Former BYU guard Jimmer Fredette was recently released by the San Antonio Spurs, and with that move a lot of speculation was that Fredette would head to Europe to continue pro basketball. That may not be the case because according to D-League Digest, Fredette has signed a deal a NBA D-League contract. Signing a D-League contract allows the former lottery pick to be eligible for the leagues draft this Saturday.
This is a peculiar move because Fredette for sure would have teams over in Europe pay a lucrative contract for him to knock down three-point shots, but perhaps there is more to the situation. Some players feel making the move overseas is a step down and it also takes them far off of the radar of the NBA, whereas the D-League keeps players stateside and in the view of NBA scouts. There are also people who do not want to live in a foreign country and since Fredette is married this would be a big move for him and his family.
Money is likely not an issue since Fredette was picked No. 10 overall and has made a good living in the NBA, and that could be his motivation to join the D-League which pays much less than European contracts. Fredette would likely be one of the higher paid players in this league but that pays approximately $25,000 per season, and in addition to their base salaries, bonuses can be earned.
Here are details of contracts in the D-League.
– In addition to their base salaries, minor leaguers can earn bonuses pertaining to various accomplishments. The league’s Most Valuable Player earns a maximum $3,000 bonus.
– The league’s other award winners (such as Most Improved Player, D-League Impact Player, Defensive Player of the Year, the Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award recipient, and varied “All D-League” team selections) earn bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.
– In addition to respective life and health insurance benefits during the season, housing and in-season accommodations are provided, as well as a $40 per diem for meals while a player is traveling on the road with his team (players are allocated $30 during training camp).
– Players on successful teams can earn smaller bonuses ranging from $500 to $1,000 as their respective teams win a regular season conference championship, as well as win and/or make the D-League Finals.
– Early termination fees for players seeking some sort of opt-out in their contract midseason, in order to play for an international (or otherwise related) team, begin at $40,000.
– The D-League’s anti-drug (marijuana and other related substances) policy is very similar to that of the NBA’s, except for the fact that a minor leaguer’s contract can be terminated following the third offense.
