The NBA players union is seeking a clarification of "Bird rights" for players that changed teams via waivers, sources tell the New York Times. Right now, it's thought that players acquired through waivers do not have Bird rights. Therefore, teams would have to dip into their mid-level exception to retain such players if they're up against the salary cap. This case will affect Jeremy Lin, Steve Novak, J.J. Hickson and Chauncey Billups. If the union is successful in getting these players Bird rights, it will be much easier for their current teams to retain them.