:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66943532/usa_today_12952523.0.jpg)
The NBA has notified players of the procedure and consequences for opting out of the 2019-20 season restart in Orlando, Florida this summer. NBA players will be allowed to skip the remainder of the season at the cost of 1/92.6 of their salary for each game missed. If a team played 8 games during the restart, a player would lose approximately 8.6% of their salary for a complete absence. Players opting out must notify their team by June 24th.
Shams Charania of The Athletic broke the news, obtaining a copy of the memo the league sent to its players.
The NBA has notified players that those exercising their right to sit out the season will not face discipline beyond the loss of salary.
The NBA has also established a category of “protected” players who, upon agreement of medical experts, will be excused from participating due to increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to pre-existing health conditions. Protected players will not lose salary because of their absence.
NBA players have been notified that any player who chooses not to play in resumed 2019-20 season must notify his team by June 24, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Compensation would be reduced by 1/92.6 for each game missed.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
Sources: NBA players have been notified: "Any player who exercises this right will not be disciplined." https://t.co/016UlUWYdE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020
Sources: Two categories of non-participating NBA players who will not have their salary reduced: “Protected Players” and “Excused Players,” whom are believed to be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 from team/experts. June 25 deadline for excused absence.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2020