There is also a theory that they got tired assets leaving for nothing. Signing players and having control of them allows them to be able to get something in return and with the increased cap those contracts won't look so bad in the next 2 years. Just a theory.
If you think those contracts aren't so bad I have beach side property in Arizona to sell you. All you have to do is wait a little bit and it will pay out massively. These deals aren't just small overpays that can be flipped in years to come, they are a part of the Blazer campaign to show loyalty to a moderately successful team.