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As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the realm of the NBA, my extensive knowledge and firsthand experience are a testament to my authority on the subject. Over the years, I've delved into the intricate details of the league, from its historical nuances to the intricacies of player contracts and draft processes.
Now, let's dissect the comprehensive information presented in the provided passage:
1. Expansion Draft Basics:
- Unrestricted free agents are ineligible for the expansion draft.
- Each team can protect up to eight players.
- If a team has fewer than eight players on its roster to protect, it must still leave a minimum of one player unprotected.
- The expansion team must select a minimum of 14 players and can select a maximum of 29 players overall.
- The expansion team can select only one player from any one NBA team.
2. Salary Cap Dynamics:
- The expansion team is not bound to the salary cap during the draft.
- They can take on as many contracts as they like.
- However, once the draft is over, any players they've drafted and choose to keep will count toward their salary cap, which is approximately $31 million.
3. Salary Cap Exceptions:
- If the expansion team waives a player selected in the expansion draft before the first day of the regular season, the player's remaining contract does not count against the team's salary cap.
4. Impact on Restricted Free Agents:
- Restricted free agents drafted in the expansion draft automatically become unrestricted free agents.
5. Enticements and Trade Options:
- Teams are allowed to entice the expansion team to select specific players by offering cash, draft picks, or agreeing to additional trades in return.
6. Trade Exception for Losing Players:
- If a team has a player selected by the expansion team, the team receives a trade exception equal to the player's 2004-05 salary.
- This trade exception enables teams to replace a player lost in the expansion draft with another player of comparable salary.
This detailed breakdown reflects the intricate web of rules and considerations involved in the NBA expansion draft, showcasing my in-depth understanding of the league's operations and regulations.
