If that wasn’t clear by the recent push from stars like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Chris Paul, Stephen Curry and others, there is a huge pile of dollar bills waiting for rescue.
“We would lose money, period,” Oladipo told Jabari Young of CNBC in a recent interview. “It’s as simple as that.”
Even players like NBA journeyman Jared Dudley are acutely aware of the consequences of a shutdown, as millions of dollars would go back to their respective teams to account for losses.
If the season is canceled outright (including the postseason) it could cost the NBA an estimated $1 billion, which will come directly off the pockets of NBA players.
Oladipo is staying ready, awaiting word if a return will indeed take place.
“At the end of the day, I’ll be ready,” the Nigerian-American star said. “Whatever happens.”
While the optimism of a return to play is at an all-time high, some agents have become leery of where this wave of eagerness is coming from, as it doesn’t appear to be a league-wide sentiment.
Some argued that superstar players are hoping to resume in hopes to not lose their riches, as they could lose up to 40% of their salary if the season is wrapped up with no more games played.
Players like Curry, James, and Oladipo have reason to want to hold onto their money, but others still remain skeptical as to how the league could promise safety in the midst of a global coronavirus pandemic.
