I think Oden is one of the few players that it would make sense to invest in at this point with some or all of the MLE (although I would really push for the second year at a team option), for 2 reasons.
First, it is low risk, high reward. As long as Danny can get them below the luxury tax (which I feel confident he can do. Someone would take on a guy like Lee, if he wants to just dump him, or something like that). So the only real risk would be of Wyc's money...and I think a lot of that can be made up through marketing a guy like Oden (more like that coming up).
On the court, there is really no risk. If he stinks, or is hurt, then they are just right where they are right now, and in position to possibly tank.
But, if he ends up being healthy, and playing well, suddenly you have created a new asset out of thin air, to either build around, or try to get value for. And if he plays really well, suddenly this team could be a really interesting team in the East, assuming Rondo is healthy.
But the second reason is the key one to me. He is the type of player that can turn what could be a boring, mediocre (or tanking) team into an exciting team with a reason to watch. The C's really are lacking exciting young players that draw in fans (maybe Olynyk, but we will have to see). The kind of guys that make fans think "OK, this guy could help turn around this franchise". But Oden has that kind of potential.
I think you could really market Oden, in order to sell some of the tickets that are going to be unsold at the moment with no KG and Pierce. And even beyond ticket sales, he will just create a buzz around the team that isn't there right now.
Of course, this also comes down to where Oden wants to go, but I think the C's have a strong case. They give him an opportunity to start at center, but in a lower pressure situation, where they won't be trying to forcefeeding him minutes right away, or counting on him in an intense playoff race. So, he can come back at his own pace.
They also have a fellow Ohio State guy in Sullinger, who I believe has worked out with Oden in the past (not positive, but I think I saw something about that). And even their new coach has ties to Indiana where Oden is from.
So, I for one am hanging my hat on this potential signing as, perhaps not a franchise saver...but it could be what keeps me extra focussed on this team next year.
