FanPost

2010 Cap Space

I decided to look in to the cap space that the Blazers could possibly have in 2010. It seems to be an accepted notion that this summer is the last chance to have cap space for a very long time. However, this may not be true. If KP decides to keep his cap space flexibility until summer 2010, it could be an option. The 2010 cap space will come down to what Joel does and what is done with Blake and Outlaw. Joel has a player option for about $7.5 million in 10-11. If he has another good year, he may opt out and look for a longer term deal that I am not sure Portland will want to/can match. Blake and Outlaw is a totally different question. Assuming 2010 cap space is our goal, should we trade Outlaw this summer for a 2011 first round pick (like Memphis')? So here is the salary breakdown assuming Roy is signed to an extension this summer to about $12 million and Aldridge at about $10 million.

Roy $12

Aldridge $10

Oden $6.7

Webster $4.7

Bayless $2.2

Rudy $1.2

Batum $1.2

2009 #24 $1.0

Others $2.4 (this is an estimate of any combination of Koponen, Freeland and this years 2nd round picks. I don't think all of them will be on the roster.)

So if Joel opts out and we don't resign him we will have a total salary of about $42 million. This means our cap space would be about $16 million (cap at around $58 million). If Joel does not opt out the cap space would be about $9 million. $16 million woul d be nice to play with to add a back up to Oden/Aldridge and may be a PG. Another advantage of waiting one more season is we will have a better idea of what role Bayless will have in the Blazers future (assuming Nate will play him).

I am not a cap space expert but I wanted to float this idea as a possible option for the Blazers. Considering the 2010 free agent class, maybe this is worthwile. I am not suggesting this is the best option to be pursued but it should be considered and we shouldn't assume the 2010 free agent class is unreachable. If we did keep our flexibility next summer who would be a target to finish out our roster?