Draymond Green fired off about the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, claiming the tax aprons have killed free agency. But ESPN’s Bobby Marks isn’t buying it. The debate highlights a bigger question: has the current CBA actually hurt players, or has it given them more control over their careers than ever before?
Why Does Bobby Marks Disagree With Draymond Green’s Take?
After Green called out the NBA’s second tax apron for “absolutely putting an end to free agency,” Marks took to his personal X account to set the record straight. He believes the apron rules have actually benefited players, not hurt them.
“I respect (Green) but disagree that the apron rules has ended free agency,” Marks wrote. “Why free agency has shrunk is because nearly 50 potential free agents this summer decided that guaranteed money was too valuable and signed extensions. The change in extension rules in this CBA allow players more earning power.”
The ESPN analyst went deeper into why these changes have helped players who become free agents. Teams can now negotiate with their own free agents the day after the NBA Finals, which has reduced the pool of available players. Despite this shift, the financial picture remains strong for players overall.
“We also need to factor in that teams are allowed to negotiate with their own free agents the day after the NBA Finals. That has taken a big bite out of free agents available. As of today, there is $5.3 billion in player salaries for this season, the same as last year. That number will only increase as more signings become official.”
I respect @Money23Green but disagree that the apron rules has ended free agency.
Why free agency has shrunk is because nearly 50 potential free agents this summer decided that guaranteed money was too valuable and signed extensions.
The change in extension rules in this CBA… pic.twitter.com/yr0tMU98Gb
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 8, 2025
What Does This Mean for NBA Teams and Players?
Both viewpoints carry weight in this debate. Green’s frustration makes sense when you look at how the NBA’s tax aprons have affected championship contenders. Title-chasing teams can’t keep their core together long-term anymore.
The Denver Nuggets provide a perfect example. They let Kentavious Caldwell-Pope walk in the 2024-25 season because paying him would have pushed them over the NBA’s second tax apron. Knowing he could have been the difference against the Oklahoma City Thunder made that decision even tougher.
On the flip side, Marks makes a solid point about player empowerment. Players now have the chance to secure their financial future well before hitting free agency, rather than gambling on what the market might offer. That’s a smart move for obvious reasons.
The one thing everyone can agree on is that free agency has changed. It might not be as dramatic as it once was, but that doesn’t necessarily make it worse for the league or its players.
