Pierce on the C's this year is worth more than anything you could get for him this year. Next year, is next year.
Yes, $16 million is a lot of money to pay Paul next year. I'm sure Danny and Wyc would like to pay him less. I'm also pretty sure both of them would *like* Paul to still be playing for the C's next year. What can they do?
Well the two options that stand out are:
1. Pick up the guarantee and pay him $16 million. This will limit who can be brought in for the MLE. I think the C's will be limited to the tax payers MLE at about $4 million and they need a quality Center. Won't get one for that price.
2. Don't pick up the guarantee and Pierce is a Free Agent with the C's on the hook for $5 million. The C's would save enough money to use the full MLE, and maybe be able to add a middle of the pack Center, but that's it. Pierce would be gone and that hurts!
3. Trade Paul for expirings and picks, but would they get anyone good enough for losing Pierce...unlikely. Plus with Paul gone, KG might be gone too. Those of us that prefer to "rebuild on the fly" rather than "go tanking for balls" won't like any of this.
But just exactly what else they can do? Is there any way to keep Pierce on the squad for a lower salary than that $16 million, maybe opening up the opportunity to add full MLE player?
1. Can they re-negotiate a deal with Paul before July 1 for less money but extending over a couple of extra years?
2. Can they not pick up the guarantee and then re-sign Paul for less money?
I think the answers to the two questions above is CBA says no, but I'm hoping I'm wrong.