I am sorry if this idea repeats something already discussed, I have not taken the time to read all the comments on this post, but I am wondering if the Celtics could keep James Posey with a compromise offer such as a five year deal where the fist two are guaranteed at the current full MLE, the final three years would be a player option at a lower salary. The third year may drop to 4 million, the 4th year to 3 million and the fifth year to the vet minimum. This would give Posey the option of signing with another team after 2 years if he gets a better offer. I think the Celtics would be able to match the better offer if they wanted to keep him. Do you think both sides would agree to an offer like this?
I actually like that type of idea, but under CBA rules, that proposal is not possible for several different reasons.
1. A contract may only contain one player option (actually, only one option total, team or player), and that option may only be for the final season of the contract. A contract cannot be for 2 up to 5 years, as proposed. If there is an option after the second season, the option can only be for the third season, after which the player would become a free agent. For a 5 year deal, the first 4 years would have to be guaranteed, and only the 5th year could be an option season.
2. The salary for the option year must be for at least 100% of the salary of the final year before the option may be exercised. So, a player option (or team option) cannot be for less salary than the previous season. If we give Posey a 2 year deal with a Player option for a 3rd season, the salary in the 3rd season must be at least as much as the salary in the 2nd season. So, the diminishing options would not be possible (not to mention, why would Posey sign a contract that gives him an option for the veteran's minimum?)
Finally, an early termination option will also not work, since the ETO can only occur after the 4th year of the contract. So we would have to give 4 years guaranteed, and Posey could have an ETO at that point.
Interesting, creative idea, but even if the parties wanted it, it's not possible under the CBA rules.
http://www.nbpa.com/cba_articles/article-XII.php
