The 3rd Year Strategy allows us to waive Hakeem for less than his base salary. His cap hit that year depends upon whether he gets waived, retires or plays. Jonathan Feagan's sources are reporting 3yrs $13m with $10 million of that guaranteed against injury. This contract also has incentive bonuses. The early reports or speculation that the 3rd yr is for $2m are inaccurrate. $2m is what Hakeem gets if he gets a career-ending injury or if the Rockets waive him. If Hakeem makes the team his third yr, his base salary and cap hit would be within 12.5% (up or down) of his 2nd yr base...that is a CBA rule. Based on previous offers made, that base salary would be around $4m. bottomline: if the Rockets waive Hakeem before the start of the 3rd yr, his cap hit is what we owe him under waiver proceedings, which reports seem to be stating is $2m. Until we waive him or he retires, his 3rd yr cap hit equals his base salary. Concerning the "Incentive Bonuses" in the 3rd yr. If those are "Unlikely Bonuses," which I'm guessing they are, then that money does not count towards the cap until achieved. The league office determines whether bonuses are considered Unlikely or not. That could be part of the wait that we had, and why Dawson said he was trying to get more money. Possibly, Dawson was waiting for the OK from the league office that the bonuses offered would be considered "Unlikely." [This message has been edited by crispee (edited July 30, 2001).]
Another reminder about Exceptions If Mo' wants more money that $4.5m, we will have to lose all our exceptions to get him that. props to aelliott for first pointing this out.
Question is.... Does this mean we a giving a bigger contract to SA than MO? This would not be good! ------------------ He must have an enormous schfashtuker! Well, of course. That goes without saying.
