aq_ua wrote:nykballa2k4 wrote:aq_ua wrote:We don't. Kanter opts out and we buyout Noah.
Kanter is about 60% opting in. Knicks would be dumb to buy out Noah (and sign O'Quinn to play meaningful minutes). If we buy him out, we have to choose at that time to stretch him or not. We are better served letting him chill at home or with Phil until we know when we need the space...
It's called an ideal scenario because things have to fall your way (i.e. Kanter opts out).
Noah and Knicks have decided he's staying away from the team indefinitely, there's no reason to waste a roster spot on Noah. We're paying him regardless and there's zero reason to stretch him, we don't need immediate cap space.
There is 0 reason today, but we have 2 off-seasons with him on the books, the 2nd of which we may be looking for a major FA and need to generate space. That could mean trading Noah (EC) and a pick for a top55 protected so that we can sign Kemba or Kawhi. Can't trade Noah's cap number if he is cut... Also Jeff Hornecek will not be back next season. Why remove options when all circumstances may change in a few months. We could be getting Vinny Del Negro as our HC soon and he may want to try Noah/KP up front again.
Taking L's won't bother me until 2019/20 season. Wasting flexibility and assets does.
RIP mags