04-06-2021, 03:57 PM
(04-06-2021, 03:04 PM)HanspardShowerVoice Wrote: I think this is the most likely stumbling block. JRich is 27. THJ is 29. Very likely this is their last big open market contract of their careers, and will want to maximize their earnings while they still can.With only six teams (not including the Mavs) set to have Space this off-season what kind of market will there be for them? That’s the question. Even with an underwhelming free agent class I don’t see then being at the top of anybody’s list. Then when you factor in that fact most of the other teams with space are lotto teams their options really narrow. Pretty much you’re left with Chicago, New York, and Charlotte.
Chicago: I think they’re going all in on Lonzo. Which is consequently why I could see them either not extending or pulling Markkanen’s qualifying offer and making him unrestricted.
New York: They’re probably going to bid on Lonzo as well but I think he more likely ends up with the Bulls. After that They’ll probably go after Schroeder or Conley. And I for sure can’t see them trying to pay THJ for a third time.
Charlotte: Seems like a foregone conclusion that they’re going heavy after Montrez Harrell for some reason. They’ve already got Rozier and Ball. Plus they have to make a decision about Devonte’ Graham. He’s younger than our guys so I imagine they would prefer to just keep him.
Again I could be really wrong or I’m just seeing through my homer glasses but I really think there’s a good chance they we’re able to keep THJ and Jrich on team friendly deals. Something like $24 million per year combined. From there all we have to do is convince OKC to take on Dwight Powell for a couple of seconds. And then all of the sudden we’ve got a damn good core with $19 million in Space left. All easier said than done and I’m doing a lot of assuming but that’s the way I see it.