That's a large chunk of money to be tied up in a back-up PF. Will the Blazers spend ~$20 million/per on the PF position for the next 4-5 years? Is LMA a potential trade chip now? Lots of questions about a somewhat puzzling signing, assuming (perhaps not accurately) that Utah doesn't match. LMA could be about to experience some real hardball negotiations.
That is a good question. I think the "happenings" are going to get a lot more entertaining after Utah makes it's decision.
I didn't say it was a horror. LMA is not Brandon Roy, and his worth to the team is even less vital if Millsap, a proven scorer/rebounder, ends up in Portland.
It doesn't mean anything to LMA's extension. Absolutely nothing. After the initial signing bonus it is between 6.2 an 7.2 a year. That is not that that bad a for great young back up. Which is why Utah will Match. But if they don't match, it means that when LMA gets hurt and they all seem to eventually get hurt, our season won't go in the tank because we will have someone to replace him.
I think Utah might match, but the 10 million they'd have to give him within a week is a big chunk to some teams. Especially if they have a hard time finding a decent trading partner for Boozer.
I actually was going to start a thread on this. IRRESPECTIVE of whether Millsap is here or not, LA is not getting maxed out. We can all agree on that. But where would you expect his salary to be? Certainly higher than Millsap's 4/$32m. But higher than Bargnani's 5/$50? I'm not so sure... David Lee and Paul Millsap are both reasonable comparisons to Aldridge and neither of them are looking at $10m a year... of course, Aldridge is a superior player to Bargnani. It'll be interesting. Ed O.
He certainly will get more than 10 million a year. Roy will get Deron Williams money 13- 18 million and LMA will be not too far behind.
Possibly, if they envision an Oden/Aldridge/Millsap front court rotation. Then all three players would get starter minutes. If Millsap is added to the fold, Aldridge does become tradeable. Technically, he always was, but with a very good power forward to take over, you could definitely put Aldridge on the table for a high-level point guard and not worry about the front court if he's gone.
I really don't see Aldridge's contract negotiations being impacted one way or another by Millsap. LMA is the team's PF and Millsap isn't a threat to that status since he's simply not as complete a player as Lamarcus. I guess the way I look at the Millsap deal is that he certainly is one of the best players available this summer. If he fits, great. If not, he's a great trade asset in a couple months.
between Joel, Greg, LA, & Millsap, only one can play effectively at the high post and thats the same guy who can best defend both Big spots. Millsaps arrival would make LA a little more tradable, but he's certainly not the guy I'd expect KP to lead off his trade discussions with. STOMP
If does open up the opportunity to put together an insane packaging, including LMA, Rudy, ect, for Paul/Deron.
Btw, I'm most likely in the minority, but I'd be willing to package LMA for Carmelo. SG: Roy SF: Melo PF: Millsap C: Oden LMA is a good scorer but Melo is elite in that regard.
Not lead off discussions, of course. I'd much rather have Aldridge than Przybilla. It's just a matter of how lofty the trade target is. If, for example, you were talking about Tony Parker or Deron Williams or Devin Harris (not that they are all of similar ability), then Aldridge has to be on the table rather than Przybilla. If, instead, you are aiming at a Kirk Hinrich or even a Ramon Sessions, then Przybilla is the big man you'd include (if a big man must be included). Aldridge is the much more valuable asset, which both means he's the guy we'd rather have and the guy who has bigger trade value.
I can only speak for myself, but long posts dedicated to speculative trades only add clutter to a legitimate question regarding how Millsap's signing would impact LMA's extension.
Don't delete it. It just made zero sense to me in terms of the LMA contract extension. Perhaps this board needs a "hypothetical trade" Sticky that can save bandwith when scrolling through a thread?
Here's my take on Millsap's contract: (I think this deserves it's own thread, but I'll wait to see if it's official first). Since PM contract is front loaded 30% of the salary is gone in the 1st day, it actually keeps Portland way more flexible in the long run. Scenario 1) Everything works out great, he and LMA are an amazing PF duo, and LMA get extended (maybe Joel gets traded). Sure, 4 years from now, we'll be paying close to $20 million for two PF's. However, I would expect them to be the best PF duo in the league, and combine have the value of a KG or Tim Duncan have along with their scrub backups. The beauty is that if one gets hurt, we're not screwed like the other two teams. Scenario 2) The LMA, Millsap duo doesn't work at all, and it's clear right away. Come December, we could trade Millsap to a team needed a legit PF and help the save a lot of money. How you ask? Well he'll only be owed roughly $1 million for the rest of the 2009-2010 season in November, yet he'll have a cap hold of $7.5 million. So basically, we can help a team shave $6.5 million in actual cash. They'll also be getting this stud PF for 3.7 years and only $22 million (what a bargain). We should be able to get a lot of value for him. Scenario 3) The LMA extension talks don't go so well. He plays ok next season, but maybe even takes a slight step back. He somehow finds a team willing to give him max money. Oden and another player are showing promise of being major players and demanding worlds of cash in the following offseason. We now could let LMA walk, without taking a major hit. Obviously it would hurt, and I certainly don't wish/expect this scenario to play out, but it's nice to know even then, the world wouldn't be coming to and end.
