THE J0KER wrote:I can't see any reason for this early paying, except in making already an alibi for not doing anything this summer and next summer too.The Rebel wrote:I have known they would max Murray for at least a year, so it was no surprise, I was just hoping they would wait until next offseason and try to add the biggest free agent they could get with the cap space. This kills that idea, but I can understand their reasoning in doing the deal now.
Back in 2006 young all-star and Nuggets franchise player Carmelo Anthony was already a big star, and there are toxic rumors around about his future, so signing him a year early seems legit move. Two years ago Jokic is already a franchise player and all-star level too, but no reasons to rush things, so even in Jokic case we didn't do this (with a reason!). Most established (already all-star) player of Murray class is Ben Simmons, his powerful agent make pressure on Sixers to sign 5y max already this week, but Sixers FO was busy that day signing two other max deals which really can't wait. Pascal Siakam is the 2nd best player of NBA champions, and most probably the best since next week after Kawhi goes, but Masai Ujiri does not hurry anywhere.
Murray's extension begins at the end of next season so it makes little difference doing the extension now or at the end of the season. If they could not find a free agent to bring in now, then they just decided to keep Millsap and that Murray needs to be paid based on his current impact. Murray's salary is locked in for the next 6 years (next year plus the extension). What we don't know is weather this is a a max based on percentage of cap or a straight salary amount set for each season. I am guessing the later but we should know after July 6th.
It was all about whether they would let Millsap go and have the space to make a move. Next season Millsap and Plumlee are expiring.
Next up will be Morris, Beasley and Hernangomez and that can wait. They are just insuring that their core is in place for the foreseeable future.