Stifle Tower
Punch Bowl Re-Filler
OK, my jaw just dropped open. NBAnerd and Kenwood usually have all these rules committed to memory.that's interesting i didn't realize until now that the new CBA has a max veteran extension salary that is different from max salary, but there it is: 107.5% of previous salary as a max first year, then 7.5% raises from that amount.
knowing that, i think there's a reason the news was worded the way it was. i think both camps wanted fans to know that the conversation started, even though realistically there was never any chance he would take 3/25M. paul and his agent had to know that was the max offer, so this meeting was probably a formality. jazz probably sat down and said something like, "hey the most we can offer is 3 and 25M, but we didnt' want to NOT make you the offer, so there it is." paul probably said "i understand, thanks for officially starting negotiations, but i think you'll understand why i'll wait until i can get more than that from you. talk to you next summer?" jazz: "makes sense. we hope we can keep you around, and we'll talk next july."
Agree completely. The offer is just a formality. I'm sure KOC made it abundantly clear to Paul's agents - if they didn't know already - that this is the MAX extension they can offer. It was a way of showing respect to Paul and opening negotiations. There is nothing that prohibits the Jazz from coming to an understanding with Paul's team, albeit informal and certainly not in writing. KOC can simply say, it's our intent to put a 5/$55M offer on the table on Day 1 of FA next season. And Paul and his agents can say they would certainly sign an contract for that amount.