closg00 wrote:Waive him already
I wonder what could be negotiated with respect to a buyout. Word is that Martell Webster plans to retire after his contract is up. Maybe he is sick and tired of going through the constant back pain. If that's the case, can an agreement be struck now between Webster and management?
Right now, the Wizards owe Webster $5.6M next year, and $5.85M the year after. If Webster misses another 22 games, he'll be owed $5.6M next year and a $2.5M buyout the year after. The Wizards have control regarding those 22 games so they can ensure that he can be bought out for $2.5M simply by benching him. So effectively, they owe him $8.1M.
What if EG says to Webster: "Look Martell, you're done as an NBA player. You know it, and I know it. Why not take a modest pay cut from your future salary in exchange for not having to endure the grueling rigors of training? We owe you $8.1M over the next two years, but you're going to have to train for the next 14 months to get it. How about we just give you $6M right now and you walk away? You can go make rap videos or pursue a career in broadcasting."
The Wizards wouldn't actually cut him until another 22 games have taken place so that his official salary obligation drops from $11.46M to $8.1M. The Wizards then buy out his remaining $8.1M for $6M, which is a 26% reduction. As I understand it, his salary cap hit would drop a proportional 26%, so his cap hit would be $4.15M next year and $1.85M the following year.