08-21-2023, 10:19 AM
(08-21-2023, 01:10 AM)surfpuckmd Wrote: I think Josh Green will get more money than Grant Williams. I believe he's already a better overall player and he's younger. In looking for a comparison for player value, I would choose Herb Jones. I follow the Pelicans closely as well. Jones is a better defender but Josh is a much better shooter. They both handle the ball pretty well and can pass. Herb is two years older. I think Herb Jones is a slightly better overall player at this time but Green has the youth advantage. That has value.
Herb signed a 4-year, $54 million extension this summer but that is misleading. The Pelicans had a team option for this coming season at less than $2 million. They decided to decline that and extend him instead. Effectively, the Pelicans decided to Herb Jones is worth around $17 million per season. I think that's fair as he's an elite role player and a high-character guy.
I think Josh Green will end up making similar money. I anticipate $16-18 million per year. I hope the Mavericks will agree on an extension sooner rather than later. That would complete an excellent off-season. I believe Mark Cuban is probably still somewhat embarrassed about the Jalen Brunson failure. I don't think he'll want to let Josh Green make it to free agency next summer.
I like Green a lot and think we will continue to develop, but this valuation seems a little high to me. Right now, I would argue that Williams is a better more versatile defender than Green and they are roughly a wash on offense. Herb Jones is a significantly better defender, and the difference in shooting is tempered by Green not taking enough shots. He needs to pull the trigger more for his efficiency to matter. Herb might be older, but they are both young and Herb has been in the league one less year. I would argue that Green is closer to Williams and his contract than Jones.