2018 5th-Year Option Tracker

Michael GinnittiApril 29, 2021

The deadline for NFL teams to decide on the 5th year option salaries for 2022 for all 2018 1st round selections is May 3rd. We'll track those decisions here.

Pick Team Player Pos. Option Value Exercised?
1 CLE Baker Mayfield QB $18,858,000 YES
2 NYG Saquon Barkley RB $7,217,000 YES
3 CAR Sam Darnold QB $18,858,000 YES
4 CLE Denzel Ward CB $13,294,000 YES
5 DEN Bradley Chubb OLB $12,716,000 YES
6 IND Quenton Nelson G $13,754,000 YES
7 BUF Josh Allen QB $23,016,000 YES
8 CHI Roquan Smith LB $9,735,000 YES
9 SF Mike McGlinchey RT $10,880,000 YES
10 ARI Josh Rosen QB N/A N/A
11 PIT Minkah Fitzpatrick S $10,612,000 YES
12 TB Vita Vea DT $7,638,000 YES
13 WAS Da'Ron Payne DT $8,529,000 YES
14 NO Marcus Davenport DE $9,553,000 YES
15 OAK Kolton Miller LT N/A N/A
16 BUF Tremaine Edmunds ILB $12,716,000 YES
17 LAC Derwin James S $9,052,000 YES
18 GB Jaire Alexander CB $13,294,000 YES
19 DAL Leighton Vander Esch LB $9,145,000 NO
20 DET Frank Ragnow C $12,657,000 YES
21 CIN Billy Price G $10,413,000 NO
22 TEN Rashaan Evans LB $9,735,000 NO
23 NE Isaiah Wynn T $10,413,000 YES
24 CAR D.J. Moore WR $11,116,000 YES
25 ATL Hayden Hurst TE $5,428,000 NO
26 ATL Calvin Ridley WR $11,116,000 YES
27 SEA Rashaad Penny RB $4,523,000 NO
28 PIT Terrell Edmunds S $6,753,000 NO
29 JAC Taven Bryan DT $7,683,000 NO
30 MIN Mike Hughes CB $12,643,000 NO
31 NE Sony Michel RB $4,523,000 NO
32 BAL Lamar Jackson QB $23,016,000 YES

2021 NFL Draft Tracker

Michael GinnittiApril 29, 2021

NFL Quarterback Guaranteed Money

Michael GinnittiApril 26, 2021

A snapshot look at how much guaranteed cash each notable quarterback has on the contract currently. 5th year options for Josh Allen, Sam Darnold, & Lamar Jackson are due May 3rd, while any vested veteran will see their 2021 salary become fully guaranteed at Week 1. Please note that this differs from the total dead cap figure on a specific contract, as this is simply guaranteed future salary, not any bonus that's already been paid out. Also note that a few of these players have more guarantees that will lock in next March (Watson, Mahomes). 

 

Notable MLB Contract Extension Candidates

Michael Ginnitti & Dan SoemannApril 23, 2021

 

It's a weird time for MLB, as they battle a global pandemic, a dwindling young fan base, a fight for national broadcast time, and a looming CBA expiration that many feel could result in a work stoppage. With all that said, players keep playing, and for the most part - contracts keep coming. We'll turn our focus to a few dozen MLB players who could be in line for a contract extension with their current team, including Spotrac calculated and likely projected figures.

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Jacob deGrom SP • 32 • NYM Calculated: 3 yrs, $103M ($34.3M AAV)
Likely: 3 yrs, $108.1M ($36.1M AAV)

The best pitcher in baseball is set to earn $33.5M in 2022, then holds a $30.5M player option in 2023. The Mets should proactively eliminate any unknowns with a 3 year extension covering 2023-2025, adding $110M+ through deGrom's age 37 year. Jake finishing his career with the Mets should be a top priorty for the new ownership.

Juan Soto OF • 22 • WAS Calculated: 12 yrs, $408M ($34M AAV)
Likely: 12 yrs, $450M ($37.5M AAV)

The 22 year old is shaping himself into a Trout-like figure both on and off the field, and should be the first position player to surpass him financially. This projection ties him with Gerrit Cole for top average salary ($36M) and far surpasses Trout’s total value ($426.5M). The Nationals let Bryce Harper walk before this kind of money was handed out, but it’s hard to believe they let that happen with Soto.

Clayton Kershaw SP • 33 • LAD Calculated: 4 yrs, $137M ($34.25M AAV)
Likely: 4 yrs, $137M ($34.25M AAV)

He’s still striking out nearly 9 batters per 9 innings, and remains the face of the best franchise in MLB. A near top of the market extension that could send him into retirement & the Hall of Fame shortly after makes sense here.

Corey Seager SS • 26 • LAD Calculated: 10 yrs, $313M ($31.3M)
Likely: 10 yrs, $342M ($34.2M)

The 26 year old doesn’t have the speed or flash of Francisco Lindor or Fernando Tatis Jr., but he’s got postseason success & a ring to offset this. Like Soto, Seager is a Scott Boras client, meaning this will either be the highest average paid SS extension in baseball, or they’ll be testing free agency in a few months.

Aaron Judge OF • 28 • NYY Calculated: 8 yrs, $205M ($25.6M AAV)
Likely: 4 yrs, $120M ($30M AAV)

Aaron Judge has done everything right since joining the Yankees in 2016. Unfortunately, his body has had other ideas. The near 29 year old has missed significant time in each of the last 4 seasons, putting a major red flag on his upcoming extension discussions. Could the Yankees get away with a shorter deal here with options tacked on to the back as a bit of a safety measure?

Trevor Story SS • 28 • COL Calculated: 6 yrs, $194M ($32.3M)
Likely: 8 yrs, $256M ($32M AAV)

Story probably has no intention of locking in with a Colorado organization that is going in the wrong direction. Could supply on the open market temper his pricetag? It’s tough to imagine as Story has the best numbers across the board of ANY of these shortstops since 2018 - including Francisco Lindor.

Trea Turner SS • 27 • WAS Calculated: 8 yrs, $234M ($29.3M AAV)
Likely: 8 yrs, $256M ($32M AAV)

Turner’s gotten better every season, and while his power numbers sit somewhere in the middle of this current group of SSs, the value he can bring to any lineup is somewhat immeasurable. A big 2021 pushes him well into the $30M per year club.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 3B • 22 • TOR Calculated: 13 yrs, $367M ($28.2M AAV)
Likely: 13 yrs, $390M ($30M AAV)

Vlad has shown enough both on the field and with his fitness commitment to warrant a career extension, ala Tatis, versus a bridge deal, ala Acuna. A strong 2021 should place him level with Juan Soto's financial projections.

Noah Syndergaard SP • 28 • NYM Calculated: 7 yrs, $204M ($29.1M AAV)
Likely: TBD

So much of Noah’s future relies on him returning to the mound this summer and showing he can round back into top of the rotation form. Assuming as such, Stephen Strasburg’s $245M is certainly in the running.

Max Scherzer SP • 36 • WAS Calculated: 1 yr, $29M
Likely: 1 yr, $25M + club option

Scherzer fell back down to earth a bit in 2020 after a historic 5 year run. He’s trending slightly better to start 2021, but the team as a whole may not be strong enough to hold him to his elite statistical benchmarks. With that said, the Nats are nothing if not for starting pitching, so going year to year with Max from here out seems the right play.

Zack Greinke SP • 37 • HOU Calculated: 1 yr, $28.5M
Likely: 1 yr, $20M + option

Not enough has been made about just how consistent Greinke has remained as he approaches 38 years old (October). Who knows if he’ll want to continue his career, but it’s tough to imagine the Astros, or another team not offering a contract to see what he has left in the tank.

Freddie Freeman 1B • 31 • ATL Calculated: 5 yrs, $136M ($27.2M AAV)
Likely: 5 yrs, $130M ($26M AAV)

Freeman’s current 8 year, $135M contract expires after this season, meaning the Braves will have to move quickly to ensure he’s not allowed to hit the open market. Paul Goldschmidt’s current deal seems relevant.

Rafael Devers 3B • 24 • BOS Calculated: 8 yrs, $245M ($30M AAV)
Likely: 6 yrs, $150M ($25M AAV)

Devers has had an up and down 4+ seasons in Boston, but with Betts now out of the picture, and JD Martinez eligible to leave after 2021, there's a world where he becomes the singular figure to build around going forward. Statistcally speaking, he's probably a $30M per year player going forward, but his inconsistencies could provide Boston a bit of value.

Javier Baez SS • 28 • CHC Calculated: 6 yrs, $150M ($25M AAV)
Likely: Free Agency

Baez and the Cubs have discussed a multi-year extension prior to him hitting the open market this winter, but it’s getting more and more complicated - especially with his slow start to 2021. There’s a legitimate chance he’s able to shop himself a bit.

Kris Bryant 3B • 29 • CHC Calculated: 6 yrs, $148M ($24.6M AAV)
Likely: Free Agency

The Cubs have had more than enough time to secure Bryant for the foreseeable future, and neither side has seemed too keen on getting anywhere near the finish line. He's almost certain to test the open market, where he'll likely seen Anthony Rendon's $35M per year, but also likely won't find many takers.

Michael Conforto OF • 28 • NYM Calculated: 6 yrs, $152M ($25.3M AAV)
Likely: 6 yrs, $144M ($24M AAV)

The Mets probably want to continue this marriage, but a mega extension for Lindor, & a looming need to redo DeGrom’s contract temper their ability to reach too far with Conforto. It’s very possible he’s allowed to test the open market, before returning at a fair market price.

Carlos Correa SS • 26 • HOU Calculated: 10 yrs, $238M ($23.8M AAV)
Likely: 8 yrs, $160M ($20M AAV)

Correa soundly rejected a 6 year, $120M offer from Houston, but when in terms of most major statistical comparisons, he ranks last among the 5 shortstops in need of a contract. A strong 2021 will force the Astros to raise their price, though that doesn’t have to mean changing the AAV.

Byron Buxton CF • 27 • MIN Calculated: 5 yrs, $63M ($12.6M AAV)
Likely: 6 yrs, $120M ($20M AAV)

The Twins have been waiting 6 years for Byron Buxton to arrive, and it appears he's done just that in the early stages of 2021. Amazingly, there's still another year of arbitration left on Buxton, meaning the Twins can play a wait and see how real this is game if they wish - or try to jump now and get a little value in the 5-tool player. Calculations say an adjusted version of Aaron Hicks' contract is in order - but betting on his future nearly doubles that valuation.

Anthony Rizzo 1B • 31 • CHC Calculated: 5 yrs, $78M ($15.6M AAV)
Likely: 5 yrs, $90M ($18M AAV)

While Rizzo is likely pushing to be in Paul Goldschmidt money conversation, the case for him is much less promising in comparison to Freddie Freeman. The Cubs offered $70M before the year, so an extra $15-$20M could get it done.

Tyler Glasnow SP • 27 • TB Calculated: 4 yrs, $68M ($17M AAV)
Likely: No deal

Glasnow becomes the next project to leave Pittsburgh and prime up for free agency, starting 2021 with sparkling numbers. With two years of arbitration remaining, it's possible a Lance McCullers type offer could be attractive to him right now, but it's just not Tampa Bay's style.

Joe Musgrove SP • 28 • SD Calculated: 5 yrs, $90M ($18M AAV)
Likely: 5 yrs, $80M ($16M AAV)

Musgrove has really found his stride the past 18 months, and appears a legitimate top of the rotation option. The problem? Darvish and Snell are under contract two more seasons, currently ahead of him on the depth chart. Musgrove has another year of arbitration left, so there's no rush to lock in a deal, but staying in San Diego might mean taking a bit of a paycut.

Bo Bichette SS • 23 • TOR Calculated: 6 yrs, $74M ($12.3M AAV)
Likely: 6 yrs, $85M ($14.1M AAV)

Bichette is one of a handful of young players in Toronto who could be seeing paydays soon. Yoan Moncada's $14M per year is likely the foundation for this extension, putting Bichette inline for around $85M over the next 6 years.

Marcus Stroman SP • 29 • NYM Calculated: 4 yrs, $62M ($15.5M AAV)
Likely: 4 yrs, $56M ($14M AAV)

Stroman has a chance to secure a #2 spot with the Mets in 2021 with a strong season and the impending potential loss of Noah Syndergaard. There’s a multi-year guarantee in his future.

Shane Bieber SP • 25 • CLE Calculated: 5 yrs, $56M ($11.25M AAV)
Likely: No deal

We've seen a number of young pitchers lock in "bridge" deals that buyout arbitration plus a few free agent years. Bieber will be the best of them, and a $12M AAV would well exceed that of Aaron Nola, Blake Snell, Luis Severino, or Carlos Martinez. The reality? He's worth deGrom money, even this very second, and the Indians are probably a year too late to get him to bite on this kind of value.

Lucas Giolito SP • 26 • CWS Calculated: 4 yrs, $40M ($10M AAV)
Likely: 4 yrs, $40M ($10 AAV)

Giolito is an annual "potential breakout" candidate that just hasn't lived up to his billing of yet. With two years of arbitration left, Chicago has no pressure to lock him in long term, but on a contract similar to what the Yankees signed Luis Severino to, the interest could be there.

Kyle Tucker OF • 24 • HOU Calculated: 6 yrs, $82M ($13.8M AAV)
Likely: 6 yrs, $84M ($14M AAV)

Tucker's having a breakout start to 2021, and with George Springer off the payroll, and Carlos Correa possibly off next year, his production will hold plenty of value for the Astros. He doesn't yet have the numbers to justify Alex Bregman's $20M per year extension at age 24, but he's closing in.

John Means SP • 28 • BAL Calculated: 5 yrs, $75M ($15M AAV)
Likely: 6 yrs, $72M ($12M AAV)

Means has established himself as the clear best option in the O's rotation, and is staring down 3 years of arbitration that will take him past age 30. Baltimore is currently paying nobody, so slight overpay for a player like Means to lock him in long-term makes sense.

Jack Flaherty SP • 25 • STL Calculated: 4 yrs, $38M ($9.5M AAV)
Likely: 4 yrs, $40M ($10M AAV)

Flaherty has been a solid, steady option at the top of the Cardinals rotation. With two years of arbitration remaining, there's no need to break the bank here. Buying out two years of free agency at a $10M AAV seem the move.

Julio Urias SP • 24 • LAD Calculated: 5 yrs, $36.5M ($7.3M AAV)
Likely: 3 yrs, $24M ($8M AAV)

Urias is buried deep within an incredible Dodgers' rotation, but has shown all the goods to prove he belongs. He's arbitration eligible through 2023, and it doesn't make sense for him to lock in too many years of free agency at under $10M per year, but accepting some guaranteed coin now with a chance to hit the market at age 28 makes some sense.

Corbin Burnes SP • 26 • MIL Calculated: 5 yrs, $35M ($7M AAV)
Likely: 5 yrs, $40M ($8M AAV)

Burnes is a bit of a late bloomer, and isn't currently the "ace" on paper in Milwaukee, but has shown all the makings of a long-term top of the rotation option. With all 3 years of arbitration ahead of him, a 5 year extension buys out two years of free agency, but also leave him north of 31 when it's all said and done. Milwaukee may need to get closer to Aaron Nola's $11M per year to lock it in.

Austin Meadows DH/OF • 25 • TB Calculated: 5 yrs, $33M ($6.6M AAV)
Likely: 5 yrs, $40M ($8M AAV)

2020 wasn't kind to the almost 26 year old, but he's rounded somewhat back into form to start 2021. Meadows has all 3 arbitration years ahead of him, but Tampa loves getting out in front of those where possible.

2020-21 Salaries For 10-Day Contracts

Scott AllenApril 09, 2021

The following table represents what a 10-day contract would be worth if a player signed with a team in regards to their actual salary and what their actual cap hit would represent.

10-day contracts are for a maximum of ten days or three games, whichever comes later.

Years EXP Salary CAP HIT
0 $61,528 $61,528
1 $99,020 $99,020
2 $110,998 $110,998
3 $114,990 $110,998
4 $118,983 $110,998
5 $128,963 $110,998
6 $138,945 $110,998
7 $148,926 $110,998
8 $158,907 $110,998
9 $159,698 $110,998
10+ $175,668 $110,998

Related Links:

10-day contracts

Projecting Josh Allen's Contract Extension

Michael GinnittiMarch 29, 2021

Josh Allen took major steps forward in 2020, and the Bills organization is well built for a multi-year run of contention in the AFC. Buffalo has locked up their LT, RT, LG, & nearly all of their secondary in the past 12 months. Allen’s extension isn’t a matter of if, but when, and when it comes to young QBs, most GMs answer that question with “as soon as possible”.

With TV money now certain to affect the league financials in 2023 and beyond, it makes sense for most of the stars to make themselves available for new negotiation at or around that timeframe. In other words, Allen should be looking for an extension that locks in 3 years, then gives him a chance to renegotiate thereafter.

It’s easy to quickly run to Dak Prescott’s contract as a comparable for the next few QB deals, but that’s not a realistic measure. Dak signed his contract in year 6, as a free agent, with no current years or salary to be concerned with, outside of a placeholder franchise tag. The better comparison here for Josh Allen is Deshaun Watson, who signed a 4 year, $156M extension with the Texans last September that included $73M guaranteed at signing, with $110M practically guaranteed over 4 years.

 

Projected Contract Extension

 

The Length & Total Value

There’s been a lot of back and forth with how long rookie extension contracts should be, especially after Patrick Mahomes locked in a MLB-style deal with Kansas City. Additionally, the popularity of void years could reduce actual years on the backend of some contracts, making them shorter true length, but still with the proration spread that teams desire for cap purposes. With that said, we’ll make this a somewhat traditional extension, 4 years on top of the current year & 5th-year option already attached to his rookie contract.

In terms of money, the current year and 5th year option combine for $26.5M, so that’s our old money starting point. We’ll tack of $168M of new money over 4 new years, or 6 years, $194.5M.

 

Guarantees

Guaranteed at Signing: $78M, Practical Guarantees: $115M
The important stuff. Our projection locks in $78M fully guaranteed at signing, including a signing bonus, and his 2021, 2022, & 2023 base salaries. His $37M 2024 salary becomes fully guaranteed in March of 2023, giving him an early vest on a 4 year - or chance to convert that 4th year salary into a bonus for his next deal, when the league financials will be very much in his favor to do so.

 

Signing Bonus

2021 Bonus: $25M
The Bills have used a signing & option bonus structure on a few of their most recent larger contracts (Tre’ White, Dion Dawkins), but we’re going to stay away from that with our projection here. Why? By instead placing a rather sizable base salary in 2022 ($20M), we leave the option for Buffalo to restructure that into a signing bonus, which in turn will look and feel like a 2nd year option bonus as needed. The veritable unknown of the 2022 league cap is a bit of a concern here.

 

Cash Flow

Deshaun Watson scored $29M in year one, $39M through year two, $75M through his third contract year, & $110M through year four. The deal we’ve projected for Josh Allen here offers $26M in year 1, $47M through year 2, and over $80M through three years, a sizable jump up.

Total Cash Flow (cumulative)
2021: $26M
2022: $21.01M ($47.01M)
2023: $33.01M ($80.02M)
2024: $38.16M ($118.18M)
2025: $38.16M ($156.34M)
2026: $38.16M ($194.5M)

 

Cap Flow

In pushing to keep 2021 as cap neutral as possible, our projection offers a slight increase of $2.4M to Josh Allen’s hit for the upcoming season. There’s a large jump in 2022 north of $26M, that can certainly be mitigated with a base salary restructure as needed.

Projected Cap Hits
2021: $9.3M
2022: $26M
2023: $38M
2024: $43.1M
2025: $43.1M
2026: $38.1M

 

Rankings

  • The $168M in total value new money would rank 2nd to Mahomes ($450M)
  • The $42M new money average salary would rank 2nd to Mahomes ($45M)
  • The $78M guaranteed at signing would rank 4th, behind Prescott, Ryan, & Rodgers
  • The $115M practically guaranteed would rank 3rd behind Mahomes & Prescott
  • The $80M of 3-year-cash would rank 10th
  • The $118M of 4-year cash would rank 4th

The 2021 NBA Trade Deadline Report

Michael GinnittiMarch 26, 2021

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone and over the course of the week, 20 notable moves were made across the league. Here's a team by team breakdown of players out, players in and both the cap and cash ramifications for each player. (Cap hit that moved, Cash remaining that moved)

 

Team 20-21 Cap Change 20-21 Cash Change
ATL +$0.5M +$.2M
BOS +$15.15M +$5.1M
BKN - -
CHA +$2.25M +$0.8M
CHI -$4M +$0.2M
CLE -$2.6M -$.923M
DAL -$1.4M -$.5M
DEN +$1.4M +$0.6M
DET +$3.6M -$1.3M
GSW -$4.5M -$1.5M
HOU -$1.8M -$0.1M
IND - -
LAC -$2.5M -$0.9M
LAL - -
MEM - -
MIA +$8.7M +$0.5M
MIL -$1.3M -$0.5M
MIN - -
NOP +$0.8M +$0.5M
NYK +$1.5M +$0.6M
OKC -$5.9M -$2.4M
ORL -$16.5M -$6M
PHI +$1M +$1.5M
PHX +$1.6M +$0.69M
POR -$0.8M -$0.2M
SAC -$2.1M -$1.4M
SAS +$1.8M +$0.65M
TOR -$2.2M -$0.8M
UTA +$1.5M +$0.54M
WAS -$1.5M -$0.7M

 

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks sent PG Rajon Rondo to the Clippers for SG Lou Williams, two 2nd round picks, & cash considerations. It’s a big win for Rondo, and a small win for the Hawks, who pick up a few extra picks, and free up $7.5M of cap & cash in 2021-22. Williams is an expiring contract. The cash included in this deal likely matches the difference between Rondo & Williams this year ($200k).

IN ($8M cap, $2.8M cash)
Lou Williams (SG, $8M, $2.8M) - expiring

OUT ($7.5M cap, $2.6M cash)
Rajon Rondo (PG, $7.5M, $2.6M) - thru 21-22

 

Boston Celtics

The Celtics use a portion of their Gordon Hayward trade exception to acquire Evan Fournier from Orlando (still have $11M remaining, expiring 11/29/21). This plus a swap of big men with Chicago/Washington brings in over $15M of new cap, $5.5M of new cash to their season.

IN ($21.75M cap, $7.7M cash)
Evan Fournier (SG, $17.4M, $6.2M) - expiring
Mo Wagner (C, $2.1M, $770k) - expiring
Luke Kornet (C, $2.25M, $801k) - expiring

OUT ($6.6M cap, $2.6M cash)
Daniel Theis (C, $5M, $1.7M) - expiring
Jeff Teague (PG, $1.6M, $913k) - expiring

 

Brooklyn Nets

No movement.

 

Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte struck a last minute deal to acquire some point guard insurance with LaMelo Ball now on the shelf. It’s an expiring contract.

IN ($2.25M cap, $801k cash)
Brad Wanamaker (PG, $2.25M, $801k) - expiring

 

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls landed the biggest fish of the deadline in Vucevic, adding just over $4M of cap at the end of the day. Chicago stays basically cash neutral through the remainder of the season, thanks to cash considerations in their 3-team deal with Washington/Boston. The Bulls hold about $23M of practical cap space in the 2021-22 season.

OUT ($40M cap, $14.2M cash)
Otto Porter Jr. (SF, $28.4M, $10.1M) - expiring
Wendell Carter Jr. (SF, $5.4M, $1.9M) - thru 21-22
Chandler Hutchison (SF, $2.4M, $870k) - thru 21-22
Luke Kornet (C, $2.25M, $801k) - expiring Daniel Gafford (PF, $1.5M, $540k) - thru 21-22

IN ($44M cap, $14M cash)
Nikola Vucevic (C, $26M, $9.2M) - thru 22-23
Al-Farouq Aminu (PF, $9.7M, $3.4M) - thru 21-22
Troy Brown Jr. (SF, $3.3M, $1.2M) - thru 21-22
Daniel Theis (C, $5M, $1.7M) - expiring
$1.55M of cash considerations

 

Cleveland Cavaliers

Already inline to lose Andre Drummond via buyout, the Cavs let another big man off the hook at the deadline, sending McGee back to Denver for a young center and two 2nd round picks. Cleveland frees up $2.6M of cap space, and almost $1M cash in the deal.

IN ($1.6M cap, $577k cash)
Isaiah Hartenstein (C, $1.6M, $577k) - option thru 21-22

OUT ($4.2M cap, $1.5M cash)
JaVale McGee (C, $4.2M, $1.5M) - expiring

 

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs get active late in the day, bringing in 3PT specialist JJ Redick out of New Orleans for James Johnson and a swap of forwards. The move actually frees up $1.4M of cap, and a half a million cash.

IN ($16.8M cap, $5.9M cash)
J.J. Redick (SG, $13M, $4.6M) - expiring
Nicolo Melli (PF, $3.8M, $1.3M) - expiring RFA

OUT ($18.2M cap, $6.4M cash)
James Johnson (PF, $16M, $5.8M) - expiring
Wesley Iwundu (SF, $1.6M, $597k) - thru 21-22

 

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets made two big additions for their postseason run in adding Gordon from Orlando and McGee from Cleveland. They added about $1.4M of cap & $400,000 of cash allocations in the two moves, while relinquishing a 1st and 2 2nd round picks in the process.

IN ($24.3M cap, $8.6M cash)
Aaron Gordon (PF, $18.1M, $6.45M) - thru 21-22
JaVale McGee (C, $4.2M, $1.5M) - expiring
Gary Clark (PF, $2M, $712k) - thru 21-22

OUT ($22.9M cap, $8.2M cash)
Gary Harris (SG, $19.1M, $6.9M) - thru 21-22
RJ Hampton (PG, $2.2M, $781k) - thru 23-24
Isaiah Hartenstein (C, $1.6M, $577k) - option thru 21-22

 

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons swap PGs with the Kings, landing themselves a player with half the production, and $3.6M in additional cap. Sounds about right.

IN ($12.6M cap, $4.4M cash)
Cory Joseph (PG, $12.6M, $4.4M) - thru 21-22, non-GTD

OUT ($9M cap, $5.7M cash)
Delon Wright (PG, $9M, $5.7M) - thru 21-22

 

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors shed some cap and cash at the deadline, sending an expiring Chriss to San Antonio, and an extra PG to the Hornets who just lost LaMelo Ball. This drops their 2020-21 cash payroll to $169.5M, still tops in the league.

IN (No Impact)
Cady Lalanne (PF)

OUT ($4.5M cap, $1.5M cash)
Brad Wanamaker (PG, $2.25M, $801k) - expiring
Marquese Chriss (SF, $1.8M, $649k) - expiring

 

Houston Rockets

They had us thinking for a moment that he was staying, but Houston does indeed ship out Oladipo to Miami for an expiring big wing & a veteran PG with a team option in 2021-22. When factoring in last weeks deal sending P.J. Tucker to the Bucks, Houston frees up about $2M of cap, while staying basically cash neutral for the rest of the season.

IN ($28.9M cap, $11.2M cash)
Kelly Olynyk (PF, $12.2M, $4.7M) - expiring
D.J. Augustin (PG, $6.6M, $2.7M) - thru 22-23
Avery Bradley (PG, $5.6M, $2M) - option thru 21-22
D.J. Wilson (PF, $4.5M, $1.8M) - expiring RFA

OUT ($30.7M cap, $11.3M cash)
Victor Oladipo (SG, $21M, $7.4M) - expiring
P.J. Tucker (PF, $8M, $3.2M) expiring
Rodions Kurucs (SF, $1.7M, $719k) - option thru 21-22

 

Indiana Pacers

No Movement

 

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers will take a chance on playoff Rondo carrying them through the post season this year, sending a plateauing Lou Williams back home to Atlanta. LA frees up $2.5M of cap, & almost $1M of cash in these deals.

IN ($7.5M cap, $2.6M cash)
Rajon Rondo (PG, $7.5M, $2.6M) - thru 21-22

OUT ($10M cap, $3.5M cash)
Lou Williams (SG, $8M, $2.8M) - expiring
Mfiondu Kabengele (PF, $2M, $782k) - expiring

 

Los Angeles Lakers

No movement

 

Memphis Grizzlies

No movement

 

Miami Heat

While many had them pegged for Kyle Lowry, the Heat end up with Oladipo while keeping all of their talented youngsters (for now). These moves combine for $8.7M of new cap, but only a half a million more cash.

IN ($41M cap, $15.1M cash)
Victor Oladipo (SG, $21M, $7.4M) - expiring
Trevor Ariza (SF, $12.8M, $5.2M) - expiring
Nemanja Bjelica (PF, $7.15M, $2.5M) - expiring

OUT ($32.3M cap, $14.6M cash)
Kelly Olynyk (PF, $12.2M, $4.7M) - expiring
Meyers Leonard (C, $9.4M, $3.8M) - expiring
Avery Bradley (PG, $5.6M, $2M) - option thru 21-22
Maurice Harkless (SF, $3.6M, $1.3M) expiring
Chris Silva (PF, $1.5M, $540k) - option thru 21-22

 

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks did much of their trade work in the offseason, bringing in a little grit at the deadline in Tucker. The move actually clears $1.3M of cap, and a half a million cash

IN ($9.7M cap, $4M cash)
P.J. Tucker (PF, $8M, $3.2M) expiring
Rodions Kurucs (SF, $1.7M, $719k) - option thru 21-22

OUT ($11M cap, $4.5M cash)
D.J. Augustin (PG, $6.6M, $2.7M) - thru 22-23
D.J. Wilson (PF, $4.5M, $1.8M) - expiring RFA

 

Minnesota Timberwolves

No movement

 

New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans sends Redick to a potential playoff team, while picking up an extra 2nd rounder in exchange for a $1M more of cap, and half a million more cash this season.

IN ($17.6M cap, $6.4M cash)
James Johnson (PF, $16M, $5.8M) - expiring
Wesley Iwundu (SF, $1.6M, $597k) - thru 21-22

OUT ($16.8M cap, $5.9M cash)
J.J. Redick (SG, $13M, $4.6M) - expiring
Nicolo Melli (PF, $3.8M, $1.3M) - expiring RFA

 

New York Knicks

The Knicks acquire two second round picks in exchange for a few expiring restricted free agents that could have a chance to stick. They added $1.5M of cap, and around $600k of cash in the process.

IN ($6.5M cap, $2.3M cash)
Terrance Ferguson (SF, $3.9M, $1.4M) - expiring RFA
Vincent Poirier (C, $2.6M, $932k) - expiring RFA
Emir Preldzic (SF)

OUT ( $5M cap, $1.7M cash)
Austin Rivers (PG, $3.5M, $1.2M) - non-g’teed the 22-23
Ignas Brazdeikis (SF, $1.5M, $540k) - option thru 22-23

 

Oklahoma City Thunder

What else is new? The Thunder shipped out two vets for expiring contracts, clearing $6M of cap, $2.5M of cash, and picking up 3 more 2nd round draft picks. As the sky is blue…

IN ($16.4M cap, $6.2M cash)
Meyers Leonard (C, $9.4M, $3.8M) - expiring
Austin Rivers (PG, $3.5M, $1.2M) - non-g’teed thru 22-23
Tony Bradley (C, $3.5M, $1.2M) - expiring RFA

OUT ($22.3M cap, $8.6M cash)
Trevor Ariza (SF, $12.8M, $5.2M) - expiring
George Hill (PG, $9.5M, $3.4M) - non-g’teed thru 21-22

 

Orlando Magic

The Magic sent 4/5 of their starting lineup out the door this week, clearing $16.5M of cap space and $6M of cash in the process. In addition to the players below, Orlando picks up a $17.15M trade exception in moving Evan Fournier to the Celtics. They also pick up 3 1st round picks, & 2 2nd rounders per their moves, and now hold $16M of practical cap space in the 2021-22 season.

IN ($56.7M cap, $20M cash)
Otto Porter Jr. (SF, $28.4M, $10.1M) - expiring
Gary Harris (SG, $19.1M, $6.9M) - thru 21-22
Wendell Carter Jr. (SF, $5.4M, $1.9M) - thru 21-22
RJ Hampton (PG, $2.2M, $781k) - thru 23-24
Jeff Teague (PG, $1.6M, $913k) - expiring

OUT ($73.2M cap, $26M cash)
Nikola Vucevic (C, $26M, $9.2M) - thru 22-23
Aaron Gordon (PF, $18.1M, $6.45M) - thru 21-22
Evan Fournier (SG, $17.4M, $6.2M) - expiring
Al-Farouq Aminu (PF, $9.7M, $3.4M) - thru 21-22
Gary Clark (PF, $2M, $712k) - thru 21-22

 

Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers added about $1M of cap and cash respectively, and are taking a flyer on the injured George Hill as an experienced backcourt player for their postseason run. Nothing too fancy to see here.

IN ($11M cap, $4M cash)
George Hill (PG, $9.5M, $3.4M) - non-g’teed thru 21-22
Ignas Brazdeikis (SF, $1.5M, $540k) - option thru 22-23

OUT ($10M cap, $3.5M cash)
Terrance Ferguson (SF, $3.9M, $1.4M) - expiring RFA
Tony Bradley (C, $3.5M, $1.2M) - expiring RFA
Vincent Poirier (C, $2.6M, $932k) - expiring RFA

 

Phoenix Suns

The Suns added a depth forward about a week ago and nothing more since. They’re a sleeper for a buyout player or two as they prepare for a postseason run.

IN ($1.6M cap, $690k cash)
Torrey Craig (SF, $1.6M, $689k) - expiring

 

Portland Trailblazers

Portland gets another outstanding backcourt player, shedding $800k of cap and $200k of cash in the process. Things could get really expensive next year if they want to keep Powell though.

IN ($10.8M cap, $3.8M cash)
Norman Powell (SG, $10.8M, $3.8M) - option thru 21-22

OUT ($11.6M cap, $4M cash)
Gary Trent Jr. (SG, $1.6M, $592k) - expiring RFA
Rodney Hood (SF, $10M, $3.5M) - non-g’teed thru 21-22

 

Sacramento Kings

The Kings added 5 players this week, none whom are poised to move the needle too much, but they’re starting to show signs of piecing things together at last. The kicker? They cleared over $2M of cap space in the process.

IN ($17.6M cap, $8.3M cash)
Delon Wright (PG, $9M, $5.7M) - thru 21-22
Maurice Harkless (SF, $3.6M, $1.3M) expiring
Mfiondu Kabengele (PF, $2M, $782k) - expiring
Terence Davis (SG, $1.5M, $540k) - expiring RFA
Chris Silva (PF, $1.5M, $540k) - option thru 21-22

OUT ($19.7M cap, $6.9M cash)
Cory Joseph (PG, $12.6M, $4.4M) - thru 21-22, non-GTD
Nemanja Bjelica (PF, $7.15M, $2.5M) - expiring

 

San Antonio Spurs

The rare Spurs deadline deal didn’t exactly raise eyebrows, but San Antonio gets a young forward to get a look at for a few months at minimum cap and cash increase.

IN ($1.8M cap, $650k cash)
Marquese Chriss (SF, $1.8M, $649k) - expiring

 

Toronto Raptors

So they keep Lowry after all, but still lose a solid piece in Powell, freeing up about $2.2M of cap and $800k of cash in the process.

IN ($11.6M cap, $4M cash)
Gary Trent Jr. (SG, $1.6M, $592k) - expiring RFA
Rodney Hood (SF, $10M, $3.5M) - non-g’teed thru 21-22

OUT ($13.8M cap, $4.8M cash)
Norman Powell (SG, $10.8M, $3.8M) - option thru 21-22
Terence Davis (SG, $1.5M, $540k) - expiring RFA
Matt Thomas (SG, $1.5M, $540k cash)

 

Utah Jazz

The Jazz add a depth backcourt piece, but appear pretty content to make a deep postseason run with the unit they have.

IN ($1.5M cap, $540k cash)
Matt Thomas (SG, $1.5M, $540k cash)

 

Washington Wizards

Washington added a few players with term while freeing up $1.5M of cap space, and $700 in cash. Kind of a win win here for the Wizards.

IN ($3.9M cap, $1.3M cash)
Chandler Hutchison (SF, $2.4M, $870k) - thru 21-22
Daniel Gafford (PF, $1.5M, $540k) - thru 21-22

OUT ($5.4M cap, $2M cash)
Troy Brown Jr. (SF, $3.3M, $1.2M) - thru 21-22
Mo Wagner (C, $2.1M, $770k) - expiring

NBA Trade Deadline Updates

Michael GinnittiMarch 25, 2021

An Aaron Rodgers Restructure

Michael GinnittiMarch 23, 2021

At $37.2M, Aaron Rodgers currently holds the belt for the highest cap hit in all of football for 2021. With rumors circulating about the Packers and he discussing a revamped contract to remedy this bloated figure, we’ll take a look at a few options.

Current Contract


Rodgers currently holds a 3 year, $73M contact with the Packers, with just the recently (assumedly) paid $6.8M roster bonus considered guaranteed. Setting aside this roster bonus leaves us with $15.2M of 2021 cash to deal with in terms of a restructure (a $14.7M base salary, & a $500,000 workout bonus).


A Potential Restructure

This restructure comes with a caveat: Does Aaron Rodgers want to be here for the foreseeable future, OR do the Packers want Aaron Rodgers around for more than a couple of years. These answers matter for a variety of reasons, but most importantly, what kind of restructure are we looking at: A restructure simply for current year cap purposes, or a restructure that includes new years, and new money to help satisfy the player down the road.

Based on pure speculation, we’re going to use the first answer for this exercise. 

The problem with Green Bay looking to free up 2021 cap space AND make this contract as tradable as possible in 2022 is that cap saved now must become cap gained next year. But with traded dead cap hits of $33.8M, $24.7M, & $19M taken on this year to Wentz, Goff, & Stafford respectively, it appears that the days of too much dead cap in order to gain cash freedom & draft capital are over. In other words, a little more dead cap next year probably doesn’t matter a whole lot to the Packers. 

Here’s the projected restructure:


As you’ll see, we’ve lowered the 2021 cap hit from $37.2M, down to $25M, a savings of $12.15M this year. At $22M, the cash compensation remains the same, though $14.125M of it has now been converted into a signing bonus. The $6.8M roster bonus is immovable because we’re assuming it’s already been paid out. 

Going forward, the 2022 league year now comes with a $2.8M increase in cap hit, but the same $25.5M of cash allocation. We’ve converted the $25M base salary into a league minimum $1.12M salary, with a $23.88M roster bonus, due early next March. This ensures any kind of trade will happen immediately (like the Wentz, Goff, Stafford moves did). 

Post 2022 is where things change a lot. We’ve removed the 2023 league year from this contract (as it was just fluff anyway), and added 3 “void years” to this restructure. This allows that $14.125M signing bonus in 2021 to prorate over the maximum 5 years, but also gives Rodgers more control over his destiny should he decided to stick it out in Green Bay through 2022. If Rodgers plays out 2022 then retires or hits free agency, the Packers will be left with an $11.3M dead cap hit in 2023.

So why not restructure this into a 1 year deal that expires after 2021? The Packers want to keep Rodgers a trade asset after the upcoming season, so it’s important that a real salaried year exists in 2022 to allow this to happen once the league year begins next March.

 

What If He Wants to Stay?

If the answer to the original “what kind of restructure is this?” Is an extension to keep him in Green Bay indefinitely, we’re looking at a much different breakdown here. Here’s a look at what notable QBs of late did at age 37 in respect to new contracts:

  • Ben Roethlisberger, 2 year, $68M new money extension (the final year of which was just restructured with a pay cut).
  • Drew Brees, 1 year $25M extension, including 3 void years. Brees ended up earning $45M over two years on this restructure, before re-upping again at age 39 (2 years, $50M).
  • Tom Brady, 3 years, $27M of which he saw 1 year, $13M. He’s since re-upped at 2 years, $41M, 2 years, $30M, 1 year, $23M, 2 years, $50M, & 1 year, $25M since age 37. Consistently earning between $23-$25M per year, but continuously keeping his cap hit (and availability) fluid.
  • Peyton Manning, 2 years, $34M with Denver at age 38. He saw 1 for $19M before retiring on top.
  • Philip Rivers, 1 year, $25M free agent contract at age 38 with Indy. He earned all $25M, and retired after the season. 

 

Conclusions

In other words, if Rodgers does want to make this restructure both about lowering his 2021 cap hit AND adding cash & years to his contract, the recent precedents are all over the place. Which path does Rodgers go down? His financial resume puts him more inline with Roethlisberger than the others, as Rodgers has been prone to “max out” both his contract length, and his upfront cash. Will that change as he hits the twilight of his career? Probably, but his performance in 2020 says it might not have to.


With that said, everyone associated with the NFL knows that this year is weird, next year will be better, and 2023 could be GLORIOUS - including Aaron Rodgers. Regardless of where his head is with the Green Bay Packers, he and every other player amidst contract negotiations right now should be aligning themselves with a chance to renegotiate in or around the 2023 league year, when cash and cap should strong than its ever been in league history. So a 2 year restructure, taking the 2023 year out of the way would also put Aaron in the drivers seat in this regard as well.

All said, this restructure won’t be just about lowering the Packers cap hit in 2021 - but will also tell a story about where his future may live. 



2021 NBA Trade Deadline

Scott AllenMarch 23, 2021

March 25, 2021

MIA receives: Marquese Chriss

GSW receives: Cady Lalanne (rights)

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MIA receives: Victor Oladipo

CHA receives: Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk, HOU right to swap 1st-round (Nets pick)

-----

GSW receives: TBD

CHA receives: Brad Wanamaker

-----

DAL receives: JJ Redick, Nicolo Melli

NOP receives: James Johnson, Wesley Iwundu, 2021 2nd-round pick

-----

SAC receives: Terrence Davis

TOR receives: two future 2nd-round picks

-----

ATL receives: Lou Williams, two future 2nd-round picks, cash

LAC receives: Rajon Rondo

2:30pm

-----

ATL receives: Lou Williams, two future 2nd-round picks, cash

LAC receives: Rajon Rondo

2:30pm

-----

UTH receives: Matt Thomas

TOR receives: future 2nd-round pick

2:10pm

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POR receives: Norman Powell

TOR receives: Gary Trent Jr., Rodney Hood

12:46pm

-----

PHI receives: George Hill, Ignas Brazdeikis

OKC receives: Tony Bradley, Austin Rivers, 2025 2nd-round pick, 2026 2nd-round pick

NYK receives: Terrance Ferguson

12:46pm

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MIA receives: Nemanja Bjelica

WAS receives: Mo Harkless, Chris Silva

12:40pm

-----

CHI receives: Troy Brown Jr, Daniel Theis, $1.3 million from BOS, $250k from WAS

WAS receives: Chandler Hutchison, Daniel Gafford

BOS receives: Mo Wagner, Luke Kornet

12:30pm

-----

DEN receives: Aaron Gordon, Gary Clark

ORL receives: Gary Harris, RJ Hampton, 2025 1st-round pick (protected)

12:28pm

-----

BOS receives: Evan Fournier

ORL receives: two 2nd-round picks

11:43am

-----

CHI receives: Nikola Vucevic, Al-Farouq Aminu

ORL receives: Otto Porter Jr., Wendel Carter Jr., 2021 1st-round pick (top-4 protected), 2023 1st-round pick

11:00am

-----

DEN receives: JaVale McGee

CLE receives: Isaiah Hartenstein, 2027 2nd-round pick (unprotected), 2023 2nd-round pick (top-46 protected)

10:23am

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SAC receives: Delon Wright

LAC receives: Cory Joseph, 2024 2nd-round pick (SAC pick), 2024 2nd-round pick (LAL pick)

12:26am

March 22, 2021

SAC receives: Mfiondu Kabengele, $2.7 million

LAC receives: future 2nd-round pick (heavily protected)

 

March 19, 2021

MIL receives: P.J. Tucker, Rodions Kurucs, 2022 1st-round pick

HOU receives: D.J. Augustin, DJ Wilson, 2021 2nd-round pick (HOU right to swap), 2023 1st-round pick (unprotected)

 

March 18, 2021

PHX receives: Torrey Craig

MIL receives: Cash considerations

 

March 17, 2021

MIA receives: Trevor Ariza

OKC receives: Meyers Leonard, 2027 2nd-round pick

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