The CBA , and it's new restrictions are about to get very interesting. It's one of the reason teams like Boston are switching some stuff up, and had to decide between resigning Brown, and trading Smart. But they obviously couldn't keep Smart, sign Brown, and make a big addition, without trading Smart and being backed into a corner. It's why Phoenix is about to have a Come to Jesus moment involving keeping Ayton, or actually being able to add a player who can contribute off the bench. It's , at least, one of the reasons Golden State got rid of Poole's big contract for Paul who's deal is expiring. To me, it's why the Blazers went the way they did for now. It's doesn't mean they won't add a key veteran , or two, but it seems Joe & his Staff wanted to make sure they got max talent on rookie deals. And still have an ability to add some key additions through a trade, and/or free agency. The Blazers might be closer to contending, than pretending from here on. Dame sees this, and talked to the Custer guy about any team trading for him would have to return talent, affecting the new teams ability to stay on course. But that was overlooked. It was something like "but what will they have to give up?" Custer let it go by his myopic questioning. I think Joe has talked to Dame about the "complete " picture going forward. It's why he said he still wanted to build around Dame. But the New CBA is gonna change a lot of teams courses, especially the ones who have spent ridiculously into the cap. It's also why Denver, the Champs, got back into the 1st round to get those rookie deals. They are closing in on being hamstrung as well. And resigning Bruce Brown is going to take both, a player home discount, and getting rid of other players and replacing them with min, deal and rookie salaries. I think Dame can still see a course to compete and potentially contend in the near future. Yes Sharpe and Scoot need to be the real deal. But there's a better than good chance that happens. I doubt, with the way Dame trains and keeps himself in top physical and mental condition, his skills deteriorate any time soon. I think Dame sees the path, and the potential.
