Will we have any cap space this summer?

[Natebishop3]

It looks like we have a ton of space locked up with cap holds.

Will we have any free space this summer if we renounce cap holds to facilitate taking back a larger salary?

I'm horrible with cap stuff, so I'm hoping one of you guys know.

 

[blazedanugz]

Don’t believe so

 

[KeepOnRollin]

Not answering the question (I know) but I hope we can retain Matisse Thybulle and Kevin Knox for value deals. I don't think Cam Reddish can stay consistent. I would let him go.

 

[tykendo]

It won't be about signing a big name free agent not named Grant, but because Joe and his Staff have made the moves they have over the last 2 seasons, they have maneuverability to make deals and trades around the cap. I do think Jody has given them the ability to go over the cap for major moves. Especially since they're not going to be a repeater tax team.

 

[RR7]

It looks like we have a ton of space locked up with cap holds.

Will we have any free space this summer if we renounce cap holds to facilitate taking back a larger salary?

I'm horrible with cap stuff, so I'm hoping one of you guys know.

If we renounced all of our free agents, then yes, we'd have cap space.

 

[Natebishop3]

It won't be about signing a big name free agent not named Grant, but because Joe and his Staff have made the moves they have over the last 2 seasons, they have maneuverability to make deals and trades around the cap. I do think Jody has given them the ability to go over the cap for major moves. Especially since they're not going to be a repeater tax team.

Not so much about free agents. I'm thinking more about lopsided trades in terms of salaries.

 

[wizenheimer]

well....



so about 113M in guarantees and dead salary. The NBA projects a 134M cap, so theoretically the Blazers could have 21M. But that' for only 9 players so deduct 3M down to 18M for roster charges

then you have to start adding up the cap-holds:



obviously, Grant is the immediate monkey wrench to any cap-space plan. And the cap-holds of Reddish and Thybulle would pretty much kill any cap-space. Some of the cap-holds could obviously be renounced as a book-keeping transaction. Maybe the Blazers are planning of re-signing Eubanks for 2-4M but that would be more than his cap-hold so the Blazers could delay.

and of course, there's the draft pick factor. If the Blazers have the 7th pick, again, it would be around a 6.5M cap-hold; the 3rd pick about 9M; te first pick (wemby math) about 11.5M. The 23rd pick would be around 2.6M

bottom line is yeah, Portland could hypothetically have some space, but it would have to be a perfect storm of factors, and just about all of them are negative. I think the Blazers will be more concerned about having tradable contracts as filler so they might re-sign Thybulle and Reddish just for that reason. If they do offer QO's to any of those players, I can't remember if the QO is applied to the roster or the cap-hold. In other words, the answer to your question is almost certainly no

one other factor to keep in mind: the NBA and player's union agreed to a new CBA and that starts in July. So their may be tweaks and adjustments to all of those numbers we don't know about yet

 

[Chris Craig]

well....

View attachment 55520

so about 113M in guarantees and dead salary. The NBA projects a 134M cap, so theoretically the Blazers could have 21M. But that' for only 9 players so deduct 3M down to 18M for roster charges

then you have to start adding up the cap-holds:

View attachment 55521

obviously, Grant is the immediate monkey wrench to any cap-space plan. And the cap-holds of Reddish and Thybulle would pretty much kill any cap-space. Some of the cap-holds could obviously be renounced as a book-keeping transaction. Maybe the Blazers are planning of re-signing Eubanks for 2-4M but that would be more than his cap-hold so the Blazers could delay.

and of course, there's the draft pick factor. If the Blazers have the 7th pick, again, it would be around a 6.5M cap-hold; the 3rd pick about 9M; te first pick (wemby math) about 11.5M. The 23rd pick would be around 2.6M

bottom line is yeah, Portland could hypothetically have some space, but it would have to be a perfect storm of factors, and just about all of them are negative. I think the Blazers will be more concerned about having tradable contracts as filler so they might re-sign Thybulle and Reddish just for that reason. If they do offer QO's to any of those players, I can't remember if the QO is applied to the roster or the cap-hold. In other words, the answer to your question is almost certainly no

one other factor to keep in mind: the NBA and player's union agreed to a new CBA and that starts in July. So their may be tweaks and adjustments to all of those numbers we don't know about yet

Still paying Nicholson. This will be the last year but damn what a fuck up by Olshey. Still paying Bledsoe too.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Still paying Nicholson. This will be the last year but damn what a fuck up by Olshey. Still paying Bledsoe too.

Technically the Blazers aren't paying them, those checks were sent out same as any other players of those prior seasons. But it's dead money taking up cap space in 2024 so many years later. Those prior seasons we never signed an impactful free agent nor fielded a contending roster. So yes what a dumb fuckup by Olshey and then yes as you say repeated last summer by Cronin.

 

[Chris Craig]

Technically the Blazers aren't paying them, those checks were sent out same as any other players of those prior seasons. But it's dead money taking up cap space in 2024 so many years later. Those prior seasons we never signed an impactful free agent nor fielded a contending roster. So yes what a dumb fuckup by Olshey and then yes as you say repeated last summer by Cronin.

But that's what I'm saying, it's taking up cap space. I'll happy when it off the salary table.

 

[Mediocre Man]

No​

 

[Natebishop3]

No​

I think this is inaccurate if we renounce certain players.

 

[Fairly-Hard]

So they will no or very little cap space and pretty much the same players.
I see another poor year coming.

 

[Natebishop3]

So they will no or very little cap space and pretty much the same players.
I see another poor year coming.

Well, I'm not expecting to go out and sign anyone. I just want to be able to absorb some lopsided trades.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

But that's what I'm saying, it's taking up cap space. I'll happy when it off the salary table.

Yes your broader point was valid, just the exact specific word of pay isnt precisely accurate.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Well, I'm not expecting to go out and sign anyone. I just want to be able to absorb some lopsided trades.

Having cap space does have value besides signing a free agent.

Teams can acquire bad contracts with picks, can acquire useful players for free, can take on more money in trades increasing the talent received, or have more money to resign players while avoiding luxury tax.

However generally I'd say it's better to have players signed on reasonable salaries than to have cap space.

The problem is the Blazers have historically handed out a lot of overpaid contracts that then have little to no trade value, or even negative value.

 

[tykendo]

Having cap space does have value besides signing a free agent.

Teams can acquire bad contracts with picks, can acquire useful players for free, can take on more money in trades increasing the talent received, or have more money to resign players while avoiding luxury tax.

However generally I'd say it's better to have players signed on reasonable salaries than to have cap space.

The problem is the Blazers have historically handed out a lot of overpaid contracts that then have little to no trade value, or even negative value.

So true. I don't think Joe will operate like his predecessor . Joe , Mike , and Staff seem to really be , all in , on the process to get better. They've put the franchise in a place to have maneuverability that Olshey crapped away. They've got a better canvas now. Time to paint a pretty picture.

 

[Phatguysrule]

So they will no or very little cap space and pretty much the same players.
I see another poor year coming.

If we have a poor record near the trade deadline next season I would fully expect Dame to be traded for a boat-load of young players and draft picks.

And if that were the case I think he would be alright with that.

 

[Whyachi]

this season rattled Blazer fans. There's more and more people becoming fanatical about kicking Dame and his massive salary out of town.

Why? To save the owner money? What's the point of being concerned about a multi-billionares savings account?

Lillard is a killer, he's worth every penny if the goal is to win ball games. If Damian was on a team that didn't fear the luxury tax such as Portland, he'd be lighting it up on a contending franchise instead of tanking for picks with team looking for bargain basement deals.

 

[Natebishop3]

this season rattled Blazer fans. There's more and more people becoming fanatical about kicking Dame and his massive salary out of town.

Why? To save the owner money? What's the point of being concerned about a multi-billionares savings account?

Lillard is a killer, he's worth every penny if the goal is to win ball games. If Damian was on a team that didn't fear the luxury tax such as Portland, he'd be lighting it up on a contending franchise instead of tanking for picks with team looking for bargain basement deals.

I don't give a shit about Jody's money.

I want to see us win a ring and we have been treadmilling for years with Dame. That's not going to change.

 

[Whyachi]

I don't give a shit about Jody's money.

I want to see us win a ring and we have been treadmilling for years with Dame. That's not going to change.

A Lillard trade is instant Rockets, Pistons, a super tank. Full rebuilds take a lot time and a lot of luck in the draft to get headed in the right direction. Blazers are getting those similar picks with a grumpy Lillard.

I say give Dame one more year to tank it up. The bigger 4 year deals for Simons and Nurkic will be easier to trade by next summer, and the Blazers will be absolutely loaded with top young ballers on cheap rookie contracts as Lillard enters his super max era.

 

[Natebishop3]

A Lillard trade is instant Rockets, Pistons, a super tank. Full rebuilds take a lot time and a lot of luck in the draft to get headed in the right direction. Blazers are getting those similar picks with a grumpy Lillard.

I say give Dame one more year to tank it up. The bigger 4 year deals for Simons and Nurkic will be easier to trade by next summer, and the Blazers will be absolutely loaded with top young ballers on cheap rookie contracts as Lillard enters his super max era.

I don't think Dame wants to wait another year. He has been a good soldier but dude won't want to tank another year. Significant upgrades need to happen this summer or I think he's going to ask for a trade.

 

[bigbailes]

I don't think Dame wants to wait another year. He has been a good soldier but dude won't want to tank another year. Significant upgrades need to happen this summer or I think he's going to ask for a trade.

I'm in total lockstep with Nate on this one ... it has nothing to do with wanting Dame gone for any nefarious reason, or even worrying about Jody's money, but more so that I want the team to succeed and put that above any one player. If the team being a legit contender with Dame isn't going to happen, best to get what you can from a trade and hopefully if all falls into place, send him to a destination that allows Dame to fight for a title. End of the day though I put the TEAM needs/wants over Dame.

 

[Natebishop3]

I'm in total lockstep with Nate on this one ... it has nothing to do with wanting Dame gone for any nefarious reason, or even worrying about Jody's money, but more so that I want the team to succeed and put that above any one player. If the team being a legit contender with Dame isn't going to happen, best to get what you can from a trade and hopefully if all falls into place, send him to a destination that allows Dame to fight for a title. End of the day though I put the TEAM needs/wants over Dame.

Dame just lit it up this year. He's never going to have more value than he does right now. If there isn't a trade for a legit top 10 player this summer, we need to move on.

 

[crowleyjf]

Great to see you here discussing cap space for the upcoming summer. Managing cap holds and creating enough room for potential signings can be quite tricky.
If you're looking to show your support for the Portland Trail Blazers and want to rock a cool custom hat, check out https://matohash.com/collections/custom-richardson-hats. They have an awesome collection of custom Richardson hats that can add a touch of style to your Blazers fandom. From snapbacks to fitted hats, you'll find something that suits your taste.
As for the cap space situation, it's always a complex topic, but don't worry, there are knowledgeable folks around here who can help shed some light on it.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

well....

View attachment 55520

so about 113M in guarantees and dead salary. The NBA projects a 134M cap, so theoretically the Blazers could have 21M. But that' for only 9 players so deduct 3M down to 18M for roster charges

then you have to start adding up the cap-holds:

View attachment 55521

obviously, Grant is the immediate monkey wrench to any cap-space plan. And the cap-holds of Reddish and Thybulle would pretty much kill any cap-space. Some of the cap-holds could obviously be renounced as a book-keeping transaction. Maybe the Blazers are planning of re-signing Eubanks for 2-4M but that would be more than his cap-hold so the Blazers could delay.

and of course, there's the draft pick factor. If the Blazers have the 7th pick, again, it would be around a 6.5M cap-hold; the 3rd pick about 9M; te first pick (wemby math) about 11.5M. The 23rd pick would be around 2.6M

bottom line is yeah, Portland could hypothetically have some space, but it would have to be a perfect storm of factors, and just about all of them are negative. I think the Blazers will be more concerned about having tradable contracts as filler so they might re-sign Thybulle and Reddish just for that reason. If they do offer QO's to any of those players, I can't remember if the QO is applied to the roster or the cap-hold. In other words, the answer to your question is almost certainly no

one other factor to keep in mind: the NBA and player's union agreed to a new CBA and that starts in July. So their may be tweaks and adjustments to all of those numbers we don't know about yet

Good post, funny how you actually listed the #3 pick salary amount back in April.

So cap space would be about 18 million if Grant/Reddish/Thybulle are renounced and picks traded away - add 3rd pick of $9m and 23rd pick of 2.6m and its about 6-7 million of space. Both are less than the full MLE.

It seems like the Blazers are extremely likely to either resign Grant or use the #3 pick. I can't imagine there is a way the Blazers are able to use actual cap space this summer.

The question to me is if the Blazers will use the full MLE and or duck the tax again this year? Especially with that wall street journal article days ago, it seems like Jody might get a big cut of the profits each year while she has control as the "CEO" but she will get no profit on the multi billion franchise sale. So thats likely a big reason why she's pushing so hard to stay under the tax at prior deadlines, prior offseasons, not take back any contracts in trades, and I'd expect continue to duck the tax aggressively in the years ahead while she retains control and profits.

I hope the NBA has a date where her governorship ends sooner and pressures her to sell because this really harms the Blazers ability to compete with Dame immediately or long term. Just really sad that Paul Allen left the franchise ownership in such a mess of a trust with a related party having both huge conflicts of interest but also significant control.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

I guess the extremely pessimistic view of Jody's ownership will be if she holds the team at the salary floor of 90% so she can direct extra profits to herself.

$134 million x 90% salary floor is $121 million. So thats only about $9 million away. Having Grant/Thybulle/etc all cut; signing vet minimum players and using the #3 pick will get the Blazers above that.

I'd have to imagine Dame asks out if Jody becomes such an excessive cheapskate. Plus there could be major fan or even NBA league blowback.

Jody having the team spend some more but stay under the tax can be something the Blazers try to spin as a competitive advantage, so they probably at the least go that direction.

 

[wizenheimer]

Good post, funny how you actually listed the #3 pick salary amount back in April.

So cap space would be about 18 million if Grant/Reddish/Thybulle are renounced and picks traded away - add 3rd pick of $9m and 23rd pick of 2.6m and its about 6-7 million of space. Both are less than the full MLE.

It seems like the Blazers are extremely likely to either resign Grant or use the #3 pick. I can't imagine there is a way the Blazers are able to use actual cap space this summer.

The question to me is if the Blazers will use the full MLE and or duck the tax again this year? Especially with that wall street journal article days ago, it seems like Jody might get a big cut of the profits each year while she has control as the "CEO" but she will get no profit on the multi billion franchise sale. So thats likely a big reason why she's pushing so hard to stay under the tax at prior deadlines, prior offseasons, not take back any contracts in trades, and I'd expect continue to duck the tax aggressively in the years ahead while she retains control and profits.

I hope the NBA has a date where her governorship ends sooner and pressures her to sell because this really harms the Blazers ability to compete with Dame immediately or long term. Just really sad that Paul Allen left the franchise ownership in such a mess of a trust with a related party having both huge conflicts of interest but also significant control.

my thinking is in line with this. There was a post, somewhere in this forum, that apparently had an expert speculating that JA is 'earning' 150-200M/year in salary for managing the trust (a fixed percentage of the estate value)

there's a thread on ownership and it baffles me how many people are saying she's a good owner. She isn't as bad as Sterling or Sarver, and not as nuts as Ballmer, but she's bad news for any Blazer fan that's hoping that management views building a contender as a priority. That's not the Vulcan mind-meld-set. Up there in the Seattle shithole, the Blazers are just a cash-cow, nothing more

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I guess the extremely pessimistic view of Jody's ownership will be if she holds the team at the salary floor of 90% so she can direct extra profits to herself.

$134 million x 90% salary floor is $121 million. So thats only about $9 million away. Having Grant/Thybulle/etc all cut; signing vet minimum players and using the #3 pick will get the Blazers above that.

I'd have to imagine Dame asks out if Jody becomes such an excessive cheapskate. Plus there could be major fan or even NBA league blowback.

Jody having the team spend some more but stay under the tax can be something the Blazers try to spin as a competitive advantage, so they probably at the least go that direction.

A full rebuild would make it a lot easier to get close to the salary floor. The fact that management has given no indication that they want to go that route seems to suggest that slashing payroll is not on the agenda.

 

[Natebishop3]

my thinking is in line with this. There was a post, somewhere in this forum, that apparently had an expert speculating that JA is 'earning' 150-200M/year in salary for managing the trust (a fixed percentage of the estate value)

there's a thread on ownership and it baffles me how many people are saying she's a good owner. She isn't as bad as Sterling or Sarver, and not as nuts as Ballmer, but she's bad news for any Blazer fan that's hoping that management views building a contender as a priority. That's not the Vulcan mind-meld-set. Up there in the Seattle shithole, the Blazers are just a cash-cow, nothing more

He was quoting Clownzano. https://www.johncanzano.com/p/canzano-digging-up-bones-in-the-trail

He just didn't cite the source. It makes sense though. I don't doubt that she is actually collecting a fee.