nate33 wrote:...I don't know how many different ways I can say this....
You made yourself clear the first time, nate, & in my case at least, I responded that "I take your points."
But, I don't think this...
nate33 wrote:...Hart has no value beyond 2021.
...is as definitive as you'd like it to be. To me, the problem lies in the last clause of this sentence
nate33 wrote:...Once Summer 2021 comes, he will sign for a market value contract and will, by definition, have no value above and beyond any other market value contract signed with the MLE that offseason....
Even in a free market, some things are better bargains than others. I think Hart is likely to be one of those free market bargains. Plus, my argument for the trade to acquire him was based on being able to negotiate with his agent to give us a definitive edge in that market (or, at the very least, a leg up). &, in general, I think the team a guy plays for has an edge in extending him, don't you? Assuming he's happy there...? Viz. I'd say we have an edge in Bertans' case.
Thus, I think there is another variable at play here, namely a difference between you & me (& Frichuela as well) in how good we think Josh Hart is. Am I wrong to find a hint of this here? --
nate33 wrote:...in 2021 use the MLE to sign Hart or perhaps an even better player at a position of greater need.
OTOH, I am in complete agreement with you that there'd be no benefit signing him if we were focused on...
nate33 wrote:... the 2020-21 season, which is going to be a shortened season during which we have no chance at contention....