09-15-2021, 04:51 PM
(09-15-2021, 11:48 AM)Moviemavguy Wrote: Notice the goal post moving? I wouldn't count on Dragic happening at least not until the deadline.
That's certainly possible.
What's interesting about TOR choices is that they are currently set to be taxpayers (about 3.2M over the line) with a team that looks like it will be meh. They won't let that happen, so they will be doing something. Or several somethings, more likely, before we get to the end of the season.
They will get some of that payroll lowered as they cut the roster from 17 to 15, but all of their players have some guaranteed money, and getting to 15 won't fix it. That means they must have more in mind. Buying out Dragic right up front, where he gives back minimum salary he would get elsewhere, is one certain solution to their tax issue, but there are other routes.
Another would be trading Dragic for a Dallas package that includes just enough salary to be a match (such as Powell, Burke, and a partially-guaranteed Brown). But if the Mavs think that Brunson needs minutes (which he does) and that their time of need is much more likely to be playoffs than regular season (which it is), then a deadline pickup is soon enough for solving their needs - which means they wouldn't feel a need to force the issue with a trade.
TOR can probably get enough savings by first waiving 2 players in camp, then much later in the season working a buyout with Dragic (with much less of a give back, since minimums he will get from somewhere else are lowered each day). But that will necessitate a juggle of what they do with the 15th slot that opens as they do that, as they might only have nickels and dimes left to use in filling that 15th slot here and there. The earlier they jettison Dragic, the easier the road, and also the more options they might have for trying out kids.
Another route they might choose is to cut 3 of their partial-guarantee players in camp, and open the season with only 14 on the roster. Depending on which 3, they could then add a 15th player on a minimum (or 10-day) here and there during the season. Or they could just go with 14, and use their 2-ways when an extra body is needed.
Of course, maybe it's possible the Raps come from nowhere with Dragic and whoever else and are unexpectedly really good, and a strong playoff team. In which case, they keep Dragic. But it sure seems more likely this is a tank year ahead for them.