I think that's basically all it is. They were willing to go all-in if they were winning. Not so much for the bottom of the playoffs.
So losing Skal is the reason we won't make the 8th spot? I was thinking getting Nurkic and Collins back would be more impactful, especially since Skal hasn't been playing lately and we have more than held our own.
Being reported by Haynes that Portland is getting 2m for Skal --- whatever still a little over an hour to go then i will decide if this deal was good , bad or whatever - LOL
Ppl here want that so bad. Yay let’s make the 8th to get slaughtered like that year we traded for Nurkic and got killed by the warriors
Skal suffered an articular cartilage lesion, which is what started Oden's exit from the NBA. I certainly hope that Skal's injury isn't as significant, but cutting his salary, and the tax on it, for a guy who probably can't play the rest of the season is a perfectly logical move.
I like Bertans, but one 1st seems like the most I'd do, and I'm not even sure I'd do that unless it was a late first.
They get closer though so it's clearly to save money. Now if they do another save money move they maybe get under the tax.
They could trade hezonja and Swanigan for nothing and they would stil be over the Tax. They have to trade either Whiteside or Ariza to get under the tax.
I really, really like Skal. I thought he had a ways to go, but he had potential no doubt, he also has an awesome life story and I cheered for his success even when he was a King. He is doubtful to play much this year though, and I think if the goal is to save money it makes sense from that perspective.
Getting Gabriel and Swanny back kind of made Skal expendable but i will admit i kind of liked Skal -- not sure why but always thought in the right situation would become a solid player but looks like i was wrong
Plus he was a restricted free agent in the off season and like you said with Nurkic and Collins coming back he was going to have limited opportunity. I liked Skal, but best case scenario is as a mediocre back up. Those sort of players are always available.