League-wide sentiment, even in this open market with scads of teams with cap space, is that Jefferson is mid-level player at best, and I have a problem with even going that far. I honestly think Jefferson might end up getting a three-year deal worth around 18 million dollars, but as stated above, he could probably have gotten that next year, after taking in his final big season with San Antonio (and another team, as his expiring contract would probably have been shipped elsewhere). So that's $33 million (combined, between the two deals) by passing on the early termination, or $18 million signed this year after opting out.
Doesn't sound like a "$25 million extension" to me.
Two distinct elements are into play. The first allows for the thought that Jefferson's time in San Antonio was so ceaselessly untenable, that he had to get away, no matter the cost.
Or - and it should be pointed out that it is quite likely that both these elements are running concurrently - Jefferson is still overrating his own talents, making rash decisions, and acting on bad advice. Or no advice at all, which can still be pretty bad advice.
For whatever reason, unless there's some boffo deal that he has lined up that we know nothing about, this is a bad, move. Jefferson was going to get a contract no matter how poorly he played next summer, and he may have just cost himself a significant amount of money.
