LAL-WSH: Jump into the Poole

[Texas Chuck]

I'm pretty sure $50M in cap space is more valuable than $34M in cap space. But I only got as far as calculus so maybe there is some more advanced math that makes that virtually no chance of being the case.

Just odd to me to be insistent that its better to have less options than more. Less cap space rather than more. Dismissing real live deals where teams got assets. I mean maybe Washington specifically is so asset rich that they would rather have a bad player than a swap or protected firsts or a pile of 2nds. I don't see that when I look at them, but I root for a team that doesn't believe in assets so maybe I just don't recognize them.

I actually have more faith in the Wizards than some of their fans seem to. They sold super high on Deni as I got killed and killed for suggesting they do. And while its early, his shooting has gone back to norms suggesting his offense last year wasn't this path to superstardom.

They dumped Beal for what they could get. They got Dallas to pay top dollar for Gafford. They didn't overpay Tyus Jones just to do it. Like some good moves have been made. Taking on Poole for no reason wasn't one of them and if they could get off the majority of his deal like is suggested here, I have full confidence they could see some benefits to it.

[Karmaloop]

They dumped Beal for what they could get. They got Dallas to pay top dollar for Gafford. They didn't overpay Tyus Jones just to do it. Like some good moves have been made. Taking on Poole for no reason wasn't one of them and if they could get off the majority of his deal like is suggested here, I have full confidence they could see some benefits to it.

Unless you're convinced that the '21/'22 Jordan Poole is the normal Jordan Poole, I just can't envision a scenario in which Poole is viewed in a positive light. He's arguably the worst contract in the NBA and limits the Wizards' flexibility.

[kobe_vs_jordan]

There are very few bad contracts for sale, and the compensation to buy them is really mediocre. GM's are smarter now. Also, the Wizards already project to have $34M in cap room next season (assuming $10M going to their lotto pick). It's going to be hard enough to find contracts to buy with that space. They don't need even more space.

If the Wizards shop players, they will look to move Brogdon, Kuzma and JV, who have contracts that are easier to swallow, as well as two-way ability that a contending team might give up real value to acquire.

Historically Have we ever seen an offseason where not one team salary dumped ? The opportunity to take on some money will always present itself.

I don’t see it being that hard. There is always overpaid players, teams with tax problems or teams that want to pivot.

There haven't been any major salary dumps in a long time. Name one recent trade where a team gave up a first round pick just to unload a bad contract.

The only recent deal I can think of is San Antonio acquiring Barnes' $18m/yr contract from SAC to facilitate the DeRozan deal. And in that deal, all San Antonio got was a swap. And as I pointed out in my post, the Wizards ALREADY HAVE $34M in cap room to make such a deal. There is virtually no chance that a situation will arise where having $50M in cap room is going to be more helpful than having $34M in cap room. No team is going to give up value to dump a $50M player. Teams with $50M players at the twilight of their careers either have no picks to trade, or aren't willing to give away picks because they know they are entering a rebuild soon.

Seriously. Look through the contracts of luxtax teams next year and find a deal that makes sense. The deals just aren't out there.

Spurs got an unprotected swap for taking on Reggie Bullock.
Wizards got assets to take Poole

Don't have to limit search to lux tax. Teams like Pels, Rockets and Spurs could look to create space to be a player in FA.

Don't like the opportunity next offseason? Sign one year deals and see whats available next year.

I don't see the value in paying Poole 60 million to skip out on opportunities next two summers regardless how much cap space available?