DocHolliday said:Why is it the pistons have all these big name players...yet it was said early in the thread that they are nowhere near the luxury tax?? Why does it seem like the kings are ALWAYS at the luxuray tax level or above...and we don't have as high quality players?? That pisses me off if that's in fact true.
Bricklayer said:Well, its again the fortuitous thing where the Pistons don't have anyone THAT amazing, and all of them blossomed a bit in Detroit. But nobody other teams are going to drop mega-deals on as saviors...until now with Ben.
DocHolliday said:Why is it the pistons have all these big name players...yet it was said early in the thread that they are nowhere near the luxury tax?? Why does it seem like the kings are ALWAYS at the luxuray tax level or above...and we don't have as high quality players?? That pisses me off if that's in fact true.
tjobrien said:Whoever said that is not entirely accurate. The Pistons, right now, have returning salaries of approximately $40 million, and $36 million through 2007 (tied up among only 7 players, with two of them having player options - one being Billups, who will surely terminate because it is well below market value). The luxury tax threshold this year was like $59 million, right? I could be wrong on that, but I think that's it.
That leaves $19M this year, and $22 next year. But Tayshaun Prince signed a contract extension of approximately 9-10M a year. Depending on how that breaks down, let's say $8M in 2007.
Down to $14M. Billups also wants an extension this year. That's going to have to go around $10M for Billups. Ben will want the same. At that point they are way over the luxury tax threshold.
There have time to create some wiggle room, but I don't see how they can sign Billups AND Wallace to the kind of $ those players will ask for, and command on the open market.
Sirius said:Just imagine the national media circus. Artest and Big Ben on the same team? After that Palace brawl? They'll just be itching for something to happen.
Sac.Kings said:Ben W. is 32? Wow, i thought he was younger than that by about 3-5 years.