Apparently, our remaining cap space after the Teague signing is around $15 million. We were outbid by the Sixers for Redick and it looks like the Wolves simply don't have the cap room to pay Millsap what he wants. So what's our next step?
The first thing we all do is to look at the list of remaining available free agents that would probably be realistic options at no more than around $15 million per year. Then we identify prioritize those options based on our perception of talent and fit. We need 3-point shooting and backup wings. That causes me to prioritize guys like Joe Ingles, CJ Miles, Darren Collison and even Ian Clark.
But an alternative to relying on the free agent market right now would be a trade that helps another team open up cap space or minimize luxury tax exposure associated with signing key free agents they really need. In that vein, the Toronto Raptors come to mind. They really need to re-sign Lowry and Ibaka and they should be highly motivated to re-sign Tucker. They are facing luxury tax exposure signing all those guys to what they're going to command in the market. So how about offering Cole Aldrich for D. Carroll, giving the Raptors a net salary savings of $8 million. We could take on another contract as well to give Toronto up to around $15 million salary relief. I'd offer Aldrich for D. Carroll and the 2018 2nd round pick Toronto is getting from Orlando or the Lakers (the less favorable). Just a thought.
Trade Alternatives to Signing Another Name Free Agent
Re: Trade Alternatives to Signing Another Name Free Agent
We will have to see what the Raps end up doing but it seems like unless some other team ponies up some cash Lowry will be back there. Your idea makes sense. What if you could just sign Luc for 7 million a year and have flexibility with Aldrich's contract in 2018? I'll be interested to see some numbers about how much cap space teams have at the end of today.