NBA TRADE TALK: TDL over

[burekemde]

Before the 2012 lockout and the crazy TV deal in 2016, 20MM was reserved for all-NBA/all-star shoe-ins. 

I'll use Dirk and Kobe as examples. 

Dirk didn't get a salary of over 20 mil till 2011. Kobe didn't get that till 2009. Think about that!

Nowadays 20-25mil is basically the inflexion point between really good player and all-star. At 20mil (+/- 1 mil) you're a good player thats a valued contributor. Once you're at 24-25 mil you're getting into 3rd star level territory.  Anything above 35 mil you're a supposed superstar. 

Some guys currently getting paid 20mil:
Jarret Allen
Jerami Grant
Gallinari
Mike Conley
Brogdon

Of course these aren't hard or fast rules. Zach Lavine and Sabonis are getting paid 19.5 mil, while Gary Harris is getting 20mil. Tobias Harris is getting paid 36 mil while Devin Booker is getting 31. 

But these are the general guidelines at least for me when I view salary. Going into the season I would've said 20 mil is an insane overpay for Brunson. After what he showed and how well he's working in the starting lineup, he's basically replacing what THJ has given us and also brought better ball movement, so I'd be fine giving Brunson 4/80 (as long as we move off THJ).

SH thx a lot for the great explanation. If 20 mill is what you pay for someone between a great player and all-star, Brunson sounds is like worth it. He is definitely there and one of major reasons for our solid record keeping us competive. Brunson desrves the 20 mill a lot more than THJ. I agree moving on from THJ is the key.