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You are here: Home / All The Lingo / Sports Terms That Begin With ‘B’ / Bird Rights

Bird Rights

bird rights

What Is The Definition Of Bird Rights In Basketball (NBA)?What Are Bird Rights In Basketball? Definition & Meaning On SportsLingo

1. Bird Rights is a term used to describe a tactic in NBA free agency where a team is allowed to exceed the salary cap, at the maximum salary, in order to sign one of the own players. A player who qualifies for the bird rights has to have played three consecutive seasons with the team without having being waived or had changed teams as a free agent. When a player is traded or waived, his Bird Rights transfer with him.

The term “Bird Rights” is named after Larry Bird, who was a long-time player with the Boston Celtics. He’s the first player in history where the team had exceeded the salary cap in order to resign with the team.

Examples Of How Bird Rights Is Used In Commentary

1. With Paul’s trade to the Rockets, it looks the team will have a slight advantage to signing him back next summer since his Bird Rights get to come with him.

Sports The Term Is Used

1. Basketball

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