Post#411 » by Semanticist » Thu Jul 19, 2018 5:22 pm
This disloyalty narrative is absurd. I can understand Demar having a visceral response to being traded; and, to his credit, he subsequently took that unfortunate post down (so perhaps he has already realized this himself). But if not ... sigh.
For one, we don't even know the full context in which this apparent conversation took place. What exactly did Demar ask and what exactly did Masai respond? We really have no idea at this point. For another, think of it from Masai's perspective. He doesn't want to compromise his position in negotiations by having things leaked; and is also concerned about the fallout re: Demar's relationship with the franchise if the trade doesn't actually end up materializing (remember, that relationship is much more important if he stays than if he goes).
It doesn't take a complex game theoretic analysis to realize that the best strategy for Masai to maximize his position in negotiations and minimize the fallout is to lie. Masai's job is to get the best possible outcome for this franchise, not cater to a particular employee. Demar, as a professional, should understand this. He should also understand that he is signed to a contract that does not have a no movement clause; and that, therefore, prima facie it is always possible that he is traded. Demar was of course free to ask the question, but he can't reasonably impugn Masai for responding relative to this logic.
It is really irritating to see so many across the media and league (and this board, for that matter) respond this way. As I said in a previous post, it carries with it a sad insinuation that Toronto is somehow an inherently unworthy place to play and that we should be "grateful" for the privilege of paying someone 200mm dollars. I'm sorry, but this is just nonsense. I love DD as a person and as a professional and wish him nothing but the best, but this was a fantastic trade with an extremely favourable risk-reward profile. Good job Masai.
