We did this last summer but I think it would be helpful if our resident capologists reviewed the implications of Tmac's contract on the Salary Cap, The Luxury Tax and possible trade scenarios? Specifically: 1. Isn't it true that letting the contract expire really does not help us with the Salary cap since Yao's max contract and 14 others will keep us over anyway? So, we can't be a player in the 2010 free agency race if we keep it. 2. If we take back the minimum allowable in contracts in trade does that get us under the Luxury Tax? And, what is that minimum number. 3. Would anybody include any expiring contracts in trade for Tmac? And would that help us in any way? 4. Is there anyway to trade Tmac without getting a bunch of dead weight in return?
I'm not a capologist AND you have the search function - however I'll be nice and help you out here. 1. It's not true. We'll be about $7million UNDER the cap without having to really renounce anyone. However, you're right, that's not really enough to be a major player in free agency in 2010 without losing some of the 'pieces' that we currently have. 2. If McGrady is being paid around $23million, then minimum we can take back is around $17.5million. That gets us under the luxury tax level. (we're about $3.5million over it) 3. Not really a cap question? I suppose it depends, but probably. 4. Not really a cap question? I suppose it depends, but probably. Hope that helps.
