01-12-2020, 10:46 AM
(01-12-2020, 10:12 AM)deronjohn Wrote: The question about how to get Drummond should not be debated as I believe if the Mavericks wanted him they could make it happen.
The issue is, what is that number you are willing to pay if he opts out which I am sure he most certainly will. The conversation is totally different if he did not have that player option.
My point is if you are suggesting we go out for Drummond you will have to pay him for 4 to 5 years and 28 Million Plus which would hurt long term plans.
I think you ask a very good question, but I'm not convinced on the "he most certainly will" part.
Yes, Dallas tried to get Schwartz client Jordan in a trade where he opted in for his final year (and ended up having to wait until July to get him on a one year instead). Yes, Dallas did an opt-in and extend with Schwartz client Powell. Yes, Dallas tried to trade Barnes for Schwartz client Kemba at the TDL (before doing the Jackson deal) so they could have his Bird rights this summer. We tried to do something similar with Noel who was a Happy Walters client (also Schwartz at the time). All of that certainly would lead one to believe a likely outcome would be an opt-in and extend or an opt-out and sign this summer using Bird rights.
However, it isn't the only outcome. Does Schwartz think his client is going to maximize his value in by playing a few months in NY or Atlanta? Probably not. Other than Dallas and maybe Atlanta is there a team that will give over $20 million a year to Drummond in free agency this summer?
If they dealt for him, I think Dallas might try to convince Drummond that his best move is to play well here for a season and a half and earn a better pay day in 2021. They might offer something like $18mm per year on an extension. Then Drummond has to decide to bet on himself or take about $85 million over 4 years ($28 + $18 + $19 + $20). More good teams will have money and he will have potentially increased his value here. I have to go reread the FAQ, but I think we have the right to extend and trade up until the TDL next season if he opts in this summer. It might be that Drummond is a path to someone else. It might be that he and THJ and Rose might all expire at the same time giving Dallas good flexibility in 2021 while also competing hard between now and then. It may be that he adds to flexibility, instead of detracting from it.
Just to be clear, I'm not necessarily advocating for or against Drummond. Just pointing out that he fits a certain pattern of behavior.