Tag: Joe Tsai

Nets working toward plan for non-salary arena staff

Spencer Dinwiddie was among those to point out event workers are among those being heavily impacted by sports cancellations.

With the NBA suspending the 2019-20 season due to the COVID-19 outbreak — and other sports and leagues later following suit — many been impacted. There are the fans, the players and those who work in the organization who have all had to deal with the change.

Among those who are prone to feeling the impact the most are the event workers who do all the little things to help make games and other events what they are. And there have been some who have called for teams to take care of these workers who are on hourly pay that can’t work during this time, and thus can’t support themselves.

Brooklyn Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie made sure to bring attention to this matter on Twitter:

And Dinwiddie was heard loud and clear by Nets governor Joe Tsai:

According to Jason Quick of The Athletic, the Portland Trail Blazers are working toward the same goal.

Dallas Mavericks governor Mark Cuban was the first to express his team is working toward a plan.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Pistons will pay their hourly and part-time staff during the NBA’s hiatus.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love is donating $100,000 to support arena workers through the Kevin Love Fund. He is the only player who has made this type of gesture during the crisis.

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Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. And the fear and anxiety resulting from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 can be extremely overwhelming. Through the game of basketball, we've been able to address major issues and stand together as a progressive league that cares about the players, the fans, and the communities where we work. I'm concerned about the level of anxiety that everyone is feeling and that is why I'm committing $100,000 through the @KevinLoveFund in support of the @Cavs arena and support staff that had a sudden life shift due to the suspension of the NBA season. I hope that during this time of crisis, others will join me in supporting our communities. Pandemics are not just a medical phenomenon. They affect individuals and society on so many levels, with stigma and xenophobia being just two aspects of the impact of a pandemic outbreak. It's important to know that those with a mental illness may be vulnerable to the effects of widespread panic and threat. Be kind to one another. Be understanding of their fears, regardless if you don't feel the same. Be safe and make informed decisions during this time. And I encourage everyone to take care of themselves and to reach out to others in need — whether that means supporting your local charities that are canceling events, or checking in on your colleagues and family.

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Joe Tsai ‘absolutely’ prepared for Nets to pay luxury tax

Joe Tsai wants the Brooklyn Nets to bring home some hardware. If it takes some extra money to do so, he’s prepared to flip the bill.

The Brooklyn Nets have two of their better players in the NBA on their roster in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Although Durant is still out for the foreseeable future as he rehabs his right Achilles, the franchise is expected to contend for a title with those two running the show and Caris LeVert, DeAndre Jordan and Spencer Dinwiddie headlining Brooklyn’s supporting cast of players.

Each of those five players is on a multi-year deal. Taurean Prince signed an extension, too. But the Nets may need to invest more money in their roster down the line. For instance, Brooklyn sharpshooter Joe Harris is in the final year of his contract.

The Nets may eventually need to make other tough financial decisions, but Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks recently gave fans some assurance about how the team will handle those matters when he told Malika Andrews of ESPN the team is prepared to pay the luxury tax:

We’re going to be a tax team. We are married to that. There’s a limited amount of times and ways you can continue to add to your team. You better do it now. You’re gearing up for a run.

A decision like this has to include Nets governor Joe Tsai, given he’ll be the one flipping the bill. On Tuesday, Tsai told YES Network he’s “absolutely” prepared to pay the tax, while adding:

I think the fans expect that we win a championship. And the good thing is I do believe we have the pieces in place. Now, we have some injuries and people are coming back, but the fundamental pieces are in place to perhaps go all the way. So, I am absolutely comfortable that if we pay the luxury tax, that’s fine.

Now the Nets need to keep finding ways to further develop as they await Kevin Durant’s return to the court.