Marty Got His Deal

by Ben Golliver on Oct 31, 2008 4:24 PM PDT

As you've probably already read in the fanshots and fanposts, Marty got his extension. My initial reaction is that KP got a great deal here. But Martell got financial security for life so I'm sure he's not complaining.

Here's the PR from the Blazers with some generic KP praise.

TRAIL BLAZERS SIGN MARTELL WEBSTER TO MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Trail Blazers signed guard/forward Martell Webster to a multi-year contract extension, it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Martell has worked extremely hard to become the talented player that he is," said Pritchard. "He’s only 22, so we expect to see even more from him as he gains experience and continues to improve. Martell exhibits all the things we expect from a Trail Blazers player, both on and off the court."

Webster averaged career highs of 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 28.4 minutes in 75 games (70 starts) last season. He was 123-for-317 (38.8%) from 3-point range in 2007-08, pacing the team in 3-pointers made.

"I’m so excited and honored," said Webster. "Knowing that I’m going to be a part of the Trail Blazers family for many years to come is very important and special to me."

Portland selected Webster in the first round (sixth pick overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft out of Seattle Prep. The fourth-year player holds career averages of 8.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.8 assists.

Webster ranks No. 7 on the Trail Blazers’ all-time list of 3-pointers made with 279.

Although the PR says the terms were not disclosed, ESPN is reporting 4 years/20 million dollars.

$20 million dollars buys a lot of Kobe jerseys.

-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)

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Comments

:)

Grats Martell… You deserved it. Keep improving.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Oct 31, 2008 4:33 PM PDT reply actions

!!!

by Falcao on Oct 31, 2008 4:34 PM PDT reply actions

4 years 20 million?

I guess the idea of having Travis be the starting SF at any point in the next four years is getting pretty slim.

If somebody hits you with an object you should beat the hell out of them.-Charles Barkley

by Winchester on Oct 31, 2008 4:37 PM PDT reply actions

At $4M, Travis is quite affordable in his current role, off the bench.

FREE SERGIO -- Trade Him or Cut Him NOW!!!

by timbo on Oct 31, 2008 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions

He looked too good

in the Sac game. He was a freakin monster. Sure look forward to getting him back. Heal well Martell. Miss those 3’s and throwdowns.

by toolman on Oct 31, 2008 4:38 PM PDT reply actions

He looked like

a transformed player in that game. Hopefully when he’s able to come back, we can expect more of the high flying, smooth shooting Martell. When he’s got his confidence going, he can be one of the more deadly players on our team.

by as11osu on Oct 31, 2008 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions

He did look great.

He had a thing going with Rudy that game that was awesome.

If somebody hits you with an object you should beat the hell out of them.-Charles Barkley

by Winchester on Oct 31, 2008 4:43 PM PDT reply actions

Wow

That is a STEAL.

WOW.

He must believe in this team and his role in it and what the future brings. This is incredible.

ROTUNDITYDOTNET

by damir on Oct 31, 2008 4:45 PM PDT reply actions

Also

Congrats Martell! We <3 you.

ROTUNDITYDOTNET

by damir on Oct 31, 2008 4:45 PM PDT reply actions

You've come a long way, baby

remember the end of the 2007 season, Quick was saying that MW was acting like he “knew everything” and was uncoachable?

Then he nearly got dealt to NY in the Z-Bo deal, before Penn saw the trade exception and KP included Dickau and Jones, instead?

Quite a turn-around for Marty. in 18 months, eh?

by two4larue on Oct 31, 2008 4:45 PM PDT reply actions

I think this is not a good sign for Travis's long term future with us

As long as there still was Marty becoming a restricted free agent and being used as a trade possibility there was a good a chance that one fo the two would stay. I think with this move that chance swings very heavily Webster will stay. I am becoming more and more convinced he will be in a trade sometime before the deadline. I love Travis and feel hes a good up and coming player, but I feel Pritch will use his youth and talent to snag us someone who he feels will take us to “the next level” (as cliche as that sounds.

by Trail Ducker on Oct 31, 2008 4:59 PM PDT reply actions

That was my take

Ric Bucher said the other night that the Blazers wouldn’t be able to re-sign all their young players, and I’m now thinking Trout might be the odd man out. But I don’t know zip about the financial end of the franchise. I got C’s in math…

"We don't back down to nobody." --Joel Przybilla

by hurryup09 on Nov 1, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions

After belatedly reading some of the more educated comments below

…I’m reminded why I got C’s in math.

"We don't back down to nobody." --Joel Przybilla

by hurryup09 on Nov 1, 2008 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Another good extension

Ahh to no longer harken back on the days when we unnecessarily over-bid ourselves. Kp is great in that he never pays a player what he expects for performance (can you say Darius), rather he pays them on the performance they have so far demonstrated (eg. Trout and Martell). That is a breath of fresh air.

I’m glad to have closed one of the deal breakers of summer cap space. And am very happy that Martell is locked up for 4 more years.

by NWfan on Oct 31, 2008 5:06 PM PDT reply actions

Good point Ben

$20 million dollars buys a lot of Kobe jerseys.

………………..

To hang on every street corner in Portland and BURN

He who laughs last thinks slowest.

by prezofdeath on Oct 31, 2008 5:13 PM PDT reply actions

Haha, that is awesome.

I’m always wary of YouTube links, but that one is worth watching.

Jerryd Bayless has two emotions: Kill and Win.

"I think it’s going to be very beautiful game next year."
-Nicolas Batum

NorrisHopper30: "someone injure pubert jones"

by rockingharder on Oct 31, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions

yeh you never know what people are linking you to

but, on the Bedge, usually you’re pretty safe.

unless it’s Tom. His links are weeeeeird.

He who laughs last thinks slowest.

by prezofdeath on Oct 31, 2008 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions

yeah yeah yeah....

I"m so HAPPY!!!!

mediocracy has it’s name and it is not MARTELL..

Martell is going to be great. (like yeah, that kind of great. KB MJ TMac great)

Hate away if you do….

I’ll love him for ya.

The Faith don't panic, the faith freaks out burns out farms and torchs small villages in the name of The Faith.

by faith on Oct 31, 2008 5:13 PM PDT reply actions

Too bad the ESPN article also claims Granger has signed an extension!

by FlyinSouth on Oct 31, 2008 5:14 PM PDT reply actions

One to go

Channing Frye is the only deal left to get done. I think we can all safely agree Ike Diogu’s 4 million dollar qualifying offer will not be extended, making our salary cap options with no trades pretty easy.

Currently Under Contract
Przybilla 6.9
Oden 5.4
Aldridge 5.8
Webster 5.0
Roy 3.9
Bayless 2.1
Rudy 1.2
Sergio 1.9
Batum 1.1
33-34 Million

Player Options
Outlaw 4.0
Blake 4.6?
0-8.6 Million

Qualifying Offer
Frye 4.3
0-12.9 Million Cap Hold

Potential Accident
Miles 9.0
0 or 9 Million

by as11osu on Oct 31, 2008 5:35 PM PDT reply actions

That KP is one smart dude......... but we all know that.

$5M is good value as NBA prices go these days and that cap-hold craziness is off the table for Marty.

FREE SERGIO -- Trade Him or Cut Him NOW!!!

by timbo on Oct 31, 2008 7:11 PM PDT reply actions

nicely done

20 mil is just about right for Martell. It’s not cap-busting by any stretch of the imagination and it means we get to keep him. I really thought that Martell would rather hold out for more on the open market after being an RFA … but I’m glad I was wrong. It’s great to have Martell here for $5 million a year, I just wasn’t buying giving him a big deal I thought he’d be asking for.
Now it’s time for him to really step it up on D when he gets back.

by kickbrass on Oct 31, 2008 9:48 PM PDT reply actions

Good move for both PTB and Martell

We get to keep him for relatively cheap

The most Martell would have got on the market was a max MLE deal, which would have only been marginally more money, and he may have not gotten that

by Gargen on Oct 31, 2008 10:29 PM PDT reply actions

I'm stoked

can’t wait to get Martell back! I love me some Rudy to Martell throw downs!

He's Coming! Oden Slayer of Giants

by Idog1976 on Oct 31, 2008 11:17 PM PDT reply actions

yea i think that was a very fair deal

its about the same as the MLE, plus he gets to start on a contender and plus im sure hes pretty happy here in portland.

great deal for everyone

by Yawnie on Nov 1, 2008 12:42 AM PDT reply actions

Win-Win situation for both sides

KP gets a great 21-year old SF that looks to have improved a LOT over the summer and has loads of potential while Martell gets to be on a team full of guys his age, that aren’t too shabby themselves.

I love it!

So getting a Martell jersey now.

Beaver believer!

by mannyfresh1 on Nov 1, 2008 2:33 AM PDT reply actions

Martell's signing and our CSWOO

To me this was the biggest news of the day even though it barely got a mention in the midst of all the home opener excitement/anxiety.

Dave or Ben – all of us nerds who checked in here constantly over the summer would love to read an analysis on this and what it means for certain players (Frye, Outlaw, etc. – Diogu at this point looks like he’ll be renounced), and more importantly for our upcoming Cap Space Window of Opportunity (CSWOO).

MLB2PDX!!! (someday...)

by The Cactus Leaguer on Nov 1, 2008 9:04 AM PDT reply actions

dave is the salary cap expert but this signing fits in to all of the things KP and Tom Penn talk about, mainly it gives great flexibility and fits in with their #1 goal of talent acquisition.

20 million dollars over four years for a young, promising SF with definable skills is a very good deal. both for our cap/future as well as for potential trade partners down the road. despite tying up some cap dollars, i think this deal actually increases our flexibility because other teams will look at this salary in a positive light when considering trades. if a rebuilding team is looking to move a big contract, cheap young talent is their #1 priority. martell is now the definition of cheap young talent.

for frye, it means that he needs to show and prove this season if he wants to stay here. we already knew that. you might say this was an indication that martell is a core player for this team going forward where frye still needs to prove that. i think that’s a fair statement. i think perhaps this was more evidence to support the fact that frye won’t be getting his biggest offer from the blazers. someone will offer him starter money. his choice as has already been discussed by casey and others will end up being: stay with the blazers for less money or go somewhere else for more.

for outlaw, i’m not convinced this move means a ton either way. the team (nate) sees him as a sixth man. now we have some certainty about who the team has slotted in in front of him right now. but as i wrote in the season preview, the 1 and the 3 are the spots where trades should probably occur. i think there’s a good chance that right now travis is quietly on the block. i don’t think the martell signing did much to change that.

as for diogu, i don’t think he will be with the team in the future. he is here because indiana didn’t want him. i don’t think he will see much if any playing time with us and hopefully he will be a trade salary match throw-in.

in terms of our cap space window of opportunity we knew we were going to need to spend money now or later to lock some of these guys down. the fact that we got martell cheap is gravy baby… we’ve still got plenty of money left to make a nice run next summer. dave can give you a fuller analysis on this point than i can. also perhaps you can coax storyteller to drop some wisdom.

honor terry porter

by Ben Golliver on Nov 1, 2008 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions

The cap situation looks good

and the team still has plenty of flexibility and options.

I’m showing 9 guaranteed contracts for 2009-10:

Przybilla at $6.86 million
Aldridge at $5.84 million
Oden at $5.36 million
Webster at $4.32 million (my best guess at this point)
Roy at $3.91 million
Bayless at $2.14 million
Rodriguez at $1.58 million
Fernandez at $1.17 million
Batum at $1.12 million

That’s $32.30 million for those 9 players. You add in these cap holds:

First round pick in 2009 at $1.10 million (assuming the #20 pick)
Koponen at $0.82 million
Freeland at $0.82 million

and you have a team salary of $35.05 million. Assuming a 2009-10 salary cap of $60 million, that would give the Blazers a maximum of about $25 million in cap room.

Now, the options and the flexibility come into play. If the Blazers want to keep any of the following players, then you take that $25 million and subtract by these amounts:

Steve Blake (nonguaranteed contract) $4.00 million
Travis Outlaw (nonguaranteed contract) $3.60 million
Channing Frye (cap hold if given a qualifying offer) $9.49 million
Ike Diogu (cap hold if given a qualifying offer) $8.74 million

For example, if the Blazers keep Outlaw and give Frye a qualifying offer but waive Blake and renounce Diogu, then the team should have a little less than $12 million in cap space on July 1. Of course, the amount of cap space would rise if Frye quickly signed a new contract for less than the amount of his cap hold.

So, as Ben correctly notes, this signing definitely fits within the plan to hang onto talent while keeping flexibility alive as regards salary cap room in July of 2009.

by Storyteller on Nov 1, 2008 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions

thank you good sir.

honor terry porter

by Ben Golliver on Nov 1, 2008 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions

You are welcome, my friend

No need to be so formal. “Sir” was my grandfather….

by Storyteller on Nov 1, 2008 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks guys, that was more of what I was looking for.

Of course, who we keep/re-sign depends on who we target. Assuming that Diogu is gone and we could get Frye for somewhere in the $3-5m/yr range (without resorting to the qualifying offer), we would have somewhere around $15-18m available to go after a free agent (or two) next summer.

That, of course, assumes that we don’t get rid of RLEC prior to the trade deadline - this would further eat into the CSWOO.

MLB2PDX!!! (someday...)

by The Cactus Leaguer on Nov 1, 2008 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions

For some reason, I see Channing play in Memphis as the starting PF next year

Just a vision.

by Norsktroll on Nov 2, 2008 11:03 AM PST up reply actions

My initial reaction

My initial reaction is that is a great deal for The Blazers. Give it some more thought and it’s not a bad deal for everyone including Webster. The key being he’s only 22. Easy to forget we took Webster out of High School. So 4 years 20 million ain’t too bad and for Webster if he continues to improve when he is nearing his prime 26 he will be up for another contract. Yep being 22 and garnering 20 Million isn’t bad. Say’s something about the N.B.A. pay scale when we look at that and think it is thrifty.

"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"

by Krang on Nov 1, 2008 9:11 AM PDT reply actions