it is my understanding that IF Minn had claimed MoJeff off waivers, Minn would assume the existing contract. They didn't so they aren't. Dallas is still responsible in part or whole cap wise and/or money wise for the contract she was on with Dallas.
Play X had a contract guarantee of $180,000 and is waived by Team Y. Unclaimed, she signs a contract for $100,000 with team Z. Team Y still pays $80,000 of the original contract, and Team Z pays $100,000 per the new contract.
Richard Cohen response on MoJeff:
"If they claim her off waivers, you assume all elements of the current contract (so 180k guaranteed). If she clears waivers, the contract no longer exists and she's an unrestricted free agent who can sign with whoever for whatever."
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Thanks to both of you for weighing in.
I probably read Cohen's response too quickly and/or didn't realize that MoJeff had cleared waivers.
Given the precariousness of most WNBA teams' salary cap situation, it makes sense for teams to let players clear waivers and then sign as a free agent.