What are "team-friendly" contracts designed to do?

"Team-friendly" contracts are specifically structured to provide financial flexibility for the team. This means that they are designed in a way that allows teams to manage their salary cap effectively, enabling them to allocate resources efficiently across their roster. These contracts typically include lower base salaries or less guaranteed money, allowing teams to invest in additional players or retain key talents without exceeding salary cap limits. This financial flexibility also enables teams to maneuver within the constraints of the league's economic structure, potentially leading to improved competitiveness over time.

While other options may hold relevance in different contexts, they do not delve into the core purpose of team-friendly contracts. For instance, increasing overall player salaries or enhancing a team's public image does not align with the design intent of these contracts. Similarly, restricting player movement is counterproductive to the player’s interests and the overall market dynamics aimed at promoting competitive balance within the league.