On to Kyrie’s signing. I really think $40M is the right starting money. That gets him a $2M raise from this year’s money, puts him on par with Luka’s contract (I really don’t think this is much of a big deal at all) and gives us a path to getting at least the MLE to use (BAE would be a lot tougher without more money saving deals).
Now, years and raises? There is the other thing. Like Stein, I’d hope for a 1+1, but also like Stein, that is not the way to Kyrie’s head/heart. Sounds like 4 years to match up with Luka expiring is the right way to go. I’ve pitched 5 years at lesser money, but I think that raise is also important.
If we’re going 4 years, I really hope we pitch and it’s acceptable for there to be no raises. Flat $40M gives us room in the years going forward, and it really matches what his level of play will be at (well…declining salary is probably more accurate, but we’re trying to be delicate with this whole thing).
So, in my mind, 4/$160M is probably the best we should hope for given the circumstances.
Now, years and raises? There is the other thing. Like Stein, I’d hope for a 1+1, but also like Stein, that is not the way to Kyrie’s head/heart. Sounds like 4 years to match up with Luka expiring is the right way to go. I’ve pitched 5 years at lesser money, but I think that raise is also important.
If we’re going 4 years, I really hope we pitch and it’s acceptable for there to be no raises. Flat $40M gives us room in the years going forward, and it really matches what his level of play will be at (well…declining salary is probably more accurate, but we’re trying to be delicate with this whole thing).
So, in my mind, 4/$160M is probably the best we should hope for given the circumstances.