It’s pretty clear that certain baseball teams who shall not be named are immune from the recession. But other sports with salary caps are starting to feel the crunch. Word around the league is that the NBA’s cap and luxury tax threshold will actually be lower next season, for the first time in the history of the league.

The two figures are at $58.68 and $71.15 million this season, and are based on the league’s basketball-related income. With attendance down, not to mention luxury boxes and merchandising, the hard and fast math means, according to the PORTLAND TRIBUNE, NBA teams could have more than a million dollar less to spend on the 2009-2010 season.

The economy is affecting teams at the gate. One source says in Charlotte the turnstile count was 4,003 for a recent game against Minnesota (the announced crowd was 9,285). The Bobcats averaged 14,717 last season and are at 13,443 this year.

Memphis (12,038) and Sacramento (12,185) have the lowest average announced home attendance figures this season. Indiana, the L.A. Clippers, Minnesota and Philadelphia are all under 15,000. Average announced attendance for all teams is 17,036, down from 17,391 last season.

What does this mean for LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the big names in the Great Free Agent Class Of 2010? (I think we can put that phrase in caps now.) Not much, actually. They’ll still get their max contracts. But those teams will have a bit less cash to surround them with role players, and those role players will be forced to take less money.

I’m not sure if it’s frightening, or comforting to know that this crappy economic climate is touching even the untouchable world of professional sports. Still I’d happily take the NBA rookie minimum, if anyone wants to give it to me.