THE CRUCIFIX: Cato: Wood isn't thrilled w/ his role...Will depart in the summer

[mvossman]

What's missing in this latest discussion is the consideration that was a lot more prevalent in the off-season with the JB situation. Isn't the most plausible view of things right now that when Cuban looks at Wood right now, what he sees most of all is a juicy expiring contract? Why would he "screw that up" by 1) offering an extension, 2) trading him for long-term salary, or 3) making any genuine effort to re-sign him this off-season when Christmas will come in July for Cuban when Wood walks? If there was a way to bet on that scenario right now, I'd lay a grand on it, and I'm far from a rich man.

Moreover, I have to shake my head at the talent evaluation of some of our posters here. Wood is a big who 1) can stretch the defense with his three, 2) handle and drive, 3) create his own shot, 4) rebound, and 5) pass, and has recently shown 6) solid rim protection, 7) some switching ability, and 8) quite strong chemistry with Luka. That he wouldn't be worth $25 mil a year or so at least is likely a tremendous surprise to the few other big men in the league who could check five or more of those boxes. Carry on, tho. You're doing Mark's work for him!

I'm confused.  If Cuban's only purpose is to shave salary, then why did we sign extensions to Dorian and Maxi?  Wood was traded for expiring contracts that actually amounted to less than Wood, so he didn't save a penny in that trade.  I realize there is a lot of frustration on how the Brunson situation was handled and Cuban is clearly not the same owner who spent his way out of poor trades befor the championship, but there is a lot of room between an owner who does not want spend nearly 200 million in salary plus well over 100 million in tax for a roster that is not a contender, and an owner that is trying to strip away any salary that he can.

I also find it interesting that NBA circles do not seem to share your evaluation of Wood.  Players on the last year of a 14 mil contract who are worth 25 mil cost a lot more than a crappy first while eating 4 crappy expirings.  It only takes one, but I doubt he is getting 25 mil this coming offseason.