No official word from the league yet, but several very credible reporters are saying that the NBPA has won their arbitration case and secured “Early Bird” rights for players claimed off waivers.
I haven't seen the ruling or anyone's press release yet, but it looks like the union won their Bird rights case. I'm VERY surprised.
@LarryCoon
Larry Coon
This is a big win for both the Knicks and Jeremy Lin. New York now has the option to exceed the salary cap to sign Lin (and Steve Novak, who has the same status) to a new deal without dipping into their mid-level exception. That will give general manager Glen Grunwald much more flexibility to fill next season’s roster while avoiding the most onerous penalties teams hit once they exceed the cap by a certain level.
JJ Hickson of the Portland Trail Blazers is the most notable non-Knick affected by the ruling.