At Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C., we are thrilled to announce a significant win for our client, Aaron Turner, in a high-stakes arbitration proceeding under the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Regulations Governing Player Agents. On September 10, 2025, Arbitrator Jeffrey Mishkin issued a Final Award in favor of Mr. Turner, granting him full entitlement to his contractual 4% commission on Derrick Jones Jr.’s three-year, $30 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. It marked the first time that an NBPA decision has been published in roughly 7 years. This decision not only vindicates Mr. Turner’s diligent representation but also reinforces the integrity of agent-player contracts in the NBA, ensuring that agents are fairly compensated for their foundational work in establishing a player’s market value.
The case arose from a Standard Player Agent Contract (SPAC) executed between Mr. Turner and Mr. Jones on April 18, 2016, which governed their professional relationship for over eight years. Under the SPAC, Mr. Turner provided comprehensive representation, including strategic advice on career decisions and contract negotiations that elevated Mr. Jones’s standing in the league. Notably, in the lead-up to the 2024 NBA free agency period, Mr. Turner engaged in substantive discussions with the Dallas Mavericks, securing a firm three-year, $27 million offer that served as a critical benchmark for Mr. Jones’s value. This offer, informed by detailed market analysis considering Mr. Jones’s standout performance in the NBA Finals and comparable player contracts, positioned him optimally for free agency. However, on June 26, 2024—just days before free agency opened—Mr. Jones served Mr. Turner with a termination notice. Per the explicit terms of Section 6 of the SPAC, the agreement remained in effect for 15 days, until July 11, 2024, making Mr. Turner the agent of record when Mr. Jones signed his Clippers contract on July 9, 2024.
In our grievance filed on behalf of Mr. Turner, we asserted that his efforts directly contributed to the Clippers deal, which—after accounting for California’s higher state taxes and cost of living—was essentially equivalent to the Mavericks offer he had negotiated. Mr. Jones’s attempt to circumvent the SPAC by signing during the notice period, coupled with claims of exigent circumstances and self-negotiation, lacked merit. We presented compelling evidence to demonstrate a clear causation and nexus between Mr. Turner’s work and the final contract. Drawing on NBPA precedents such as Duffy v. Wiggins (2019), where foundational negotiations led to full fees, and distinguishing cases like Davis v. Wilkins (1991) and Tucker v. Gibson (2010) involving preliminary or unrelated efforts, we argued that Mr. Turner’s advanced-stage contributions warranted the full $1.2 million commission (4% of $30 million).
Arbitrator Mishkin thoroughly reviewed the parties’ submissions, including pre-hearing briefs, witness testimony from the July 2025, hearing, and exhibits such as the SPAC and termination notice. In a well-reasoned 17-page Final Award, the Arbitrator found that the SPAC was unequivocally in effect at the time of signing, that Mr. Turner’s negotiations with the Mavericks constituted compensable “representation” under the agreement, and that no exigent circumstances excused compliance with the 15-day notice period. The decision affirmed the substantial similarity between the Mavericks and Clippers contracts, rejecting Mr. Jones’s defenses and awarding Mr. Turner the full commission, post-judgment interest at 9% per annum on any delayed payments, and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. This outcome aligns with the NBPA’s commitment to upholding contractual obligations and protecting agents who invest years in building a player’s career.
This victory is a testament to Mr. Turner’s professionalism and the strength of our advocacy at Heitner Legal. For over a decade, we have represented clients in complex sports law matters, from contract negotiations to dispute resolution, always prioritizing fairness and fiduciary duty. Aaron Turner’s case highlights the importance of honoring the SPAC’s protections, particularly in the high-pressure world of NBA free agency, and serves as a positive precedent for agents facing similar challenges. We extend our congratulations to Mr. Turner on this well-deserved result and remain grateful for the opportunity to champion his interests.
Darren Heitner is the founder of Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C., a sports and entertainment law firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This post does not constitute legal advice; consult an attorney for your specific situation.