08-09-2021, 10:06 PM
(08-09-2021, 09:14 PM)DrMav Wrote: I swear if they let one or both of these guys walk next offseason without any compensation…
I personally would try to extend now. Offer Brunson $21-24/3 and DFS $36-40/4. If they take it they’re on good, tradeable contracts that you can easily combine into a trade if necessary, and won’t add to be too much where you kill 2023 cap space if you’re aiming for that.
If they don’t take it, then you gotta seriously consider trading them this season which pains me cause I love DFS and can’t wait to get me a jersey of his in whatever new style this season is the coolest.
DFS, Brunson, and WCS to a lesser extent will be interesting decisions, because of the value of those players on the team, vs the payroll implications of keeping them.
Right now they are looking at about $133M in salary - with an estimated $119M cap, $145M tax line, and $151.6M apron line - before paying a penny to any of these 3 players. But if they don't sign them, they have then to pay to replace them (or lose talent they badly need), so they're stuck between a rock and a hard place. I think they will pay up.
I think your numbers on extensions are very reasonable offers, and perhaps enough to get a deal done. They're in line with deals done this summer. I wouldn't be surprised if that's next on Nico's schedule, to try to get something done with DFS and JB. (WCS is not eligible.) The window on such a deal closes when the season starts.