joe johnson's first year salary

[cha203]

anyone know why the hawks are allowed to pay JJ 20 million in the first year?

isnt it way more than the maximum contract ?

 

[Bricklayer]

anyone know why the hawks are allowed to pay JJ 20 million in the first year?

isnt it way more than the maximum contract ?

That was reported on a lot, but I think I've forgotten the deal. Signing bonus maybe? In any case, it was built that way so as to try to scare away the Suns, but drops way down in Yr 2 and the total value of the contract ends up coming out the same as a normal maximum deal.

 

[cha203]

i have heard of signing bonus but how does it work?

i understand the total value of the contract remains the same
but if the suns wants to match the offer, they have to do the same
to pay JJ 20 million in the first year?
isnt it unfair to the team which owns the restricted free agent?

this is the first time i post here
usually i just read
basically because english is not my first language
i hope you guys understand my english...

 

[Warhawk]

Your English is fine - welcome to the board and keep posting!

I have never heard of signing bonuses in the NBA - I thought there were only performance-type bonuses? Haven't paid enough attention to the deals to know much about this situation, but I too would be interested in the answer.