Which position does the Right of First Refusal typically apply to?

The Right of First Refusal typically applies to veteran players currently under contract. This mechanism allows a team to retain the rights to a player by matching any offer sheet that the player receives from another team during free agency. If the original team decides not to match the offer, they may receive compensation depending on the terms of the contract and the player's previous salary. This tool helps teams manage their roster and ensures that they have a chance to keep valuable veteran players whose contributions have been significant to the team's performance.

While rookie players and players approaching free agency may be subject to other rules and restrictions, the Right of First Refusal is specifically designed to address the situation of veteran players who have already established themselves in the league. Therefore, focusing on veteran players under contract specifically highlights the critical nature of the Right of First Refusal in preserving a team's established talent.