05-26-2021, 09:38 PM
(05-26-2021, 04:15 PM)mvossman Wrote: Depends on JRich. If he opts in, we are almost definitely operating over the cap (and likely trading him). If he opts out, then ideally we can S&T him and stay over the cap, keep WCS and sign a MLE player. If JRich walks and we can't get an S&T worked out, then we are looking at ~15 mil in cap space after THJ signing (not sure what his market will be, but it is going up right now). That may not be enough for guys like Powell or Holmes (or even Fournier). Most of the next best options that might fit in that range are restricted (Graham, Trent, Markkanen).
Given the likelihood that we are keeping THJ and his price going up, I think it is going to be tough to get a starter quality player in free agency. I would greatly prefer the JRich trade scenario, but I don't know how likely that would be if he opts out?
I put this in another thread, but probably more appropriate here.
The JRich Matrix looks like this:
Option Path to Improvement
JRich Opt-in/Stays: MLE
JRich Opt-in/Trade: Trade Return for JRich + MLE
JRich Opt-out: Cap Room + RMLE (cap room may be limited with recent play of THJ)
JRich Opt-out/S&T: Trade Return for JRich + RMLE
1. What can you get in trade for JRich?
2. Who is more valuable than JRich among the MLE candidates?