The New Orleans Pelicans' 2015 Salary Cap Situation

Took a look at a bunch of offseason scenarios for the Pelicans in regards to what their salary cap position looks like. Hopefully will answer most questions people have about what the team can and cannot do this summer.

http://www.bourbonstreetshots.com/20...cap-situation/

Great breakdown. So, pretty much if Gordon opts in and we resign Asik. We are running it back with our team of this year and we can look forward to free agency in 2016.

So the Pelicans could have 39 million in cap space, INCLUDING Davis' max extension already included?

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Originally Posted by HornetGuru

So the Pelicans could have 39 million in cap space, INCLUDING Davis' max extension already included?

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And could theoretically get even more. I mean, if you had to, you could unload Tyreke or Jrue next summer if you had to. Basically, they will be able to sign whomever they want. The issue won't be the money, it will be convincing the player(s)

Yes. Davis (25) + Holiday (11.3) + Evans (10.2) + Pondexter (3.6) = ~$50 million of a ~$89 million cap. Even if you add in the team's 2016 first round pick ($1.3 million) and Asik making ~$11 million, they would still have about $26.5 million in cap space, $24 million of which could theoretically go to one player.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

And could theoretically get even more. I san, if you had to, you could unload Tyreke or Jrue next summer if you had to. Basically, they will be able to sign whomever they want. The issue won't be the money, it will be convincing the player(s)

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Also, that.

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Originally Posted by MasonGinsberg

Yes. Davis (25) + Holiday (11.3) + Evans (10.2) + Pondexter (3.6) = ~$50 million of a ~$89 million cap. Even if you add in the team's 2016 first round pick ($1.3 million) and Asik making ~$11 million, they would still have about $26.5 million in cap space, $24 million of which could theoretically go to one player.

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So what kind of players do you think we would be looking to sign 2016? I'm really curious everyone's thoughts on our options/chances needs etc

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Originally Posted by pelicanchamp

So what kind of players do you think we would be looking to sign 2016? I'm really curious everyone's thoughts on our options/chances needs etc

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Trying to predict this far out is close to impossible. I mean, we can have fun with it, but really trying to figure it out is a fool's game IMO.

As a GM, you just try to give yourself as much flexibility as possible while also putting together a good team in the meantime and I think Dell has done that

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

And could theoretically get even more. I mean, if you had to, you could unload Tyreke or Jrue next summer if you had to. Basically, they will be able to sign whomever they want. The issue won't be the money, it will be convincing the player(s)

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very interesting, do u think KD would be a good fit or does his injury worry u? Who else will be a free agent that u think would be a good piece?

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Originally Posted by MasonGinsberg

Yes. Davis (25) + Holiday (11.3) + Evans (10.2) + Pondexter (3.6) = ~$50 million of a ~$89 million cap. Even if you add in the team's 2016 first round pick ($1.3 million) and Asik making ~$11 million, they would still have about $26.5 million in cap space, $24 million of which could theoretically go to one player.

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awesome, thanks.

Maximum future flexibility is why I'm against Asik getting a double digit per year multi year deal.

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Originally Posted by NMThreeMVP

Maximum future flexibility is why I'm against Asik getting a double digit per year multi year deal.

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Here's my counter:

If you take a step backward next year, are you as appealing to FA's?

I would say no. I think they will need to take a step forward to really be able to make a pitch to the big guys.

Now, I know some people think there are guys who can give us 80% of what Asik does for 30-50% of the price. I do not believe that is true.

Try to trade Gordon for cap space. If you can then renounce Asik..If not then bring back basically the same team.

Bringing back the same team and waiting til 2016 for cap space seems like the safest bet though

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Here's my counter:

If you take a step backward next year, are you as appealing to FA's?

I would say no. I think they will need to take a step forward to really be able to make a pitch to the big guys.

Now, I know some people think there are guys who can give us 80% of what Asik does for 30-50% of the price. I do not believe that is true.

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With the cap going up in 2016, what is the likelihood Asik signs just a one year deal?
Or will they just factor all this in in his 3 or 4 year deal this season anyway?

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Originally Posted by MasonGinsberg

Yes. Davis (25) + Holiday (11.3) + Evans (10.2) + Pondexter (3.6) = ~$50 million of a ~$89 million cap. Even if you add in the team's 2016 first round pick ($1.3 million) and Asik making ~$11 million, they would still have about $26.5 million in cap space, $24 million of which could theoretically go to one player.

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What type of salary would KD get in free agency?

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

What type of salary would KD get in free agency?

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24 mil so he could play with AD :)

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

What type of salary would KD get in free agency?

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More than that. I would have to dig in, but he would start out around 33 million per year. With 4.5% raises, it would be like a 4 year/140 mil deal. OKC could give him 5 years, but it wouldn't be that much more annually. Like, 7-8 mil more over the 4 years.

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Originally Posted by HornetGuru

24 mil so he could play with AD :)

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No chance.
More like 30-34M

EDIT: NM....thanks MM

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Originally Posted by speedyG

Try to trade Gordon for cap space. If you can then renounce Asik..If not then bring back basically the same team.

Bringing back the same team and waiting til 2016 for cap space seems like the safest bet though

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Or bring back the same team and see what trades are available in February. That's where you get the most value IMO

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

With the cap going up in 2016, what is the likelihood Asik signs just a one year deal?
Or will they just factor all this in in his 3 or 4 year deal this season anyway?

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Bump??

So I've gathered that we will sign Durant next summer.

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Originally Posted by AUSSIE_PELICAN

With the cap going up in 2016, what is the likelihood Asik signs just a one year deal?
Or will they just factor all this in in his 3 or 4 year deal this season anyway?

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1 year deal? Very unlikely IMO. Don't think Asik goes for that, and I think Dell sees him as more of a long term piece than most on this board.

Yes, guys signing this offseason know where the cap is going, so their contracts will reflect that. Year 1 will be an overpay while years 2 and beyond are a bit of an underpay. If the cap were staying normal, I would expect Asik to get around 9 mil per. Instead, he will get 10-11 per. Will be overpaid next year and underpaid beyond that

I don't know about the luxury tax too well so about what will that be when the cap makes the jump?

Ed Davis' salary is what % of Asiks? Yet his production isn't far off of Asiks (not that I am advocating for Davis), but finding a replacement to Asik isn't going to be hard, but finding a guy giving you as good of production for a cheaper price won't be easy.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

Ed Davis' salary is what % of Asiks? Yet his production isn't far off of Asiks (not that I am advocating for Davis), but finding a replacement to Asik isn't going to be hard, but finding a guy giving you as good of production for a cheaper price won't be easy.

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can he play center? Id say Biyombo or Serpahin would be the cheaper upside guys

The Lakers pulled hobos off of Hollywood Blvd to play center for them this season, so I am sure David did at some point.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

Ed Davis' salary is what % of Asiks? Yet his production isn't far off of Asiks (not that I am advocating for Davis), but finding a replacement to Asik isn't going to be hard, but finding a guy giving you as good of production for a cheaper price won't be easy.

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And Spencer Hawes had great numbers playing for a terrible team. Went to a real team and now he can't get on the court.

Don't be fooled by stats when a player is playing for a terrible team. Davis could be a 4th big on a playoff team. That's it

I dont think we would take the risk but Biyombo could probably give most of what Asik does, and become a better player

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Originally Posted by speedyG

I dont think we would take the risk but Biyombo could probably give most of what Asik does, and become a better player

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Biyombo would be a nice backup....He only started in Charlotte because Jefferson got hurt. He would get killed as starting center....IMO

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Originally Posted by speedyG

I dont think we would take the risk but Biyombo could probably give most of what Asik does, and become a better player

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Thats an interesting thought. I admit I have watched little of the guy and only know passingly of his reputation. Didn't realize his qualifying offer was coming up.

His stats aren't bad for what we need though. His Opponents FG% at the rim was 39% in 13-14 and 48% this year. That is better then Asik, although level of competition comes into play there. As a starter he boarded at a decent rate and offensively he at least has some upside compared to Asik who is who he is.

I always read one of his positives is he is a good screen setter.

I mean he would probably only play 20 minutes here based on our roster.

I would be interested in more insight from anyone.

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Originally Posted by SaintPelican225

Biyombo would be a nice backup....He only started in Charlotte because Jefferson got hurt. He would get killed as starting center....IMO

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From what I can tell he has the same strengths/weaknesses as Asik. Only much more athletic, much better shot-blocker, but less proven as a starter obviously.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

And Spencer Hawes had great numbers playing for a terrible team. Went to a real team and now he can't get on the court.

Don't be fooled by stats when a player is playing for a terrible team. Davis could be a 4th big on a playoff team. That's it

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In Hawes defense he is the 3rd big behind Jordan and Griffin. He's not exactly getting looked over for minuets by chopped liver.


I do understand what your saying, but if all your paying Asik for is to take the hits that would be going to AD, and get rebounds (because your certainly not paying him to play offense), then there certainly are cheaper alternatives.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

In Hawes defense he is the 3rd big behind Jordan and Griffin. He's not exactly getting looked over for minuets by chopped liver.


I do understand what your saying, but if all your paying Asik for is to take the hits that would be going to AD, and get rebounds (because your certainly not paying him to play offense), then there certainly are cheaper alternatives.

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The Clippers are playing Big Baby and Hedo minutes in the playoffs, but not Hawes. Heck, Baby played on one ankle ahead of him in Game 7.

My point is that for every Hassan Whiteside, there are 20 bigs that you try to get for a minimum to mid-level salary that straight up stink. Sure, if we can catch lightning in a bottle and find an exception to the rule, I would be all for it. But odds say that if you try to go cheap this center at summer, you are more likely to get a Greg Stiemsma than a Hassan WHiteside or even Kosta Koufos

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

And Spencer Hawes had great numbers playing for a terrible team. Went to a real team and now he can't get on the court.

Don't be fooled by stats when a player is playing for a terrible team. Davis could be a 4th big on a playoff team. That's it

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I think the issue with Davis is he's a great, productive energy guy who lacks length and shooting ability. He seems to me like a guy who can go get numbers and score with efficiency, but who doesn't really make anyone else's job easier on offense or defense.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

The Clippers are playing Big Baby and Hedo minutes in the playoffs, but not Hawes. Heck, Baby played on one ankle ahead of him in Game 7.

My point is that for every Hassan Whiteside, there are 20 bigs that you try to get for a minimum to mid-level salary that straight up stink. Sure, if we can catch lightning in a bottle and find an exception to the rule, I would be all for it. But odds say that if you try to go cheap this center at summer, you are more likely to get a Greg Stiemsma than a Hassan WHiteside or even Kosta Koufos

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But you don't need Whiteside, Gobert, or any players like that. You need a guy who can absorb contact and get rebounds while not being a liability on offense. That's why I brought up Davis. Asia is fine, but what you are going to wind up paying him will be a bit exorbitant all things being considered. Dial it back if your looking for a poor mans Ben Wallace. Call up Joel Pryzbilla and see if he is up for the challenge, but if Asik is eating up even 11% of the salary cap, that's 1% too much given what you still will need somebody else to account for.

Biyombo isnt Greg Stiemsma I'd say that much.. Ed Davis is a good player too but I think more likely a backup

Here is a list of what centers are making now, http://www.spotrac.com/nba/rankings/cap-hit/center/, go and tag on another 5% for the new TV deal that will hit in two years. Does Asik deserve that $10-11 mil he will command? That would put him in that Gortat, Horford, Jordan range.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

Here is a list of what centers are making now, http://www.spotrac.com/nba/rankings/cap-hit/center/, go and tag on another 5% for the new TV deal that will hit in two years. Does Asik deserve that $10-11 mil he will command? That would put him in that Gortat, Horford, Jordan range.

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But those guys won't be getting that next year. Example - Jordan is going WAY up (20 mil), Kanter will get more than 10 mil, so will Lopez. A center making 10 mil will be like the 20th highest paid center next year, 25th the year after that, etc.

The only way you get a starting caliber center for less than 10 mil is if you have one on a rookie contract or get extremely lucky IMO. Even a guy like Koufos will get 8 mil or more IMO.

5% is WAY to conservative. The amount of money in the pot will grow about 85% 2 years from now. Why would guys get 5% more than today's market value? 10 million is the new 6 million. 10 million is not a lot. I feel like I have typed this 1000 times; I don't know why I keep doing it.

I pulled the 5% from the current inflation rate times a very generous percentage.

That said, $10 mil is still way to generous an amount for a guy of Asiks talent. $10mil is still 11% of your salary cap. I can't fathom on what planet a % of that size going to guy who is such a liability on one end of the court is a good idea? Can you? Maybe I am too picky, but that just seems like a bad idea.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

I pulled the 5% from the current inflation rate times a very generous percentage.

That said, $10 mil is still way to generous an amount for a guy of Asiks talent. $10mil is still 11% of your salary cap. I can't fathom on what planet a % of that size going to guy who is such a liability on one end of the court is a good idea? Can you? Maybe I am too picky, but that just seems like a bad idea.

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11% of the current cap is like 6.6 mil. There are so many guys who make that who don't sniff Asik's production.

And remember, that is just 11% of the cap. Most teams operate above the cap, and even up to the lux tax or beyond. I would guess the Pels true salary number in 2017 will be around 115 million.

Devoting 10% of your total salary to a starting center who anchors your defense and swallows up 30% of rebounds when he is on the court is a bargain. Or, at the very least, it is not something that kills opportunities to do something else.

But, I know the grass is always greener because of the chance you can get someone nearly as good cheaper, but that is the exception, not the rule. You look at all the non-rookie contract guys who got paid less than Asik this year and performed better, and you will see a few exceptions. But the overwhelming majority are much, much worse.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

11% of the current cap is like 6.6 mil. There are so many guys who make that who don't sniff Asik's production.

And remember, that is just 11% of the cap. Most teams operate above the cap, and even up to the lux tax or beyond. I would guess the Pels true salary number in 2017 will be around 115 million.

Devoting 10% of your total salary to a starting center who anchors your defense and swallows up 30% of rebounds when he is on the court is a bargain. Or, at the very least, it is not something that kills opportunities to do something else.

But, I know the grass is always greener because of the chance you can get someone nearly as good cheaper, but that is the exception, not the rule. You look at all the non-rookie contract guys who got paid less than Asik this year and performed better, and you will see a few exceptions. But the overwhelming majority are much, much worse.

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I'm of the belief that a healthy Jrue and a 3 and D that can get his own shot and finish at the rim would make Asik's offense a non issue.....Wilson Chandler would fit really well with this team...IMO. Even if no changes are made, Asik will be better next season. A summer to work on his weakness in his game will do wonders for him and the Pelicans......

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Originally Posted by SaintPelican225

I'm of the belief that a healthy Jrue and a 3 and D that can get his own shot and finish at the rim would make Asik's offense a non issue.....Wilson Chandler would fit really well with this team...IMO. Even if no changes are made, Asik will be better next season. A summer to work on his weakness in his game will do wonders for him and the Pelicans......

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I would love Demarre Carol but he is likely out of our price range even before his playoff run. With Q-pon emerging I am much more receptive to Wilson Chandler because if injuries come up we no longer will have a huge fall off at the position.

I don't know how a healthy Jrue and running it back with QPon and Cunningham masks Asiks offensive production. The guy is a liability. It's not like you can bury the ball in his stomach (like a runningback) and have him run it in for two. The guy is a defensive player and an offensive liability. You go from playing 5v5 on offense to 5v4 on defense.

I do wonder what he is going to work on this offseason.

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Originally Posted by UNO Gracias

I don't know how a healthy Jrue and running it back with QPon and Cunningham masks Asiks offensive production. The guy is a liability. It's not like you can bury the ball in his stomach (like a runningback) and have him run it in for two. The guy is a defensive player and an offensive liability. You go from playing 5v5 on offense to 5v4 on defense.

I do wonder what he is going to work on this offseason.

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I totally agree with this.