He might not get those numbers though, especially if he gets hurt again. Then he's just going to start a 3/40 type contract a year later than he could have. Also, you can do 3 years then become a FA when the cap rises dramatically (is that 24 or 25?) If you do the QO now you are a free agent in 23, is he trying to sign a 4 year deal that will have him underpaid for the back half?I think the offer on the table is 3/40 and it’s a player option at year three. QO is like 7-8M. It’s a risk but I think he gets 3/40M offer next year even if this year goes poorly. He also almost surely leaves and it’s not a guarantee he stays there… they could move him.
I’m usually a take the money guy but in his situation If it’s 3/40 or QO I would say take the QO and we will get 4/80 or 4/100 next year on the market.
I just don’t view the current Cavs offer as a “we want to keep you and value you” type of offer. I think it’s a “we hope you sign this and become a valuable trade chip for us”.
I’d communicate a ton of interest now and say “look at all this space we have next year… remember us next summer if we can’t figure something else out now.”
Just take the 3/40 w/ a player option and start your money making contract now, get out in 2024 (hope you get traded before that). Cleveland will put him in better spots. Hell they might be playing Ochai Abagi over him as the season progresses if he takes the QO.