I would generally* say no to Stewart, because I don't think you can pay "backup center" $15M a year. When it comes to centers, $15M should get you a starter these days, unless it's a superstar. And we now live in a hard cap world where the total spending is limited, so that overspending on one guy (Stewart) means you will be unable to fill needs at a different position.
* The exception comes if you can send out an overpriced player in exchange, thereby reducing the negative salary impact of the overpaid backup. Say, for example, it's a one-for-one of Holmes for Stewart (which ESPN Trade Machine says is legal), where the Mavs are perhaps getting the better backup center, but also getting the worse backup center contract. However, if Holmes could be traded, I'd be more inclined to aim for Olynyk (smarter, much-needed stretch big, expiring contract) instead of Stewart.
* The exception comes if you can send out an overpriced player in exchange, thereby reducing the negative salary impact of the overpaid backup. Say, for example, it's a one-for-one of Holmes for Stewart (which ESPN Trade Machine says is legal), where the Mavs are perhaps getting the better backup center, but also getting the worse backup center contract. However, if Holmes could be traded, I'd be more inclined to aim for Olynyk (smarter, much-needed stretch big, expiring contract) instead of Stewart.
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