Does it seem odd that only the "elite" are getting better?

[Lurker]

Free agency is nothing more than the opportunity for bad teams to overpay for marginal talent.

I tend to agree Joe, most teams lock up the good/great talent before they can hit the market.

I do too.

But this year I see less likelihood of that happening (there will still be 1 or 2) because:

1. the economy - many teams are on record saying they are tightening their belts.
2. the FA class of 2010 - many teams are on record 'saving' for next year.
3. the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement - who wants to commit long term if the new agreement has lower caps on max salary and length of contracts. 

[WayOutWest]

3. the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement - who wants to commit long term if the new agreement has lower caps on max salary and length of contracts. 

Didn't know about that one.

[Lurker]

3. the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement - who wants to commit long term if the new agreement has lower caps on max salary and length of contracts. 

Didn't know about that one.

Stern has addressed it a couple times in news releases.  The owners have already formed a committee and I think the players association has also.  Off the top of my head I believe the current agreement expires next year (2010) but the owners have a "team option" to extend it for 1 year.  Early trial balloons I have read seem to indicate that the owners want shorter (5 yr) contracts and smaller annual raises.  The players want a higher rookie scale and a bigger piece of the pie (larger share of revenues).

[westkoast]

3. the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement - who wants to commit long term if the new agreement has lower caps on max salary and length of contracts. 

Didn't know about that one.

Stern has addressed it a couple times in news releases.  The owners have already formed a committee and I think the players association has also.  Off the top of my head I believe the current agreement expires next year (2010) but the owners have a "team option" to extend it for 1 year.  Early trial balloons I have read seem to indicate that the owners want shorter (5 yr) contracts and smaller annual raises.  The players want a higher rookie scale and a bigger piece of the pie (larger share of revenues).

You are right on all accounts.  They were talking about this on the local sports radio the other day.

I still think the economy is the biggest factor.  Most teams are tightening their belt.  Many of which have NO CHANCE at landing a Lebron or Bosh due to money/demand/location. 

Also, I believe Dwayne Wade could opt out after this next season right?  His last year with Miami is 2010-2011 season for the contract he just signed a few seasons back.

[WayOutWest]

You are right on all accounts.  They were talking about this on the local sports radio the other day.

I still think the economy is the biggest factor.  Most teams are tightening their belt.  Many of which have NO CHANCE at landing a Lebron or Bosh due to money/demand/location. 

Also, I believe Dwayne Wade could opt out after this next season right?  His last year with Miami is 2010-2011 season for the contract he just signed a few seasons back.

DWade will be part of the monster FA class next season.