I think the Lebron wade bosh cuts were pretty small compared to Dirk's cut to sign Parsons and Duncans cut to sign Ginoble back. Dirk and Duncan are the most recent examples of guys taking less to make the team better
Both guys in their late 30s. Dirk already made $204M for his career. He also didn't take a pay cut, he's just getting paid over 4 years instead of 2. Duncan already made $225M for his career. Compared to Wes who's made $26M. Or LMA at $70M. Or Lillard at $6M.
I shouldn't say the players are solely greedy about the money. Jordan wanted to make $30M because it was a way of keeping score and he was so damned competitive he wanted to make more than the next best player and by a lot.
It would be great to keep our core together, but who says Oshay might not go another way? He obviously has a plan. Although he wants to build the team from the inside.
After all the 'no respect' mantra from Lillard I see a zero percent chance he takes a dollar less than whatever his max is when the time comes. It's a pride thing, like the all star game, and the Blazers would be stupid to ask. Likewise LaMarcus will be the most desired player in the league. Just give him whatever he wants. Wes and Rolo? I just don't see how we can fail to match. Pay now. If it becomes a problem, trade later.
So do you think the spurs should've blown up their roster when they lost in the 1st round as the #1 seed a few years ago? I want the Blazers to make good decisions this offseason. The results of this years playoffs are nearly irrelevant as all 8 teams are great.