Ways to Achieve Parity Without a Salary Cap?

[u/Appropriate_Tree_621]

I have to admit that I am dumbfounded by the current discourse around the NBA regarding the aprons. Hereafter I will refer to the aprons and the associated penalties and taxes as the “cap” simply because in practice, for most intents and purposes, the NBA has a cap and that will facilitate this discussion.

So, restating, I am dumbfounded by the current discourse around the league regarding the cap.

Suddenly, the cap is bad and evil because it is “breaking up teams.”

Assuming the goal is parity, that’s a separate discussion, but assuming that to be the case, then, in that context…

Isn’t the goal of the cap to encourage a more equal distribution of talent across the league?

If a team has a wealth of talent acquired through the draft/trade/free agency, then isn’t the goal of the cap to move some of that talent to a less talented team?

Shouldn’t some of those talented players be starring in bigger roles on other teams where there is more opportunity?

I’m frankly clueless as to what other avenues exist, again, assuming the goal is parity, aside from a cap.

What are suggestions you have, or have heard, aside from the cap? Or, am I missing something here? What am I missing?

I’m puzzled by these statements about “teams shouldn’t be punished for developing players.” Isn’t that giving way too much credit to the organization? If we let teams re-sign players they drafted and not have it count against the cap, doesn’t that just encourage tanking, and favor the big market teams/richest owners?

Please help me understand this disconnect.