What is Going on with Jordan Mickey’s Contract?
Five days ago, it seemed Jordan Mickey’s contract negotiations were a lock, after Danny Ainge met with the rookie’s reps to finalize a deal.
As it stands today an agreement is yet to be reached.
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This is a peculiar situation considering second-round draft picks rarely earn themselves the leverage to negotiate anything more than a rookie scale. However, Jordan Mickey’s an exception, after leading the entire Summer League in blocks (3.5). This was especially enticing for the Celtics, as they entered the draft with a void in rim protection.
The snag in the negotiations was allegedly met concerning the length of the proposed contract, as Mickey’s reps sought a shorter-term deal. The benefit of a shorter contract is that it’d propel him into the open market – devoid of any restraints imposed by rookie deals – much quicker.
According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald:
"According to sources, the Celtics were offering the No. 33 overall selection a four-year deal — two years guaranteed and two more at the team’s option — that was the richest given a second-round pick."
Nine out of ten times, getting selected in the first round is more beneficial for draftees than getting selected in the second round. First-rounders are guaranteed money for two seasons, giving them time to develop before being susceptible to getting cut (they can still get waived). With Mickey, who was drafted 33rd, getting drafted in the second round may work out in his favor – as he’s not pinned down to rookie scale contracts.
2014 second-round pick, K.J. McDaniels, was selected 32nd overall last year, and as of today, is a free agent. While he was only paid $507k last year, the Houston Rockets are considering using their Mid-Level Exception of $5.4 million on him.
Calvin Watkins of NBC Sports reports:
"Rockets want to use $5.4 mil MLE on KJ McDaniels are in talks with him. McDaniels has a strong offer from 1 other team. No offer sheet yet."
This is significantly more than what McDaniels would be receiving if he was subject to a first-round pick’s contract. Mickey’s reps are certainly cognizant of this, and thus, gambling on Mickey’s talent, hoping to achieve this payoff by next season.
However, McDaniels earned this bonus as a result of his stellar rookie season. Mickey, on the other hand, still needs to prove himself in an actual NBA game. This is exactly where his negotiations failed, as it looks like the discussions have shifted in Ainge’s favor, with the two sides currently working-out a longer-term contract.
Expect the two sides to take their time, as there’s no need to hurry at this point. Mickey will likely sign a contract designed in the same style as a first-rounder, with two years guaranteed, and then a team-option attached to the following two seasons.