(07-11-2025, 12:20 PM)F Gump Wrote: "GSW didn't do a single thing yet and they only have 9 players under contract and I think 3 of those are not guaranteed."
I noticed that too in looking at the LBJ idea, and thought it odd, and started to mention it. But as I added up the salaries, it may be nothing more than GS is sorta "broke" (cap-wise) when you look more closely.
They have about 170.5M on the books for those 9 players, well below the tax line. But if you add in money for Payton (he was paid 9M last season, so pencil him in for that) and add 4 at the minimum (another 9M+) then if they give Kuminga the last slot at 20M - or equivalent salary coming back in a sign-and-trade - it lands them at A2 line, which is the defacto spending limit for teams (with very few exceptions).
I'm not suggesting they have to do those things at those numbers, but they are probably feeling restricted in what they can do.
So there is no way GSW could use a full MLE. They were heavily rumored for Horford and Melton, but that would only be possible if one of them comes at the min. Might be, none of them is enthusiastic about that
Payton I doubt he can resign at that number. If he walks, could he hope for more than vet min offer?