I suspect we're still seeing some plausible deniability on the salary cap circumvention regarding this year. Wait until the absolute last second of the off season (or maybe for the 2013-14 season to start?) before announcing the retirement.
Perhaps it's some fine print in the CBA which says something about a player being on contract during any given season? EG: If he retires during the 2012-13 season it means [X] if he retires during the 2013-14 season it means [Y].
It's obvious he's not playing this year, but there's gotta be a reason both sides are beating around the bush on the official announcement.
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