The NBA offseason throws fans into the terminology galore. With big contracts lining up in the summer, the subject of economics overflows. Since taxation is the bedrock of any economy, these contracts also shred through the process. These contracts by CBA are a product of over seven decades of transactions. Hence, they go through amendments regularly.
Michael Jordan influenced the implementation of one big amendment that increased the tax burden. Like many, an NBA All-Star is bearing the brunt too.
Superstars file more returns thanks to Michael Jordan
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In one of the most bizarre inter-state rivalries, hides the introduction of the jock tax. When Michael Jordan and the Bulls defeated the LA Lakers in the ’91 Finals, the Lakers’ home state, California taxed all team members and staff members of the Illinois Franchise.
In response, Illinois introduced its own version of the jock tax to counter California’s move. This jock tax, which the state of Illinois created, earned the nickname of “Michael Jordan’s revenge”.
In summary, jock tax in the NBA is when a particular state charges a visiting player with extra taxation, resulting in cuts from the salary. Because of this, players end up losing millions. This is the case with every NBA player.
California’s act in 1991 has influenced the taxation rules around contracts; and players end up losing half of their money out of the original contract because of Federal Tax, especially in California.
It will naturally apply to Anthony Davis’ three-year $186 million extension with the Lakers. In the state of Cali, the Federal Tax is itself going to cost him $23 million and after cuts, including the jock tax, the player will be left with a net income of around $24 million.
Amidst these huge tax cuts, De’Aaron Fox shared his thoughts, too.
We get taxed in every city/state that we play in. So for example we play 41 home games plus 4 in LA and 2 in SF so 47 games taxed in California 🙃 Those 4 teams obviously get it the worst lol https://t.co/CSWEIGg3LE
— De'Aaron Fox (@swipathefox) August 5, 2023
Fox plays for the Sacramento Kings, and Sacramento is the capital of California. As someone who is in a deal that pays him around $30 million a year, he has seen his fair share of taxes.
And, Fox himself pays a ton of taxes!
The Swiper defends his position
Fox did mention the heavyweight taxation, but he seemingly didn’t criticize it.
However, a commenter thought otherwise and implied that the Guard was complaining about the taxes. But the Guard had a razor-sharp reply to the user, pointing out that he was just making a comment.
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I don’t get why people think just talking about something means complaining. Lmao it’s just a conversation. No one said they were ungrateful. https://t.co/2pQB1qZW0H
— De'Aaron Fox (@swipathefox) August 5, 2023
As someone from Cali and as someone who is ready to get paid major bag, the Guard’s insights are crucial in understanding taxation.
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