It doesn't matter if we save the TPE because of the hard cap so use the TPE for Grant still but include Bledsoe. No need to guarantee Bledsoe's contract then so it would only cost Detroit the $3.9 million. That's the best case scenario when we hear the final details.
So if we are 4 million away from the hard cap, we can still trade for a player making 6.5 or less and go over that hard cap number?
No. Can't go over the hard cap for any reason. We'd be closer to $6 million than $4 million if they ditch Bledsoe somehow though.
just to clarify, Detroit sends Grant to Portland who is absorbed into Portland's 21M TPE. That creates a 21M TPE for Detroit; 3.9M of it they use to absorb Bledsoe. Technically that would be two trades but practically it would be one. I'm thinking I have that right I'd wonder if the delay in trading Grant is because the Pistons wanted to use all their cap-space first so they wouldn't have to renounce the TPE in order to use the cap-space. But looking at their cap, they are a long ways from hitting the salary cap. Maybe they don't see much value in the TPE?
Two trades for Portland, but only 1 trade for Detroit. Detroit trades Grant for Bledsoe. Later cuts Bledsoe for cap space. PDX acquires Grant in TE, sends Bledsoe out in separate trade generating new TE.
Are our two way roster spots used up? I know B Williams is one and Walker is one I think? We could go get a back up big from the G league without using up a roster spot couldn't we?
My guess is Detroit agreed to take Bledsoe's $3.9 million, but only if they didn't have something better come up with the space. Looks like they didn't. I know I'm the only one saying this but it could also be that Grant is signing the 2/$45 extension as part if the trade. If that's the case July 6th is the first day that can be official.
And for the record, it's not the TPE that's important for sending Bledsoe out, it's not having his dead money on our books so that it gives us a little tiny bit more wiggle room under the hard cap. If Keon or Did is also in the deal they might be ducking the tax.
I'd say most likely this is not the case, the trade was setup to just go down as reported. However Detroit or Portland has the option to modify the trade or bring in a 3rd team, and both clubs wanted to keep that flexibility. But Portland would have to give Detroit an asset to eat the 3.9 million Bledsoe deal. If so, I'd expect we see the Blazers likely do this and give up a 2nd, and use the "flexibility" only to stay out of the tax.
If they used Keon as that asset and then signed Walker as the 14th guy, they'd be just under the tax line. I wouldn't be shocked if they're that cheap.
My guess is they are ducking the tax... but that it is as part of a 'unlikely incentive' associated with Ant's contract (ie- making the all-star team). I can't remember who stated it - but shortly after his deal was announced, one of the media guys was saying to wait until all the details come out because the announced deal will always be the most favorable amount. If you take 15% off Ant's contract, we'd be below the tax.
