Who might have to take a pay cut next year?
AK47 will probably get an offer at around MLE as teams would love his defensive ability and versatility.
Big Sam could get an offer from a contender who wants a big man to patrol the glass but again it would proably be from around $4 million a year up to MLE.
K-Mart has seemed to have stepped up a bit and played more minutes since Melo was traded so Denver may look to keep him but his value could be anything from veteran's minimum up to MLE. As K-Mart is 33 years old now then he may decide he wants to chase a title and take less money if one of the top contenders comes in for him.
It depends on new CBA. Under the current one Dalember could get some team to pay him 9 million. Kenyon Martin could get 8 million. Ak could also get 7 to 8 million. If the New CBA is a dramatic change AK47 may be the one that gets the most money with Dalembert 2nd. Martin is the better talent but he is old and has dealt with injuries for most of his other contract. I would say 3 years with 4th as a team option and maybe 5 years.
It depends on new CBA. Under the current one Dalember could get some team to pay him 9 million. Kenyon Martin could get 8 million. Ak could also get 7 to 8 million. If the New CBA is a dramatic change AK47 may be the one that gets the most money with Dalembert 2nd. Martin is the better talent but he is old and has dealt with injuries for most of his other contract. I would say 3 years with 4th as a team option and maybe 5 years.
There are several players with large expiring contracts that may not get similar money next year if they remain in the league. Here are a few:
Samuel Dalembert - 2010-11 salary: 13,428,129
2010-11 stats: 6.8 ppg, 6.9 ppg, 1.5 bpg
Dalembert will be 30 when next season starts and has averaged double figures in points twice and once in rebounds. There is definitely a place for him in the league, but 8 figures seems a stretch to say the least.
Andrei Kirilenko - 2010-11 salary: 17,823,000
2010-11 stats: 12.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.0 apg
Kirilenko is still a valuable player to Utah where he has spent his entire career. He brings versatility, athleticism and solid defense. However, he also brings a rash of injuries and his days of being an all-star seem to be behind him despite getting paid all-star money. He can still be an important player but will have to take significantly less money next year.
Kenyon Martin - 2010-11 salary: 16,545,454
2010-11 stats: 7.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.4 apg
Injuries have been a problem for the former #1 overall pick and at 33, he may not be a big part of Denver's plans going forward. Martin has playoff experience and can still provide valuable minutes for a franchise. His contract, however, will have to be less valuable to him.
(Salaries taken from ESPN NBA Trade Machine)
Who would you add to this list?