Exemptions related to Larry Bird Situation
Bird Exception
Boston Celtic Larry Bird was the first player to be retained by these means.
The Bird Exception allows to re-sign their own players even if they exceed the cap limit by doing so. To qualify for this a player must have played three consecutive seasons without being waived or moving teams through free agency.
Blue Man Hoop
Players who are traded or are amnestied have their bird rights transferred to their new team.
Players who qualify for bird rights can be signed for any amount up to the maximum salary. Players claimed off waivers are not eligible for full bird rights but may qualify for the early-bird exception.
Early-Bird Exception
The Early-Bird Exception is the lesser form of the full bird exception where free agents qualify for this after playing only two years with their team.
With this exception teams can sign their free agents for either 175% of their previous season salary or for the league’s average salary, whichever is more.
Non-Bird Exception
Non-Qualifying free agents who do not qualify for the bird exception can sign under the non-bird exception.
This allows teams to re-sign players for either 120% of their previous years salary or 120% of the leagues minimum salary, whichever is greater.
Next: Other Exceptions