It appears that not all NBA players are happy about the league’s decision to continue the 2019/20 season at Disney World in Orlando next month. This is why the league reportedly now considers giving such individuals an option to opt-out of the season resume without major consequences.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday that a number of NBA players expressed their doubts about playing in Orlando and are not thrilled with the circumstances surrounding the league’s plan. Portland Trail Blazers’ Carmelo Anthony even publicly expressed his concerns, recently telling reporters that he’s thinking about whether to play.
This reportedly prompted the NBA and NBA Players’ Association to start working on an agreement that will allow those players a way out in case they end up deciding not to play. The talks are still ongoing, but it is expected that the two sides might have an agreement on the matter in the next few days.
Wojnarowski adds that players who voluntarily miss the rest of the 2019/20 would not be paid for the final eight regular-season games as a repercussion.
Reportedly, there are several reasons why some players are hesitant to play in Orlando, but most of them revolve around safety and health protocols. According to the current plan, the players wouldn’t be allowed to have visitors until the first round of playoffs which is scheduled to wrap up almost seven weeks after teams first arrive at the Disney World complex.
Additionally, the players would be required to spend all of their time inside the complex. Those that leave at any point would be subjected to a 10-day quarantine upon return.
