Luxury Tax Hell

[F Gump]

This conversation about tax consequences is interesting and informative, but I think we are missing some perspective.

Maybe a month or three ago, I began to swim against the tide here on tax matters. Then, the prevailing wisdom was that the Mavs had to trade DFS, JB, or both, because of the tax consequences of signing both. But, I pointed out, the assumption that they couldn't keep them all was based on the belief that the tax line was an insurmountable barrier, and I felt that belief was short-sighted.

I think we all see things differently now. The only question we have now is, how much will it cost, and how will they keep from having to do it again.

While some assume that there will be a major push to either jettison most of the tax cost this season somehow, or to limit the tax to only one year, I wouldn't be so sure. I again wonder if we are being more worried about tax than they are.

I do think the FO will try to be smart(er) in their spending, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one or more salary-efficient moves made that aim to help the cost but don't sacrifice quality. So I think it more likely than not that they will prioritize roster quality over the tax amount - and more than that, I don't think there will be any real plan enacted to limit the tax to just one year.

What salary-efficient moves might be out there that can make the team better while perhaps slicing off a bit of the payroll cost for the road ahead? I think that's where they really are.