NBA pushes back expiration date for Warriors $17.2 million trade exception

Here is some good news. The NBA is pushing back the date that the Golden State Warriors must use their Andre Iguodala trade exception by.

Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 has completely changed the NBA season. For the Golden State Warriors, they won’t be playing another game, having their season capped at 65 games as the league is set to resume with just 22 teams.

While there record was just 15-50, there were some silver linings to the season.

However, one other one, which was expected, is that the Andre Iguodala-created trade exception will be moved back. The Dubs had to initially use the trade exception by the team dealing Andre Iguodala to Memphis.

The virus’ impact on the league will actually give the Warriors a wider window to use said exception.

“According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Warriors’ $17.2 million trade exception now will expire on Oct. 25. Free agency is slated to begin on Oct. 18, meaning Golden State actually will have a larger window within which to use the trade exception than the team would have in a traditional year,” NBC Sports’ Brian Witt said.

The initial date that the exception had to be used by was July 7. It’s typically set to expire a few days following the league opening up their free agency period so snagging that full week is a huge deal for the team.

That said, knowing this extension almost a month ahead of time should benefit Golden State.

Think about it. Bringing in a player that’s worth well over eight figures is a big move.

With multiple players worthy of it hitting the market, the Warriors will get to use their undistracted time to focus on their strategy this coming draft and free agency. They are typically awarded this type of time to figure out how to best improve their roster.

After five straight Finals, being able to sit down and figure out who to draft, what deals to take, and where to use their MLE and Iguodala-created exception will be a huge plus for the organization, one that is hopeful to get them back to Finals contention next season.