When a basketball player becomes a free agent, their contract has not been renewed, causing anxiety. As an NBA player, when you’re not a team member, that can be a daunting concept. He will not be a free agent forever. Remember that basketball is a highly competitive field. It’s comforting to be a member of a team, but once you become a free agent, there are other concerns. Here are some ways you can handle the transition to free agency.
Radical acceptance
We do not have control over things in life, and one of them is when a contract ends. You’ve enjoyed your time playing for a particular team, and now that time is over. It’s okay to grieve the loss of being on a team. As an athlete, you bond with your team members. Understandably, transitioning to being a free agent can be difficult. You may not know how to handle the situation, and that’s okay. You can reach out for help to a licensed therapist if you are experiencing anxiety about your transition. There are also some advantages to being a free agent rather than being attached to a team.
Restricted Free Agent
It’s crucial to note that being a free agent isn’t necessarily straightforward. There may be restrictions on your rights. There are two types of free agents. One is a restricted free agent (RFA). These players are allowed to sign an offer sheet with another team. However, it’s crucial to note that the player’s original team can retain him if they match the terms of the competing team’s offer. The original team has the “right of first refusal.” When a player is an RFA that can cause him anxiety, he might feel somewhat trapped. It’s crucial to be honest about these feelings and talk them out with fellow athletes and a mental health professional if necessary. BetterHelp has an excellent option for online therapy, which is flexible for athletes. https://www.facebook.com/BetterHelp/.
Unrestricted Free Agent
An unrestricted free agent (UFA) has unlimited freedom to sign with their team of choice. Once they commit to a contract, they officially join the team. Additionally, some unrestricted free agents have options to exercise with their current team contracts. There is a lot more freedom when you are a UFA. That can feel exciting to a player or daunting. As a player, you can try to focus on the positive aspect of the situation. As an Unrestricted Free Agent, you have time to regroup and assess where you would like to go in your career. You can look at what you’ve accomplished on your previous team and figure out your next career move. Life is about choices. Now you have the opportunity to pursue a position on another team.
Managing emotions surrounding free agency
It’s not easy being an athlete. There are many mental health concerns that athletes have to deal with, including anxiety and perfectionism. If you have a game that doesn’t go well, you might experience depression. There’s no wrong way to feel. And sometimes, athletes are discouraged from expressing their feelings, resulting in further mental health concerns. It’s best to be open and honest about how you feel. You might feel the pressure to perform and be a superstar. That’s why online therapy can help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a licensed mental health professional who can support you. Athletes have hectic schedules, and online therapy can be an excellent place to speak about your feelings. Flexible and affordable. Your mental health matters, and you will play better when you have somebody on your side as a dedicated support.
