How player options shape the NBA rosters

#1 LeBron James: 3 years $100 million dollar contract in 2016 opt out Summer of 2018

Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors

Cleveland Cavaliers general manager, Kolby Altman, is 6 months into life after a superstar player opts out and leaves you with a dearth of talent on the roster. LeBron James is in Los Angeles with the Lakers. Kolby Altman is left trying to reshape and rebuild the roster now.

After representing the NBA’s Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals for four straight years the domino effect of James’ departure has been detrimental to team cohesion and continuity. Point guard George Hill has been traded to Milwaukee. JR Smith sits at home awaiting a trade or buyout. Kyle Korver was also traded to Utah.

Altman is now managing a team run by rookie point guard Collin Sexton and more interested in preparing for the 2019 June Entry Draft than winning games right now. The Cavaliers are 8-31 and perhaps dreaming about drafting Zion Williamson out of Duke University.

Should NBA general managers stop offering player options in contracts? Probably not because then teams struggling to sign free agents would get a reputation making the situation worse. However, handing out player options like candy causes the reverse effect because the roster just gets turned over constantly ruining any chance at team chemistry and roster continuity. Even if a general manager is selective and only gives out these options to star players the issue is you risk leaving a large hole in the quality of your team.

NBA basketball is unique among team sports in that the subtraction or addition of a single star player can dramatically change the fortunes of the team. The days of keeping a franchise player forever on one team are gone with the players winning more rights over their movement under the CBA. The key now for NBA general managers is finding that balance of surrounding their stars with quality teammates and a good environment hoping for the best.