How much do free agents count against their teams salary cap?
The free agent amount depends on the player’s previous salary and what kind of free agent he is: Kind of free agent Previous salary Percentage of previous salary Larry Bird, except when coming off rookie “scale” contract At least the average salary 150%* Larry Bird, except when coming off rookie “scale” contract Below the average salary 200%* Larry Bird, coming off rookie “scale” contract At least the average salary 200% in 98-99* 225% in 99-00* 250% in the remaining seasons* Larry Bird, coming off rookie “scale” contract Below the average salary 300%* Early Bird Any 130%* Non-Bird Any 120%* *Not to exceed the player’s maximum salary, based on years of service (see question number 9 ). Also, if the difference in salary between the last two seasons of the player’s contract exceeded $4 million, then the percentage is based on the average salary in the last two seasons of the contract. See question number 38 for more information on rookie “scale” contracts. Here’s an example of how to use
