Once again. Nobody ever gave a straight answer. Raef Lafrentz has a 2 year $23 million option that he can and will undoubtedly exercise after this season. Can Portland buy him out right now and give him say, $15 million or whatever to not exercise that option? And if they can buy him out, would not all that buy out money actually count towards this year's cap since he hasn't exercise the option yet? Is there a limit on how much Portland can buy him out for and if so, what is it? The reason I am asking is if they could buy him out and count the buyout towards this season's cap, then there would be no reason not to do it. He's not a part of their future and if they could take the cap hit this year, it would open up cap space for them to use the next couple years. I would think Raef wants to play. He could be a rotation big on a playoff team, and if he lit it up from distance, he could probably land a MLE deal somewhere after that. I'd think he would want to do this rather than ride the pine for 2 years while his skill set declines.
The agreed amount of the buy out always counts against the cap, and it is split up evenly through the years remaining in the contract. The buy out amount is a mutual agreement between the team and the player's agent to waive the player while he retains a certain percentage of his salary. LaFrentz won't enter any negotiations until after he picks up his 2 year option, so whatever happens he will continue to cash in.
Don't you see my question? I understand he is going to pick up the option.................unless Portland can pay him not to pick his option. I'm talking about buying him out before he exercises and the buy out amount then is split up evenly. Can they pay him cash to NOT pick up the option and can that cash count against this year's salary?
I heard the revised manual they came up with after the most recent CBA that includes info on salary, trades, etc... Is over 400 pages long. So its rough out there man.
