That's my point Melo can still dip into the money pool when Cap numbers will be the highest in league history the following yr. If Wade can get $20mil at 34yrs old...Melo possibly can or close to it. I'm not advocating any team paying him that though but teams have proven their studpidty including Knicks. Only argument that can be said is Melo lost the difference on what Max is for this yr and next yr($15-20mil)...that's it. He can potentially make up for that on his next deal.
On the other hand Durant lost a lot of guaranteed money going to the Warriors it's gonna be between $60-80mil
This is why I like what PJ is doing... Rose & BJ are 1 year deals... If it blows up and doesn't work out... so what. Melo opts out and you let him walk and then you just have KOQ & NOAH's "bad" contracts... But they won't kill the cap (107 million)... Then you get a first rounder and make some trades.
Plus... Unlike BOS, PJ didn't beg to have a fruitless meeting with KD... Or LA... To waste our time.
Knowing Melo will opt out... If we are stagnant or not playing well... 15-28... We deal Melo.
Fielding a team that has a shot to battle win the East... But not sacrificing future... It's worth a 1 year gamble.
If this year works out, nobody questions why he re-signed Melo... If it doesn't... We can have that debate.
I hope all stay healthy so we can answer it once and for all...hey MElo... You have a good team... Make them great.
Back to Durant... I don't buy that Durant lost a lot of money. If he signed max this year, next year, with OKC or not... He is still getting 20-30 mil per year. He is young and will get paid every year he plays. If he signs a deal next year for 18-20 mil a year... Then You're right.
Bottom line is: Melo had to chose between 120 mil and 70 mil... Durant has to chose between what? 180 mil and 130 mil?
And Melo makes what in endorsements next to KD's 300 mil?
That's like BOS fans saying Brady took a paycut (when he simply defers payments)... And Tom can take less bc his supermodel wife makes more than he does.