The 2025 Wolves Off Season

[BlacJacMac]

Something to monitor during the season: Tyus Jones signed for $7 million, meaning he would be able to slide into the NAW-created TPE and I believe would keep the team below the second apron from what I've read.

I thought we were almost exactly the TPMLE under the 2nd apron?

If so, his 7M would definitely put us over.

[TimberKat]

Since the Bucks seem desperate, I wonder if they will be interested in DDV. A 2031 or 2032 first from them looks really juicy, and DDV contract is totally what they could use.

If it's part of a Giannis trade, I am interested. Future picks are useless for us unless we have another big trade line up.

Not useless, definitely important for a future trade for a star to pair with Ant. I want DDV’s minutes to go to Rob, Jaylen and Tj anyway…

TSJ is already going to take most of NAW's minutes. Rob at best could play 20min in his year two (sharing with Conley, who should reduced more minutes this year ). DDV is basically our 3rd PG right now. I don't know if we could count Ant as PG. The PG free agency Market is drying up too.

[jpatrick]

Something to monitor during the season: Tyus Jones signed for $7 million, meaning he would be able to slide into the NAW-created TPE and I believe would keep the team below the second apron from what I've read.

I thought we were almost exactly the TPMLE under the 2nd apron?

If so, his 7M would definitely put us over.

On the Dun’c On podcast, they said we had about 5.7 to 5.8m of space under the second apron and therefore barely could use the TP MLE, which is just under 5.7m.

[Devilzsidewalk]

Delon Wright for vetmin makes a lot of sense.

That would be more realistic that most names being bandied. We're basically looking for insurance and most of these guys will be able to get better assurances for playing time. Our Dillingham situation is very similar to the Vikings with McCarthy. Danny Dimes for example could've gotten just as good of a contract to stay, but he chose the situation where he was more likely to see playing time.

[ILC]

Read on Twitter

Jon K retweeted this. Could be just plugging a colleague from athletic, but could be a hint too? In the story it says Dame already received several calls from contending teams and will decide if he wants to sign now and rehabilitate with a team or sign next summer.

[moss_is_1]

Milwaukee had to rescind the QO on Ryan Rollins. Let's scoop him up please.

[BlacJacMac]

Milwaukee had to rescind the QO on Ryan Rollins. Let's scoop him up please.

Oh, that's definitely interesting.

[Devilzsidewalk]

Read on Twitter

Jon K retweeted this. Could be just plugging a colleague from athletic, but could be a hint too? In the story it says Dame already received several calls from contending teams and will decide if he wants to sign now and rehabilitate with a team or sign next summer.

I don't see it. He tore it in late April. At his age, he should for sure sit out the entire 25-26 season. So he's useless on a 1 year contract. But signing a 2 year contract would be a bad decision for himself when he can rehab, get a physical and prove his recovery, and get a much much much better contract in a year. Probably MLE at minimum.

[ILC]

Milwaukee had to rescind the QO on Ryan Rollins. Let's scoop him up please.

Was just about to post it. Watched a lot of Bucks because of Dame last year, the kid has something.

[BlacJacMac]

Read on Twitter

Jon K retweeted this. Could be just plugging a colleague from athletic, but could be a hint too? In the story it says Dame already received several calls from contending teams and will decide if he wants to sign now and rehabilitate with a team or sign next summer.

I don't see it. He tore it in late April. At his age, he should for sure sit out the entire 25-26 season. So he's useless on a 1 year contract. But signing a 2 year contract would be a bad decision for himself when he can rehab, get a physical and prove his recovery, and get a much much much better contract in a year. Probably MLE at minimum.

If you read the article, there is no reason for him to take anything more than the minimum for the next 2 years.

With Lillard owed $54.1 million for this season and $58.4 million in the 2026-27 campaign, there is a salary offset for any team that acquires him during that two-year period. And while the Bucks would surely prefer Lillard sign for a significant salary as a way to alleviate some of their financial burden, the reality is he could sign for a minimum-salary deal and still be paid the same amount. That’s a powerful place to be when you’re a future Hall of Famer in your mid-30s who has never won a championship.

So my guess is he'll wait until after the trade deadline or so to assess what contending team would be a good fit and sign for the rest of the year at the minimum.

[Klomp]

Something to monitor during the season: Tyus Jones signed for $7 million, meaning he would be able to slide into the NAW-created TPE and I believe would keep the team below the second apron from what I've read.

I thought we were almost exactly the TPMLE under the 2nd apron?

If so, his 7M would definitely put us over.

On the Dun’c On podcast, they said we had about 5.7 to 5.8m of space under the second apron and therefore barely could use the TP MLE, which is just under 5.7m.

We are not hard-capped at the second apron. While of course we want to try to stay under, it is not illegal to go over it.BTW, I believe using the TPMLE would then hard-cap us there.

[minimus]

On one hand, I’d love to have Dame here — even if it’s just to be around the team. Letting the young players see him give 100%, fight through adversity, and set an example as a mentor and role model is absolutely worth the investment, even if he doesn’t play a single minute.

On the other hand, I’d be concerned about team chemistry. Right now, the group is locked in — they understand there’s no magic fix, just hard work and the process of maturing. They know they can beat OKC as they are. Bringing in a superstar like Dame could raise the ceiling, but it might also disrupt that focus.

Still, I’d love to take the risk. But realistically, I think there’s about 0% chance it ever happens — as usual.

[jpatrick]

I thought we were almost exactly the TPMLE under the 2nd apron?

If so, his 7M would definitely put us over.

On the Dun’c On podcast, they said we had about 5.7 to 5.8m of space under the second apron and therefore barely could use the TP MLE, which is just under 5.7m.

We are not hard-capped at the second apron. While of course we want to try to stay under, it is not illegal to go over it.BTW, I believe using the TPMLE would then hard-cap us there.

You are correct but every story I’ve seen, including by the local guys, indicates we intend to be below the second apron this year.

[Klomp]

On the Dun’c On podcast, they said we had about 5.7 to 5.8m of space under the second apron and therefore barely could use the TP MLE, which is just under 5.7m.

We are not hard-capped at the second apron. While of course we want to try to stay under, it is not illegal to go over it.BTW, I believe using the TPMLE would then hard-cap us there.

You are correct but every story I’ve seen, including by the local guys, indicates we intend to be below the second apron this year.

Most likely, but they said they are willing to go back in if it is a difference-making move. Not necessarily saying that's Tyus, but it's a type of move they could make.

[younggunsmn]

I thought we were almost exactly the TPMLE under the 2nd apron?

If so, his 7M would definitely put us over.

On the Dun’c On podcast, they said we had about 5.7 to 5.8m of space under the second apron and therefore barely could use the TP MLE, which is just under 5.7m.

We are not hard-capped at the second apron. While of course we want to try to stay under, it is not illegal to go over it.BTW, I believe using the TPMLE would then hard-cap us there.

With current assumptions, 5.7 to 5.8 is about right. Was 7.5 mil but we can't count 1.7 mil because of incentives in Dante and Jaden's contracts.
And we are assuming Julius Randle's contract is not an extension of his old contract but a new contract and has 8% raises.
If it includes his old deal for 2025 (which had additional incentives) or has 5% raises (to keep it immediately tradeable), we lose another million or so.

And then If we give another player a 5.7 mil contract, there is probably about a 16-17 mil additional luxury tax on that amount.

I'm starting to believe that last roster spot is almost assuredly going to be for the minimum.
In fact if Rocco plays well in summer league it might even be him on a hinkie to save another 3.5 million in salary and tax.

We will probably move forward with Mike and DDV manning the PG minutes again with Rob in the mix depending on how well he plays and our emergency PG will be on a 2-way.

[younggunsmn]

On one hand, I’d love to have Dame here — even if it’s just to be around the team. Letting the young players see him give 100%, fight through adversity, and set an example as a mentor and role model is absolutely worth the investment, even if he doesn’t play a single minute.

On the other hand, I’d be concerned about team chemistry. Right now, the group is locked in — they understand there’s no magic fix, just hard work and the process of maturing. They know they can beat OKC as they are. Bringing in a superstar like Dame could raise the ceiling, but it might also disrupt that focus.

Still, I’d love to take the risk. But realistically, I think there’s about 0% chance it ever happens — as usual.

Everything points to him wanting to rehab in Portland with his family.
He's probably just going to hit the open market next summer when half the league has cap space.
Who the actual contenders are can change a lot in that one year away too. and he will undoubtedly be chasing a ring.

[TimberKat]

Many Wolves fans seem like they would rather go through what Milwaukee is going through right now.

Weren’t you wanting wolves to trade for old Durant now you’re all about continuity..

It that means we already got a Chip than I don't mind

Yes, the entire Lillard/Rivers era feels like a disaster and they have no way out because they don't control their own picks for a long time to come. Will have to get lucky (or Silver special arrangement ) with draft to rebuild.

[Klomp]

Read on Twitter

[Domejandro]

I would absolutely offer the rest of our cap space to Damian Lillard on a 1+1 Player Option. Promise him that he can rehab from the comfort of his home with any team resources that he needs, gives him a cash infusion this season, and ensures that he has a Player Option for next season if his recovery goes poorly or he reinjures himself.

If Rob Dillingham doesn’t have the chops, or Mike Conley falls off of a cliff, it gives the team something to hope for, going into the Playoffs.

Effectively risking having to lose a Second Round Draft Pick to dump him next season, should things go wrong. Easy decision, but I think that Damian Lillard is going to spend some time thinking about his decision and opt to go elsewhere.

[BlacJacMac]

I would absolutely offer the rest of our cap space to Damian Lillard on a 1+1 Player Option. Promise him that he can rehab from the comfort of his home with any team resources that he needs, gives him a cash infusion this season, and ensures that he has a Player Option for next season if his recovery goes poorly or he reinjures himself.

If Rob Dillingham doesn’t have the chops, or Mike Conley falls off of a cliff, it gives the team something to hope for, going into the Playoffs.

Effectively risking having to lose a Second Round Draft Pick to dump him next season, should things go wrong. Easy decision, but I think that Damian Lillard is going to spend some time thinking about his decision and opt to go elsewhere.

Again, money doesn't matter this year or next for Lillard. Unless we sign him for 55M or more, he won't make any more than if we sign him for the minimum. All we'd be doing is saving the Bucks' owners some money.

With Lillard owed $54.1 million for this season and $58.4 million in the 2026-27 campaign, there is a salary offset for any team that acquires him during that two-year period. And while the Bucks would surely prefer Lillard sign for a significant salary as a way to alleviate some of their financial burden, the reality is he could sign for a minimum-salary deal and still be paid the same amount. That’s a powerful place to be when you’re a future Hall of Famer in your mid-30s who has never won a championship.