Tony Snell caught the attention of Charles Barkley.
On Thursday, Barkley talked about Snell on “Inside the NBA,” urging teams to sign the 32-year-old for 10 years in the NBA. This means that Mr. Snell could qualify for the NBPA's premium medical plan, which would provide medical benefits to him and his family. According to the collective bargaining agreement, Friday is the last day the team can sign Snell to become eligible for premium severance after 10 years of service.
Snell told the Today Show in June 2023 that she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 31. His sons, Carter and Kenzo, have also been diagnosed with autism.
In response to an article about Snell's situation that Snell told Yahoo Sports, Barkley said, “Someone of you should sign up with Tony to make sure that my two autistic children receive the best medical care.'' I hope it will,” he said.
Snell entered the league in 2013 as the 20th pick in the NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. He played for the Bulls (2013-2016), Milwaukee Bucks (2016-2019), Detroit Pistons (2019-2020), Atlanta Hawks (2020-2021), and Portland Trail Blazers. (2021-2022) and the New Orleans Pelicans (2022). ). Snell currently plays for the Boston Celtics' G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.
The NBPA unanimously voted in July 2016 to provide sponsored health insurance to retired players with at least three years of service.
What happens if a team signs Snell? What's the advantage of a 10-year player compared to the current Snell? And which team has the roster spot to sign Snell?
Below are the answers to those questions.
What are the NBPA's rules regarding retiree benefit programs?
If a player has three or more years of service, he or she will be eligible for health insurance as long as the NBA and NBPA continue to agree to the CBA. This covers medical, hospital, and prescription drug coverage, as well as reduced out-of-pocket costs for players and their families, as per the insurance contract.
For 7 years of service or more, players have access to premium plans with lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, per NBPA policy.
With more than 10 years of service, players can avail premium plans for themselves and their families.
Having played nine seasons (over seven years of service), Snell currently has a health insurance plan that covers medical, hospital and prescription drug coverage. According to the CBA, Snell is one of the players with three or more years of service (beginning with the 2001 season) who is eligible for $150,000 in health benefits. Although he had no HRA limit, in 2017 his CBA capped him at $150,000, and players who exceeded that amount were not required to pay back. That money is invested until it is used. In 2017, his annual HRA contributions were also capped at $30,000. For a player with this many years of service, contributions to the account should total over $200,000.
If Snell signs the deal, his entire family, including him and his two children, will be covered by a premium health insurance plan.
Which teams have roster spots?
Celtics, Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards to be cut This is a team that has an open standard contract spot that allows them to sign Snell. Anyone.
The Celtics, Warriors, Heat and Lakers would have to pay several times the tax on Snell's salary in real dollars. For example, the Warriors' tax will be about 6 times, the Celtics' tax will be about 4 times, and the Lakers' tax will be about 2 times. The cost for these teams to sign Snell is higher than his actual salary.
Four of Snell's past coaches are current NBA coaches: Tom Thibodeau (Knicks), Jason Kidd (Mavericks), Chauncey Billups (Blazers) and Willie Green (Pelicans).
Where is Snell playing this season?
The Maine Celtics acquired Snell on January 27, 2023. A popular player, Snell played in 19 games for the main roster during the 2022-23 season, averaging 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 43.2 percent from the floor.
After the Warriors trained Snell in August, Snell returned to Maine in October. In the 2023-24 season, he played fewer games and his numbers also dropped. Through 14 games, Snell averaged 4.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists while shooting 35.7 percent from the field.
Why the trade deadline complicates Snell's chances
With the February 8 trade deadline approaching, Snell's chances of getting a contract are complicated. Teams often need an empty roster spot to execute a 2-for-1 or 3-for-1 trade for him. If they have to cut him to get the trade done by February 8th, they are unlikely to sign him and inherit his contract value. Once signed, he cannot be traded as his contract runs through the rest of the season.
If the health insurance deadline was next Friday, it would have been easier for the team to sign Snell, as there could have been more spots available in last-minute trades as teams complete their rosters.
— The AthleticMike Vorkunov of contributed reporting to this article.
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