A fair example to help all teams could be that player X works hard in the off season on his range or stamina and he gets a boost for next season. I'm not suggesting all players get this but you have players who work hard in the off season Some to lose weight or gain muscle ( Kendrick Perkins after his rookie and second year) other to be a better FT shooter (Amare after his rookie season) Other might work on their conditioning or defense. Maybe have 1 or 2 players get a bump every year would be fair for everyone. You have no say in who or what they improve on.
This does not favor any teams with money and it is a nice surprise to see player X go from a level 3 to 4 when the season starts.
You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em, Know when to walk away and know when to run. You never count your money when youre sittin at the table. Therell be time enough for countin when the dealins done.