(07-11-2026, 11:18 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: I thought Duncan was joking when you posted this and he probably is a little, but I think it’s actually a decent point. Trent Jr signed with Milwaukee twice in a row on the minimum (back when he was a hotter commodity) because they couldn’t offer more…now that he has his bird rights back but is clearly a minimum player after his worst season he gets a big deal?
This has handshake agreement two years ago written all over it.
Could he have gotten MLE money elsewhere?
The fact he got a raise is not a red flag. The fact he may have been willing to work at a discount (aka ring chase) in past years isn't either, with apron limits in the mix.
I don’t have a feel for his value.
I do know DAL gave puzzling deals in the past to Powell, and if he is some sort of team icon, that could be part of the equation too.
The prohibition against a handshake deal or unwritten "understanding" is more of a protection for the teams and NBA than anything, as it keeps players from saying "they promised me x." Promises aren't NBA-legal, so they cant be enforced, and I suspect that's all the NBA cares to ensure. (So if you feel you somehow owe a player, and want to come back and pay him tons, its your money to spend, feel free.)