An unforced error. It's hard because directionally, independent of anything else, it's moving in a "good" direction. It's like people aggressively paying down their 2.7% mortgage when they've got student loan and credit card debt and you're also opting out of your 401k match. There's nothing wrong with paying down debt. It's overall a good thing. It's great that they're focused on that and it's definitely better than going and blowing that money elsewhere on something that's just throwing it out the window, so yes, throwing it at the 2.7% mortgage is... good... in comparison (to some things). But is it really a good idea?Correct. If you wanted salary place holders the best example is Bruce Brown in Indiana 2/40m and second year is a team option. Say we couldn't talk Bruce into 2 years and 45-48M cuz he wanted to go a place he fits better. Derrick Jones Jr. was had for a minimum deal. You telling me he wouldn't take 2/20m with the second year as a non-guarantee. The difference between him and John Collins to our record would be very little. That is a much more tradeable contract and even if you need to guarantee the deal at draft time to make a trade... you have that option. You'd have 35M in expiring deals between KO/THT/DJJ. You could keep the cap flexibility or go sign another 8-10M deal (say Jevon Carter or someone of that ilk).
Also, you could have just assume Evan Fournier's deal and taken a few second round picks for your trouble (get the 3% rate premium up front!). That deal is easy to trade this year as well. Play him or don't... doesn't matter. Then you can shop with more space or do the same dance this summer and collect a few more second round picks.
Or you could just go offer a guy like Max Strus 3/60M and that deal is more tradeable... cuz everyone needs that type of player.