We played well last night, but they had no defense and couldn't take care of the ball on offense. Ugly!
Next year could be just as bad, and they have few options to get better. Their committed salary for five players, plus the non-guaranteed portion of Chris Duhon's contract, is already over $68 mil. And that's not including MWP's opt-out, which I have no idea if he'll exercise (I don't think it makes sense to, but sense and Metta World Peace don't go together.) So they will have no options to add to this horrific team through free agency other than the tax-payer mid-level and minimum contracts, since sign-and-trades are no longer available to taxpayers.
And then there's their luxury tax situation. This year's tax rate isn't terrible, since it's a dollar-for-dollar tax above the line, but they're still paying about $30 million in tax. In other words, this year's lottery team will have cost $130 million for players, and a lot more for "coaching." Assuming that they do sign Dwight to his max deal (what other choice do they have, really?), MWP stays, they pick up Meeks' option, and they fill the rest of the roster through the taxpayer mid-level and minimum contracts, next year's salaries will be approximately $106 million. Even if there's a decent jump in the luxury tax line, say to $76 million from this year's $70, their tax bill will be enormous -- $85 million! They could pay close to $200 million for a team that might aspire to do no more than make the playoffs. And they have one draft pick (1st or 2nd round) the next three drafts!
While I'm disappointed in how this season has gone, at least we're not completely hamstrung like the Lakers. What a mess they've created!