I'm primarily thinking of guys like Javale McGee, Bismack Biyumbo, Larry Sanders, Tyson Chandler, Kosta Koufus, Alexi Ajinca, Omer Asik, Kyle O'Quinn, and Robin Lopez.
Obviously, if these guys put up the numbers that Jordan does, they would be getting max contracts too, but could we get 90% of Jordan's rebounding and rim protecting production, plus better offense and free throw shooting, for half (or less than half) the price.
I mean Asik could probably be had for 10 million a year, and he would provide about 80-90% of Jordan's production rebounding and rim protection per minute, and about 60% of the finishing inside.
But we could also swing for the fences on Biymbo or O'Quinn (my favorite option and a darling of advanced stats) on a 4 year, 5 million a year "prove it" contract.
I'm not necessarily saying any of these guys are better players, but if I was Ainge, I would be questioning whether or not one of the plethora of FA big men might give us a better deal (and maybe in the end a better player and fit) than Jordan would.
If, however, Ainge felt like Jordan would attract Aldridge or Love this year, then obviously you pay the max for Jordan. But if we cannot get another max player this year. I would probably keep my cap space one more year, swing for the fences on a different big man that fits our needs (O'Quinn, Koufus, Biyumbo, Ajinca, and maybe McGee and Sanders) for the right price.
I like talking about this stuff, but I'm glad I'm not Danny Ainge.