NBA shortens free agent moratorium to avoid another DeAndre Jordan mess

The NBA and National Basketball Players Association agreed to shorten the July free agent moratorium, according to a memo sent from the league office to team owners, general managers, financial representatives and team counsel, Paste BN Sports has learned.

The free agent moratorium is now July 1-6, instead of July 1-11, meaning free agents can sign contracts on July 7.

In past years, the free agent moratorium lasted about 10 days, giving the league office time to audit its finances. The moratorium serves other purposes, too. It aims to create a level playing field, giving teams ample opportunity to speak with players and giving players time to make a decision without too much pressure.

But it also dragged on, and last year, the lengthy moratorium led to the DeAndre Jordan debacle – when he pledged to sign with the Dallas Mavericks only to change his mind and re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The shortened period should eliminate that kind of scenario.

The summer will be an important year for several players who will be free agents or expected to be free agents, including Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, DeMar DeRozan, Pau Gasol, Al Horford, Dwight Howard, Mike Conley and Hassan Whiteside.

This is also a good sign that the NBA and NBPA are working on resolutions to league issues.