Follow up to my previous post above on why not to max Middleton to try and get true max guys later by the #s.
Projected salary of C's with rookies, no resigns and a max Middleton would be about 62 million. That is 5 million under cap full roster with a lot of young guys. Cap jump in 2016 is 89 but add 4% yearly salary hike, multiple more rookies. (Keep in mind Turner, Z, and Sully all FAs unsigned or extended) The salary is 45 million on 11 guys 7 of which would be under 4 years experience.
Now max break down is, "under 6 years/ 7-9 years(prime)/10+"
2016=22.5 million/ 26.7 million/ 31.15 million
2017=27/ 32.4/37.8
So in 2016 off season with Middleton at max, IT, AB, Smart, KO, Young and a bunch of sophomores you can sign just one max guy. (Not even 2 max under 6 year guys)
Now without Middleton you are looking at 59 million under and capable of signing 2 prime Max players. With Middleton at 11 million (not the max) you can get a max prime player and a under 6 year max player.
So very different scenario financially if you Max Middleton verse you pay him what he is worth 11 million.
I agree and disagree with this thinking.
There are going to be a boatload of teams with a lot of cap space, and even then, a lot of teams can muster up picks/assets to free up cap space..
BOS isn't an ideal destination, but it beats out at least 10-12 teams like Bucks, Utah, etc. You got at least 8-10 teams that can compete with us in FA, and even then its slim pickings, as the NBA has become all 'buddy, buddy,' as players only want to play with other superstars...
I don't mind giving Middleton a 13-16 million year contract, because I already think Middleton is more than just a 'role,' player. If we picked up someone like Cousins, I would absolutely hope Ainge pulls the trigger on maxing out Middleton.
Hes the bonafide player that teams are looking for in FA. A great finishing, lanky, and shooting specialist that can defend. Opposing 2's are shooting a mere 11.6 PER, and 3s are 12.3.