Hoops

Webster and Breakers disagree on buyout

Olgun:

The relationship between Webster and Breakers owner, Matt Walsh, has been mended, according to people with knowledge of the situation, so that shouldn’t be an issue.

Cram

Agreed, but we can’t ignore the third party payments from clothing etc sponsors. Remember the under armour (?) deal of Fergusen? Would a sponsor pay more money to a player in an emerging market (eg China) or an English speaking market? I’m not sure. But a league perceived as challenging, but still with opportunities for minutes and highlights, would definitely appeal. I think both Fergusen (pre next star) and Bowen had that environment, allowing them to build highlights reels for scouts and gain exposure in English language YouTube hits.

"Hampton takes up.... a tiny amount of the budget"

This is if you believe the NBL line from a year ago about the Next Stars all being paid $100k directly from the league. They haven't said that this is no longer the case, but they haven't really reiterated that is how the program works either, which considering the other changes to the program (which went un reported until it was unavoidable to report) I would be very unsurprised if this hasn't also changed.

There was a lot of speculation about what Hampton (and later Melo) was getting as part of his deal with figures of up to 500k quoted. Considering one of the Next Stars is also a draftee, who tend to be able to command good contracts OS, I would be surprised if none of them are getting more than $100k and that the team's aren't paying the overs.

Paul, you’re very wrong. Secondly, the reports about the 100k or even 150k outclause are false. 70 is the number

They spending a heap of money on RJ Hampton who will add no value to actual performances come the season so perhaps cut him and load up on a gun import.

What are the Breakers doing?

For the sake of $125k they are willing to jeopardise the whole season?

Let Webster go, get 12 guys on the Roster who are hungry and want to be there.

I don't know. I think he's giving them a pretty good out here. Take the $150k and be happy, IMO.

The Breakers are such a mess. Webster effectively killed their season last season with his disinterested play and he's looking like he's going to do it again.

From Twitter:

Tom Abercrombie out for up to three weeks for the Breakers with a quad tear. Ethan Rusbatch promoted to the full-time squad for the season now. IF Webster was to go (big if), Rusbatch would be the guy who would essentially replace him.

They've already signed Rusbatch as a NRP whatever that is, non-rostered player?

Also, the NBL is not a 6 month season.

By the time they have to report for pre-season (unless on national duties) to the end of season finish date, it would be more like 9 months.

It's from July/August to end of March roughly from what I know/see.

"MacDub, the NBL is a 6month season as opposed to 9/10 months. Per game, his NZ contract is actually more. Secondly, he can get great money in a place like China at the conclusion of the NBL season"

Then why would he offer to pay $100k USD out of his own pocket to secure the buyout. Because that's what he did.

Brunson, you obviously don’t understand how contracts work. Corey is under contract, Creek was not. It’s also not “common” place in Europe unless the buyout is paid as requested by the team eg: Jacob Wiley.

MacDub, the NBL is a 6month season as opposed to 9/10 months. Per game, his NZ contract is actually more. Secondly, he can get great money in a place like China at the conclusion of the NBL season.

"Why is this different from the Creek situation? 36ers wanted money, NZ wants money. Only difference is it looks like 36ers didn't have a contract in place to warrant the money. "

You answered your own question. Webster is under contract. Creek was not. Adelaide was not even Creek's last team, having signed in Germany. Vastly different.

"He will move on, as the money he is on in NZ is the same as the Turkish offer anyway."

No its not.

He's literally said in an open interview last week that the offer in Turkey was "way more" than what he is currently on (which I was shocked he said).

I don't think any player in their right mind would openly say that if it weren't true. Players dont want to be seen to be money-hunrgy so can't imagine they'd make it up.

I'd suggest its significantly more than double what he is on here.

I'd take the $150k. Cut the weakest import. Throw the Rusbatch guy into the roster on minimum and then get a strong import with (150+coreysalary+weakimport-minRusbatch).

What provisions are in place to cover the loss of a local player before the season starts? It really screws a team over. NBA out clauses are obviously disappointing for the team but understandable.

He must've got a few offers after his World Cup performances which seemed much better than his recent NBL seasons on paper.

Webster will play for the Breakers and play well, because if he doesn’t, that money will dry up from overseas if he has another bad season. What you all have to understand is, Webster was looking at an opportunity, and isn’t actually disgruntled.

He will move on, as the money he is on in NZ is the same as the Turkish offer anyway. No team in their right mind would give him up this late in the season.
Would SEM say, ok Mitch Creek you can go play in Turkey a week out from the season with no prior warning? This is very different from the Creek Vs 36ers beef.

I’m all for players seeking opportunity, just not this late unless it’s an NBA call up. Matt walsh also said he’d entertain a large contract, not a side step move. It seems most people are looking at this as blocking a player, when in reality it is more of a logic decision.

This is just negotiating via the media. The Breakers will end up taking a lot less than $250k as they know what a disruptive influence Webster can be.

The long suffering Fans of the WNBL in Perth have and are suffering yet another embarassing season.

The new coach, suppossed to bring in a raft of change, recruiting quality tier one players to the west, yes they are here, but the results are lacking.

There are a lot of people who will not go and watch a team lose each week. I'd rather go and watch a movie.

It is no wonder that our brightest and best leave the state to go elsewhere for success.

If I was on the board, the coaching staff would have been sacked five games ago, along with 4 of the current playing group.

Come on management, we have accepted mediocrity for way too long. Get tough, get us a coach and players that can get the job done. We are sick of being on the bottom of the ladder.

West Coast Fan