Question for the Capologists

[benhillboy]

What are the league-wide ramifications of these All-NBA, max-level players taking less money?

[AHF]

I don't think much because There isn't much of a gap from the max to what they take.  It frees up a few dollars for their roster and leaves he rest of the league scrambling to spend their cap dollars on a diminished pool of impact players.

[thecampster]

Talked about this a few weeks ago.  

For the players - the impact is negligible because better win totals/higher seeds/better markets = more advertising dollars.  You give up $2 million in salary but gain $5 million / year in endorsements.

For the teams - the impact is very, very real.  Salary cap = $101 million this year.  Team A has 8 players under contract at a total of $98 million.  Team B has the same 8 players under contract but for $90 million because 3 stars took 2-3 million less each to sign.  Team A can sign one player for 3 million and then sign 4-6 scrubs to fill out the roster.  Team B can sign one player for 11 million and then sign 4-6 scrubs.  However, because Team B added one more quality 11 million dollar player over the 3 million player, their roster looks much better and the 4-6 scrubs will include 1-2 willy vets near the end of their career. They could be better at 2-4 positions because of it. This means regular season wins and a better seeding. Additionally, when cobbling together mid-season contracts to add a piece, salary cap rules are very restrictive to the amount of salary exchanged.  An 11 million dollar player + 2 1 million dollar scrubs can net you a rental up to $18 million dollars. Whereas a 3+2 can net you an $8 million dollar player (See NO trade for Cousins or to a lesser degree Cavs get Korver). Because New Orleans was rebuilding and salary flexible, the Cousins trade was much easier but part of it was how they were built, traded, etc. Typically, a team on the rise can't trade for Cousins that easily. But Sacramento is setting themselves up for a similar build in 2 years and NO is creating that situation right now. They are really just one trade, lucky piece away from becoming very, very good. If New Orleans can find a buyer for Asik and a real small forward...it is on. But it must happen soon.  Davis and Cousins' deals are extremely cap friendly right now. 2018, not so much. But they have a small window to build something that is just plain stupid this coming year and it is due to Boogie making about 15 million less than his current value.

[AHF]

NO had by far the worst 2/3 swingmen in the league last year.  I'm not sure I can ever remember worse.

[thecampster]

Their cap situation and specifically finding a buyer for Asik (the exact same situation we are in with Baze right now) is the only thing holding them back from adding a KCP/Hardaway/or similar 2/3 that would greatly improve their starting 5. They are close, really close. If Boogie was getting paid what he is worth, they'd be over the cap, but Boogie's contract gives them about $12 million to work with right now.  A buyer for Asik and they'll have $22 million.  To be honest, swapping them Baze for Asik would be a steal for them. If we could find a 3rd team to facilitate taking Asik for scrap it is about the most ideal situation for Atlanta and the Pelicans. It would clear 4 million from our cap, Asik (if healthy) takes Moose's spot and we're free to resign Hardaway for Baze'ish money. NO gets a huge improvement on the wing and still would have room.  If a 3rd team is involved they get Asik and we get a short term asset.

[AHF]

Problem with that is the same as NO's problem - no one wants Asik at that price.  If I were them, I'd also try to sign THJr myself rather than accept Baze. (If they found someone interested in Asik with room to absorb him).  Like your idea if they can't find that team but someone wants him.