07-24-2021, 07:23 AM
(07-24-2021, 06:20 AM)F Gump Wrote: A 2+1 would be awfully disadvantageous for the Mavs, nor is there any real benefit for Kawhi either in a shorter deal (unless you theorize he's wanting to come to Dallas but doesn't really want to be here -- which is totally contradictory).
It makes way more sense that he'll sign a 3+1, with someone.
Kawhi, if he's committed enough to move, would WANT there to be Bird rights at the end of the deal, to avoid having contract limits at the end if he wants to sign again. In addition, players sidelined by major injury tend to want the security of the most money possible, just in case. And there's no max-category step up, as he's already at the top 35% level. Nor do the league revenues look like there's going to be much of a cap jump anytime soon (instead, there's still some payback owed), which means there's no incentive to jump back in the free agent pool anytime soon.
As you said it's awfully disadvantageous to the Mavs, and Kawhi is the one having the advantage.
He took this deal with the Clipps, KD took this kind of contract with GSW.
And he might be in a better situation for his last BIG deal in two years than in three.
By the way his early-bird, or even non-bird-rights will cover his next max.