Minnesota Timberwolves
Post by Walt Frazier on Jul 22, 2018 1:59:58 GMT
Nic only ever received 3 offers, from the Blazers, Rockets, and Cavs.
While the recent Blazers trade has made that team slightly more complete, we happen to know that the Blazers are preparing to use most of the rest of their cap space on a max offer to another FA. Basically, they prioritized someone else over Nic, and additionally, doesn't have money remaining to offer for Nic anyway. So, they're out. (Their offer was 4 years, 10 million per season).
The Rockets present an interesting opportunity. Starting in the same lineup as Giannis/Love/Kemba/Gordon was very enticing. Additionally, the Rockets made a truly great pitch. They put in more effort than either of the other teams.
That being said, I truly believe there are very few players who turn down significantly more money in almost any circumstance. The Rockets' offer was the most they could offer, the full MLE for 4 years with full raises (which means, pretty close to 40 million guaranteed over 4 years).
The Cavs, not to sell them short, did make a good pitch for Nic as well. They consistently showed desire to have Nic in their starting lineup, and while the overall lineup may end up being a little unusual, Nic is guaranteed a starting spot this season primarily at SG, though he may start at PF or SF depending on the match-ups. All of which is realistic for Nic, especially SG/SF, and in today's movement towards smaller lineups, even PF wouldn't be too wild (side note, I have started Nic Batum at PF in the past in this league, and I remember he has in real life as well when Aldridge was hurt while they were on the same team).
Ultimately, the money is what sealed it for Nic. While Cleveland did come in with an even higher offer originally, they backed down somewhat, but it was still too much money for Nic to pass up. Additionally, with the PO in the 3rd year, he can make nearly the same money in 2 years as he could in the other offers in 4, if he desires to get out of Cleveland. Here's the contract:
Year 1: $18,500,000
Year 2: $18,500,000
Year 3: $18,500,000 (Player Option)
Total: $55,500,000
Congratulations Hanamichi Sakuragi and the Cleveland Cavaliers!
While the recent Blazers trade has made that team slightly more complete, we happen to know that the Blazers are preparing to use most of the rest of their cap space on a max offer to another FA. Basically, they prioritized someone else over Nic, and additionally, doesn't have money remaining to offer for Nic anyway. So, they're out. (Their offer was 4 years, 10 million per season).
The Rockets present an interesting opportunity. Starting in the same lineup as Giannis/Love/Kemba/Gordon was very enticing. Additionally, the Rockets made a truly great pitch. They put in more effort than either of the other teams.
That being said, I truly believe there are very few players who turn down significantly more money in almost any circumstance. The Rockets' offer was the most they could offer, the full MLE for 4 years with full raises (which means, pretty close to 40 million guaranteed over 4 years).
The Cavs, not to sell them short, did make a good pitch for Nic as well. They consistently showed desire to have Nic in their starting lineup, and while the overall lineup may end up being a little unusual, Nic is guaranteed a starting spot this season primarily at SG, though he may start at PF or SF depending on the match-ups. All of which is realistic for Nic, especially SG/SF, and in today's movement towards smaller lineups, even PF wouldn't be too wild (side note, I have started Nic Batum at PF in the past in this league, and I remember he has in real life as well when Aldridge was hurt while they were on the same team).
Ultimately, the money is what sealed it for Nic. While Cleveland did come in with an even higher offer originally, they backed down somewhat, but it was still too much money for Nic to pass up. Additionally, with the PO in the 3rd year, he can make nearly the same money in 2 years as he could in the other offers in 4, if he desires to get out of Cleveland. Here's the contract:
Year 1: $18,500,000
Year 2: $18,500,000
Year 3: $18,500,000 (Player Option)
Total: $55,500,000
Congratulations Hanamichi Sakuragi and the Cleveland Cavaliers!
Utah Jazz
