ebott wrote:The cap space plan is still a season away. There's no need to worry that Martell isn't living up to expectations.
In fact, it's probably better for the cap space plan that he isn't. Much like Outlaw last season, we'll probably be able to get him for a sub MLE deal. If we can keep him around for 3-4 mil per I'd be happy.
I'm moving toward your side of thinking that Martell hasn't really improved. Or at least he hasn't improved in the things that we want him to be improving in, which is knocking down outside shots and spreading the defense. That's what would make him really valuable to the team.
So I'm thinking I don't see him as a starter long term. But as a decent backup making decent backup type money he could be a useful part of the team. So we've got a year and then we'll see if we can resign him for that type of scratch.
A couple of months ago I advocated extending Martell's contract this summer if he is willing to sign for 3-4.5 million, and you know my opinion on his development. But then, I think he's not going to have a lot of value this summer entering the 4th season of his rookie contract. That seems to be the nature of rookie contracts.
Anyway, having decent players on attractive tradeable contracts is always a plus in my view, especially with an aggressive GM. He'd be BYC till the 2009 off-season, but that's not bad really.
And of course, portland needs to determine whether James Jones will opt-out and if they can resign him. And also determine if Rudy is actually going to come over. Those 2 events will probably control what happens to Martell.
In other words, IMO, extending Martell's contract this summer allows the most options for Portland. It won't force them to renounce the rights to him because of the ridiculous cap-hold if cap-space is a priority. It keeps alive the hope that Martell can reach some of that potential and portland is the team that benefits. And it gives portland an asset heading into future seasons.
Your idea of witing till next year would work I suppose. However...and I could have this wrong...portland would either have to submit the QO which is over 5 million (and too much for martell in my view), or allow Martell to become UFA by not submitting the QO. (If they offer the QO and martell accepts then they are locked into the 5 million payout) They could then offer him 4 million a year and say he has 48 hours to accept or they renounce their bird rights.