An NBA spokesman, responding to criticism below from longtime agent Jeff Schwartz, says: “Team spending on older veteran Via @TheSteinLine on X

What happened: Schwartz blamed current CBA rules after arguing teams will not spend on older veterans. His criticism came as clients Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love remained unsigned.

Why it matters: The response deepens a dispute over whether the labor deal has squeezed established free agents. Schwartz previously faulted the NBA labor deal as veterans waited for jobs.

By the numbers: Players with at least 10 NBA seasons account for 28% of total salaries under the current CBA, according to the NBA.

What to watch: Westbrook's and Love's free-agent outcomes will offer the next evidence on the market for older players.

Sources