(01-05-2024, 06:21 AM)F Gump Wrote: A note about Siakam ....
In looking back at some of the articles about SP in the past 6 months, one note stood out, which I think we need to consider. He said that he didn't want to be traded, and also said that he would definitely refuse to re-sign with any team who traded for him. That likely was related to his desire for a 35% of cap supermax deal.
Obviously he was trying to force TOR to keep him, which would leave the door open for him to get the deal he wants.
There are several relevant takeaways ....
1 His attitude toward any team that trades for him is a big deal. Has it changed?
2 Contract means a lot.
3 Is supermax important enough, all by itself, that it offers a creative avenue to an extend-and-trade?
Outside of Toronto giving him that amount this summer (if he qualifies), he will first hit 35% eligibility after the 2025-26 season.
If he signs a 2-year deal (extension) this summer (or with a trade), his next contract comes in summer 2026, with him eligible for 35%. So his next 4 years starting this summer would be at 30, 30, 35, 35.
If he signs a 4-year deal this summer, his next contract comes in summer 2028, and his next 4 years starting this summer would be at 30, 30, 30, 30.
Is "we have a way to get you a supermax sooner" a feasible way to land an extend-and-trade with PS, if he's on the trade market?
I don't think Siakam is supermax worth. It would also be a bit problematic after Doncic gets his supermax. But, if Siakam is the one player that makes Mavs a contender, I wouldn't oppose it. Meaning, if Mavs get at least one title after the trade, it was fully worth it. If not, it would be of course a fail. It would take more contracts to make the trade happen, but still doable. Toronto would need to be sure they get at least same level of assets compared to trading him at TDL.
I don't mind waiting for him for half a year, if they would have a "wink, wink" deal with Toronto and Siakam. Mavs still imho need Lively to get a bit of an experience, so I don't think they become a serious contender this season, even if they add Siakam. Sure, they would have a chance if things would go right, but a lot of things would need to go right.
As a final note. I don't think such a wink, wink deal would be realistic. Too risky for all parties as each of them could change their mind, leaving the other two partners with nothing.