Trade & FA 2024-25:

[F Gump]

I’d be shocked if he took a pay cut voluntarily and it’d be wishful thinking to think he’d do a 1+1 deal coming off an ACL tear at 33.

So you think my other possibility offered is the one that will happen? That was adding 2 years at about the current number (thus, NOT a change to the 2025 summer situation).

FWIW, since I wrote that, I heard Stein say he's hearing something like that, which would approx a total of 3 for 120M. That could happen with an opt in -- which doesn't change the numbers -- and then extends for 2 years at about the same number. Or he could opt out, they do some variation of that, to lower the initial number a bit and allow the team to make things work this season to keep the ship afloat until Kyrie comes back.

The Mavs want Kyrie, and wants to be here. But they BOTH have to be recognizing what's a fair number too, in the context of him missing half or more of the next season, and the fact his market is NOT going to be that strong financially if he opted to be a FA. Not that either side will push to that, but it's a factor in what's fair.

I've NEVER bought the ideas that Kyrie has them over a barrel, they have to pay him max-max, and he'll demand that. Or variations thereof. This is like a long-married couple figuring out how to make things work imo, and neither side will hold a gun to the other's head (or even consider it).