2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[Chicagojk]

https://theathletic.com/2650740/2021/06/...decisions/

Player Options

Josh Richardson, SG, Dallas, $11,615,328; BORD$ value: $8,022,970

I’m old enough to remember when Dallas thought it would have max cap space this summer partly because Josh Richardson would surely opt out of the final year of his deal. Oopsie. Acquired as a defensive stopper to bring some balance to Dallas’ offense-heavy attack, Richardson became increasingly marginal to its operation as the year went on and played just 21 total minutes in the Mavs’ final three playoff games.
On the one hand, that might make Richardson more likely to opt out, but the problem is, even as a 27-year-old in his theoretical prime, his recent resume will make it difficult for him to improve on this current salary. A better pathway would be to seek a trade and hope the change of scenery lets him boost his value heading into next summer. 

Verdict: Opting in

Team Options

Goran Dragic, PG, Miami, $18,400,000; BORD$ value: $5,424,047

Between the age adjustment for turning 35 and a not-great 2020-21 season, BORD$ sees diminishing returns on Goran Dragic’s contract. It seems highly unlikely Miami would pick up the option given the Heat’s cap room scenarios if they let him walk, with the only wild card being if his salary was needed as a matching contact to make a trade work. That likely means Dragic moves on to another team, but the Heat also could theoretically decline the option, use cap space and then re-sign Dragic with their room exception. 

Verdict: Declined

Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Dallas $4,100,000; BORD$ value: $6,134,621

BORD$ continues to be more bullish on Willie Cauley-Stein than the general sentiment around the league, but regardless of valuation, Cauley-Stein’s situation could hinge on other factors. In particular, Richardson’s decision above likely impacts his significantly. If Richardson opts out, the Mavs can decline Cauley-Stein’s option and have $35 million in cap room, which is potentially enough to retain Tim Hardaway Jr. and still add another starter-caliber player.
If Richardson opts in, however, Dallas likely will have less than MLE money left over after re-signing Hardaway, which makes the entire cap room exercise pointless. In that event, it seems more likely the Mavs pick up Cauley-Stein’s option, too; at the very least, his expiring deal could be piled into a trade. 

Verdict: Picked up

Thanks for sharing.  I know there is debate on whether him opting in or out is the best strategy.  Time will tell.   I fear him opting in is the bad outcome.   I fear it will leave us to trade for a similar level rated player (solid bench piece...was Richardson even solid though?).   Then if you resign Hardaway, and bring back the similar team.  A team with good depth but still missing 2-3 starting caliber players.    I guess you can hope that they turn our parts into a bigger piece, but I have been burned too much the last few years to get my hopes up.   

On a separate note, I know these are pro athletes and they work out all the time, but I saw WCS Instagram story and it looks like he has been working out in Dallas and in the latest on Ty Terry was working out with him.   If true, glad Terry is in Dallas (WCS too).   Hopefully our other rookies are also staying close this offseason (with the exception of Green who will be playing some international ball).