The electricity of trades is very much alive in the NBA’s off-season. The most priced time: free agency, is here. It gives franchises a chance to make those league-altering moves. This year some of the biggest names could fall under the hammer and see a new team. The prime names include Damian Lillard and James Harden, both of which are impending trades from their franchises. But is the buzz of free agency really the same? For a former agent of Michael Jordan, the entire process has become stale.
While speaking to GQ Sports, the revered agent spoke about how the new rules are restricting creativity. He also believes free agency is slowly losing its excitement.
Agent of Michael Jordan speaks on being bored due to the new rules
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David Falk was the NBA’s very first super agent. He orchestrated lucrative deals for superstars such as MJ, Patrick Ewing, and Dikembe Mutombo. During those days, the free agency spell was his time to let the creative juices flow. Falk could administer the perfect offers for his clients, and ensure the power of being a free agent is used optimally. However, today, the concept of being a free agent is slowly hiding under the shadows.
There was once an air of thrill during this time. LeBron James’ iconic ‘The Decision’ was a product of a time when free agency was relevant. However, in today’s league, Falk believes the players’ control over their own destiny is making the entire process monotonous.
“I find it sort of a little bit boring,” said Falk to GQ Sports.
While he did admit “I don’t think free agency is dying,” the former agent notices the tedious nature of the off-season. Remember, Falk was the master of creativity. His securing Patrick Ewing a flexible 10-year deal with the New York Knicks was proof of it. The freedom of negotiation and the tireless hours of the formulation is what gave him the ‘kick’.
But today, the market has died down to superstars signing max contracts and getting out of the deal as and when they desire. Take someone like Harden as an example. After opting into his player option, he has requested a trade away from the Philadelphia 76ers. Extortionate power rests in the hands of the players, which has led to almost no league-altering moves.
On top of that, the newest directives penalize high-spending teams. The culmination of all has led to a stagnant market.
What does Falk think of modern-day agents?
Falk believes the practice is “terrible” now. It is also one of the reasons he stopped being an agent, he admitted to GQ Sports.
“The nature of being an agent, it’s become so restrictive that it doesn’t require a lot of skills. Mathematically, only 30 percent of the contracts are negotiated. And I think that most players really don’t need agents today,” said the former agent speaking on the limited creativity due to the NBA’s latest rule alterations.
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The 73-year-old was also of the opinion that publicizing the players’ trade requests is turning out to be detrimental to the league’s growth.
He admitted that even Michael Jordan had the influence to force his way out. However, he never exposed that side to the media being aware of the adverse repercussions it would have for the NBA.
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All in all, David Falk has grown tired of the free agency period. What was once the most anticipated time of the NBA has now become dull in his eyes. Do you agree with the super agent, or do you think the current system is better?
Let us know in the comments below.