Rise in NBA salary cap is a windfall for this year's free agents

NBA owners are used to shelling out big bucks to land players.

But never like this.

When the free agency floodgates open Thursday at 9:01 p.m., teams and players will be negotiating all-time high contracts for millionaire clients.

Thanks to the league’s behemoth new television deal, the salary cap is projected to jump from last year’s $70 million to around $94 million. More teams than ever will be able to offer maximum contracts. The Lakers will boast about $60 million in cap space, enough to sign two maximum-level free agents if they can lure them.

$10 million bucks just ain’t what it used to be.

For a veteran with more than 10 years of experience, say LeBron James, a maximum contract will now be worth north of $30 million. Last year, Kobe Bryant was the league’s highest-paid player at $25 million.

Kevin Durant is the most desirable player testing the market with six teams reportedly lined up to make pitches. The Clippers, and not the Lakers, are among them.

The Clippers only have about $15 million in cap space, but could free up room for Durant through a trade involving one of their high-salaried players.

Most maximum-level players, such as DeMar DeRozan, Al Horford and Mike Conley, will find themselves with plenty of offers, but might see little incentive to leave home. The real intrigue may play out with role players.

A sixth man could cost eight figures.

In the end, it is easier for teams to overpay for players they covet. Bidding wars become all the more competitive. Likewise, it will be tougher than ever to pry a restricted free agent away from a rival with an enormous offer.

You want Jordan Clarkson? The Lakers can, and will be inclined to, match anything. The same goes for Detroit’s Andre Drummond and Washington’s Bradley Beal.

Harrison Baes is an interesting study. A restricted free agent, the Warriors forward disappeared in the NBA Finals, but seems bound for a maximum deal anyway. If the Warriors miss out on Durant and match a maximum offer sheet on Baes, the former North Carolina player will become the Warriors’ highest-paid player, eaing more than two-time league MVP Steph Curry and All-Star shooting guard Klay Thompson.

It’s a great year to be a free agent, especially with another healthy salary cap bump (to a projected $108 million) due next summer. Expect elite players such as James to seek “one-and-one” contracts this summer that include a player option after the first season so they can opt out and sign a new maximum-level contract when the cap reaches another apex next summer. Yes, by 2020, there will be players making $40 million per season.

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The windfall of cash isn’t the only change during this free agency period. The league also has cut the moratorium period in which contracts can be negotiated but not signed from 10 days to five (players can sign up to July 6 at 9:01 p.m.).

The reason?

Well, that’s a story with a hometown angle, too.

Last year, the Clippers seemingly lost DeAndre Jordan to a maximum contract offer from the Dallas Mavericks. But with nothing but time to think about his decision, Jordan memorably reneged on his pledge to the Mavs and re-signed with the Clippers.

The shorter waiting period is aimed at eliminating that scenario, which left the Mavericks high and dry.

That’s not something players have to worry about. After this summer, they’ll all be swimming. In cash.

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