What were they saying about Gary Payton on 610 KILT?

1) The Luxury Tax goes into effect when the NBA's BRI falls below a certain threshhold. To date, it has never been invoked. Due to the increased revenues to the NBA from Yao Ming, it is not likely to be invoked in the foreseeable future.

2) NIKE, aelliott, hp - feel free to correct me, but my understanding is that Payton is an unrestricted FA and thus there is no need to SnT for him if he will play for someones MLE.

If Payton (whose last contract was around $13m) decides it is in his interest to SnT, what does Houston have to offer in trade that would match GP's market value? Payton is close to the same age as Glen Rice. I doubt it would be the best offer on the table, but even if the Bucks would take Rice or Cato or Taylor, is Payton worth $7m-$8m for the next three years?

3) If Payton will work for the MLE, why wouldn't he go to LA or SAC or SAS or stay in the EC? Other than than our personal dreamcasting, what connection does GP have to Houston or the current personnel and management?

 

I would NOT trade Cat for Payton.

I'm sorry, but Payton's a little too long in the tooth. His 'Glove' status truly ain't what it used to be. I'm not saying his defense is on par with Steve Francis' but he's lost a little something. I actually like Cat on D better than Payton on D.

And besides, Payton isn't gonna make us a title contender, ESPECIALLY if we have to give up Cat for him. By the time we come into our own as a team, Payton may be about ready to retire. I'd trade Cat for a '97 or '98 Payton, but not today's Payton, sorry.