FA: Dragic 1yr/2.9M to CHI

[F Gump]

But, if this is the plan (I hope it's not) then to me, signs are pointing to a willing step back for the team in order to reduce payroll. 

Failing to sign Dragic had nothing to do with payroll.

Incompetence? Or disinterest? (And if the latter, why?) This feels weird.

But it's not money, or tax. The contract given by CHI is the cheapest you can offer (a minimum salary subsidized by the NBA). And I'm as puzzled as everyone else at the outcome, because Dallas could have definitely signed Dragic. They just didn't.