Was this ever discussed when the extension took place? That it would take 13 million off our cap space? That if Lillard had waited, that I (and Olshey) wouldn't have to think about renouncing both Leonard and Harkless in order to sign two max agents? Is this something Lillard insisted on? Or did Olshey do it on his own; did he think the club and fan morale needed a boost? Did he think that free agents wouldn't come here unless he wrapped up Lillard ahead of time? http://www.blazersedge.com/2016/5/2...-nba-free-agency-cap-space-contract-extension
I imagine it had to do with goodwill on both sides, to show commitment towards each other. Also it makes Lillard eligible for the "Rose Rule". Have to imagine he wanted that. Also probably a bit of misjudgment on NO's part. He probably didn't think we would be good enough to lure a max free agent anyways, no one could have expected this.
It's only an issue if this is true: "The Blazers are more than one player away from contention, as Dave Deckard outlined last week. They need to upgrade at least two frontcourt positions if they hope to vault into the upper echelon of the Western Conference standings." Yes, if you think that the Blazers need a max contract FA at one big man position AND a $13 mil or so FA at the other big slot, then it makes a big difference. OTOH, if you think that one or more of Plumlee, Davis, Leonard or Vonleh has the chops to be a starter on a contending-level team, then it doesn't make any difference at all since those guys are either tied up on reasonable contracts or can be given new contracts via Bird rights. Given that if the Blazers are committed to CJ, I don't think they can afford more than 3 max-level contracts, so they'd better be of the opinion that those guys are either good enough or can be traded for guys who are.
There's no way Lillard will let a few dollars stop him from getting a title. And I'm sure they can structure the contract so that the bulk payment is structured for the back end. (cough Tom Brady.) Or Paul Allen can just hire a company that Dame has a controlling interest in. (cough Tom Brady) Or I guess we could just CHEAT like Tom f-cking Brady!
Portland is going to have a hell of a time getting 1 max FA to agree to come here - let alone 2. There are only 4 FA at are even worth a max contract. Much ado about nothing....
And some people think I'm a pessimist? I think in our situation it might be easier to get two than one since we will need that extra firepower to convince either one that we are a legitimate contender.
1. If he hadn't signed last offseason people would have been freaking out thinking Lillard wanted to leave. 2. Hard to ask his teammates to commit to the team when he hasn't. 3. One bad injury and he doesn't sign for as much money. Not worth the risk.
An extra $10M doesn't have to be used towards a max contract. It could've meant signing a Biyombo or a Marvin Williams
I'm not exactly why this is a big deal. When a player on a rookie deal earns a max contract they never wait to sign it unless they are trying to force their way out.
