It's not just that you have to pay the tax, you also don't get the money you would normally get when you aren't in the tax.

For instance, we'll receive like $17M this year b/c we aren't a tax team.


If you pay $20M or so in tax, for a team like us that's like $40M b/c we are so used to getting that non-tax team payout every year.

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For instance, we'll receive like $17M this year b/c we aren't a tax team.


If you pay $20M or so in tax, for a team like us that's like $40M b/c we are so used to getting that non-tax team payout every year.

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That too

This freefall isn't helping. I don't know if there's any chance we'd go into the tax before this deadline, but I do know we would have had a much better chance if we were winning and not a .500 or sub .500 team at the deadline(unless those odds are 0% but you get the point)

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You could sign Seabron and Liddel to contracts and still be under the cap in that deal (this year).

You still have backfill for this offseason and next (rookies) as well.

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Luxury tax line is looking to be around $162mil next season. You have us at $175.

Once you factor in the 1st round draft pick and filling out the rest of the roster, we're at $180-185mil.

Now, including the $17mil or so Teddy mentioned that we won't get for staying under, being that much over carries a huge penalty.

Let's say we settle on $182mil, exactly $20mil over the luxury tax line. My understanding of how the penalty works is we'd pay $45mil in luxury taxes.

It's just not happening and Ayton is also not enough of an upgrade over Jval to add $62+ mil to our payroll+tax next season. Obviously if we had an owner where money wasn't a thing, I'd say go for it, but that ain't realistic for us.

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I just don't see OG being the answer. He's not a good enough shooter.

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What position do you envision him playing for the Pelicans? I think he would fulfill the small ball Center we’ve been seeking.

OG is lauded for his insane wingspan and athleticism… and he’s respected around the league as one of the strongest players pound for pound.

OG is my top choice. Although, I don’t believe his market is 3 FRPs, like the Knicks offered. I would stop slightly short of a King’s ransom to acquire his rights.

ETA-

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His size, athleticism, and nonstop motor mean Anunoby has a high floor in the NBA. Even in a worst-case scenario, he will have a long career as an energy big man who can rebound and defend in space. He has an average outside shot and handle for a perimeter player, so he still has a lot to work on offensively, but those become much less pressing issues if he’s playing at center. If there are no long-term issues with his knee, Anunoby’s freakish physical dimensions mean he will be able to handle more minutes in the middle than even Draymond. There will still be plenty of giants at the position, but anyone bigger than Anunoby is going to have trouble staying in front of his point guard in the pick-and-roll. That’s why there aren’t many traditional big men left in the NBA playoffs. In a game without centers, the 6-foot-8 man is king.

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Do you want to pay to try to force open the contention window today

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Absolutely

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It's just not happening and Ayton is also not enough of an upgrade over Jval

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Also Shel I totally disagree with this. I think he would fit great next to Zion and although his 3pt percentage is pedestrian, him in a new system with probably a coach he likes (Willie) might bring his best out entirely.

I will conceed and say it is a very hard thing to guage with a disgruntled employee though, but there is just no real world where people genuinely believe JV > Ayton. They arent in the same ballpark in terms of skill.

Ayton is a superior defender, but for double the cost is that worth it? I think only if you swap out CJ too

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Ayton is a superior defender, but for double the cost is that worth it? I think only if you swap out CJ too

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This. Hard to imagine 4 max deals on the books. Ayton would be an ideal 5 for this team but the cost is likely too rich. On the other hand, Pels are not going to contend without fixing the post problems, there is no sense in being a tax team without realistically being a final four type team, hence the smoke around Collins who may/may not put you in that category.

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I'd still trade you know who...for Mikal Bridges...straight up...if the Suns would do it.

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Still laughing at that take …Check back with me though in a couple weeks

Grant is not available and will not be available