Kawhi Leonard, but for the league as a whole.”

It is worth noting that there has been no confirmation that Robertson did, in fact, seek any prohibited inducements from the Raptors or any other team during the free agency period. However, the mere allegation of such activity is enough to raise concerns among fans and analysts alike that the integrity of the league could be compromised by underhanded negotiations.

Smith went on to argue that the NBA should investigate the matter thoroughly to determine whether any violations of the CBA occurred. “This is not just about whether Kawhi Leonard got a good deal or not,” he said. “This is about the integrity of the league and making sure that everyone is playing by the rules.”

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Uncle Dennis’ alleged free-agency requests may remain a footnote in Leonard’s career, which has already seen him achieve historic success on the court. However, it serves as a reminder of the importance of following the rules and upholding the integrity of the game – something that every fan and player should take seriously.