Can some cap experts help me understand if we really gain much from the added space?
Our current commitment for
Fox
Domas
Kevin
Monk
Keegan
Davion
Kessler (team option which I presume we'll pick)
Dozier
adds up to $98,029,373.
Additionally, we can extend QO of $1,761,752 (each) to Keon and Neemias. The salary cap will be $136 M. Assuming we extend these offers, we are looking at something like
$35 M. I haven't added any holds for our SRP today, because (a) I'm not sure if SRP holds count against the cap, and (b) they are likely be to small enough to make a significant difference. Experts can correct me.
While this seems a good amount to sign an impact player, what happens if we use all (or most of it) for one FA? We will need to renounce our rights to Barnes, Lyles, Len, etc. The above list has 7 rotation guys. Even if Dozier, Keon, and Neemias break into regular rotation, we're still looking for significant help, particularly in the front court.
If most of the cap space goes to one FA, can we only offer minimum to fill out the roster? How about Sasha? We lose the MLE, but are any other exceptions available to us? If no, then the above amount will go down by his salary, right? How do we retain Lyles and Len, two guys I would like to see return. I think Barnes is ruled out in such a scenario.
Instead, if we had not made the trade, we could have just gotten most of the team back, right? Sure, it would have cost more, but as a fan, I don't see how the cap space helps us.
We might also have a TPE, and I think that can be used to get a player even if we are above the cap (again, not sure). My guess is that if this is used, it will be during the season. Monte will likely try to use the cap space as soon as free agency opens up.
ps: I'm not counting either of our picks today as major contributors this year. I expect them to spend significant time in Stockton. Wouldn't be surprised if Keon, Neemias joined them there.