[Dirkenstien]

Originally Posted by DLord

I disagree completely on the assumptions being made about the Orlando owner. Doesn't matter how rich he is, he didn't create a fortune in hopes of seeing it frittered away.

UNTIL THIS SEASON they've been very averse to paying the tax, and I can't imagine him being very thrilled about being convinced of the necessity of going into tax territory and then seeing the massive money that's been wasted on players who rarely play, Gortat and Bass.

If the situation changes where one or both are needed and used extensively later in the season, then he'll be mollified ...but otherwise, I see no way Gortat and his remaining $29M deal aren't HEAVILY shopped in the summer to any taker, and probably Bass as well. Idly tossing $20M in the trash each year (10 for salary, 10 for tax) just to have Gortat and Bass sitting on your bench is not going to be desirable or tolerated imo.

Before this season they also didn't have a legitimate chance at winning it all. They are now the deepest and possibly best team in the East. They were a solid team last year but not many people outside the organization expected them to overachieve like they did.

I think once they decided to make their move for Vince Carter their focus shifted towards going all in and decided going into luxury tax territory was finally worth it. Gortat is expensive insurance to keep them competitive should Howard go down. As long as they're winning and especially if they win the championship I don't see them auctioning off that insurance to the highest bidder. If they happen to struggle in the playoffs, though, then that could certainly change their perspective but I think Bass would be shipped out before Gortat, especially with how Ryan Anderson has been performing for them.