The most predictable thing about a new NBA collective bargaining agreement is that not all its features will work as predicted by players and owners. Unforeseen consequences are the norm, not the exception, given the complex nature of the rules that govern the league's salary cap and player movement.
The same is likely to prove true with the biggest addition to the CBA the players and owners agreed to last Thursday: the "designated veteran player exception," which allows teams to pay more to extend or re-sign qualifying young stars. In theory, the move is supposed to help teams keep their star talent longer. But the rule might have unintended consequences: more reasons for young stars to demand trades.
