As the Hornets comtemplate whether to trade Tyson Chandler in a salary purge, it is once again time to look to the West, to San Antonio, for a guide on how to structure contracts.
Next year, the Hornets have a projected payroll of $76 million, about $4 million over the projected luxury tax threshold. Once a team goes over "the tax" , they pay 2 dollars for every 1.
So, if the Hornets go $4 million over, they pay $8 million. This is a position the Hornets simply can't be in.
Back to the Spurs: next season, their projected payroll is just under $66 million dollars. Or, about 6 million under the cap. This number is accomplished despite paying Tim Duncan, Tony
Parker, and Manu Ginobili a total of $44 million.
The Spurs secret is this: the highest salary after the big three is Bruce Bowen at $4 million per season.
The Hornets have 4 players (Peja, Chris Paul, David West, and Tyson Chandler) earning about $49 million.
The Hornets problem is: they have three players coming off the bench (Antonio Daniels, Morris Peterson, and James Posey ) earning $19 million.
In a small market, like New Orleans and San Antonio, you have a few stars, and lots of role players. And those role players must be supremely coached up.
The Spurs way, should be the Hornets way. And, that includes the all important cap management.
Ed Daniels
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