I'm still a little surprised the Rockets used the full NT-MLE. DFS wasn't on my radar as a possibility (I was thinking similar, but younger, cheaper, smaller guys like NAW and Ellis). Thought the Lakers would keep him to protect LeBron (a role I suspect will be used for Durant). I'm surprised his shooting numbers are as good as they are. Maybe it is playing with Luka in LA and Dallas made me downgrade his shooting in my head. The age worries me a little, but overall very happy with the pickup.
Did we ever get a clear breakdown of the DFS contract? The last yr non-guaranteed player option is confusing. Nate Duncan said the 3rd year might be non-guaranteed too. Looking forward to the clear contract details.
Basically if either side says no, the last year doesn't get picked up. For all practical purposes, it means this is a 3yr deal. Now if there's further news that even the 3rd year is non-guaranteed that's not something I'm aware of. My guess is that it's a fully guaranteed 3-year deal. The Rockets seem to be taking this as a 3-year window. Adams and Capela both signed 3-year contracts and KD is mostly often cited as taking a 2-year extension, which is effectively a 3-year contract. It looks like they are lining up to pay 3 years of tax and then get out and reset.
nate Duncan, who is very credible on this stuff, said if the 4th yr is non-guaranteed, the 3rd yr also has to be non-guaranteed, but they were looking forward to seeing the full contract details. Either way, I like that’s it’s effectively a 3yr deal at worst.
I would have rather had NAW and he ended up being cheaper, but I am happy with the pickup. Our bench improved significantly with the signing. They really seem to be confident in Reed. I hope they are right. Otherwise, it’s way too many minutes for Holiday. I think Cam is gone for a pick, but could be wrong. Somehow, they are going to get under that 1st Apron before the end of the year.
Mostly agree. I'm not sure the Rockets would try to reset the tax after three years unless it's a relatively straightforward process. I think the Rockets will be fine staying in the tax as long as they don't go too far past the first apron (well , unless they start winning championships). I would not be surprised if DFS is traded at some point with Capela.
I took his comment on the 3rd year as speculation on what's typical (not required) with non-guaranteed player option years.
I do know Duncan and he does know a lot more about the CBA than I do. So perhaps he's right, and it just hasn't been reported cause the agent wants the bigger number out there longer for PR reasons. It would definitely make the contract better, but even if he's on a Team Option, I think the Rockets pick it up unless he really drops off.
They are blowing past the first apron next year once you crunch the numbers with a potential Tari extension. Tilman's tax bill by year 3 will be astronomical. I do agree there's a decent chance that if KD sputters out by then, that they just clean house to get back under. But Tilman is by billionaire standards not cash rich so I don't think he can keep losing money every year just to contend.
With Durant and Tari costing ~$70M combined, I have the Rockets $9M over the 1st apron if the Rockets hit cruise control on the roster after Tari and KD extensions. Maybe Durant and Tari cost more combined, but I don't expect the Rockets to hit cruise control for the next two seasons. I think Amen basically absorbs FVV's contract spot in the 3rd year with a little extra. I would guess at least one of JSJ, Tari, DFS, Capela, FVV, and Adams don't make it past the 26-27 trade deadline. I think the Rockets will try to manage their budgets so that they are still profitable each year (i.e., I expect changes to be made if the payroll gets out of whack).
3 out of 4 years. So probably looking to duck it this year. 2 more years with role free agents and duck it again to avoid the 3 out of 4.
He's long and is a good iso defender. Also great protecting the rim as a forward. Exactly what this team needs.
This makes a ton of sense....3 years is a bit much but it mirror's Durant....and then we can build from there..... DD
Good move. But, Gary Trent would have been an immediate fit here . Fills many needs we have in the event of injuries or cold shooting nights.
The Rockets are over the tax this year no matter what with the DFS/Capela signings. I was thinking they go into tax for 3 years and then duck 2 years. Or they trade everyone year 3 if things aren't going well to duck under the tax before going back. Or Tilman can surprise me and pay repeater taxes. But I think they are going to pay 2 years of tax at the very least.
