Originally Posted by
Highlander
Gotcha. In that scenario, I could see that paying $14M now to pick up a new player doesn't sound like a great trade-off. And if you think you might try to use him next year as a veteran, okay fine. Even if you think you can get more for Deng on an expiring contract easier than Deng on a 2 year deal, I could see holding him. Regardless, his contract is a sunk cost, and the Lakers will pay $10+M regardless of whether Deng stays or goes.
If they aren't going to eventually move him for something, even if it is for less than his contract value, then it's no different financially to just cut him.
If I were the GM, I would offer him a buyout. If he truly wants to play somewhere, he can take something on his final year to get his release. Or he can do nothing and collect $18M for sitting in the locker room.