I love Tracy McGrady - I think he should get the max, and he's worth every penny. The only thing is his salary really handicaps the team from getting good free agents. It'd be so much better if it was a max contract like Yao's. Two and three seasons from now T-Mac and Yao's salaries will take up 35 and 39 million of a cap that's around 55 million. That really sucks. It seems this team will have to always rely on cheap role players whose names aren't that notable, but they'll just have to be solid contributors. The other thing it seems they'll have to rely on it seems is draft picks who get paid rookie contracts. Unfortunately, we know the Rockets recent (last 10 years) track history with draft picks has been less than stellar.
I happen to browse through Clipper's salary. Cat signed for 5 year 42M last year. Rox signed Stro for 5 year 30M. What IF Rox take Cat instead of Stro... What if
Here is the salary breakdown with MLE & TE & full roster. I think the minimum is 14 players. http://geocities.com/micah1j/
Yao makes less than Amare? $72 million vs. $75 million? Lebron is supposed to make $60 million for only 3 years or maybe that includes the player option for the fourth year. i guess the Rockets got a bargain.