In the summer of 1996 the apparent fait of the Washington Bullets was up in the air. Juwan Howard the club's all-star free agent forward was working with his agents to solicit a $100 million contract, from National Basketball Association (NBA) team executives. The following discussion will give insight into what transpired with not only Howard but also the teams involved, and the NBA. The benefits, costs, and risks associated with Howard's contract negotiations will also be examined.
Juwan Howard was drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1994 as the 5th over all pick. As the 5h over all pick Howard expected to be offered a $24 million deal, the going rate for a player in the fifth position in that years draft. Howard, who could have potentially signed a long term deal under these circumstances, was essentially told by John Nash the Bullets general manager that he was not worth it.
English: Juwan Howard: Washington Wizards v/s Miam...
English: Juwan Howard signing autographs
Washington Wizards v/s Miami Heat December 18, 201...Howard was offered an 11 year deal worth $37.5 million with the option of becoming a free agent after his second season. While Howard thought this offer to be unfair and well bellow market value he accepted the offer.
Howard quickly established himself as a valuable commodity, both on and off the court. Howard averaged almost 20 pts per game, with 8.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over his first two years. Howard's strong work ethic and positive attitude made him a guiding light for his less disciplined teammates.
Players around the league playfully began recruiting Howard during games. Howard insisted he wanted to remain a Bullet. After the leagues new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was signed in early July. Falk shortly their after deliberately told a Washington Post reporter that Howard was expected to sign with the Bullets for $15 to $20 million per years over the next...