The Staring Game
Author: Count Stacula
Updated 7/8/23
The high-stakes staring game in the NBA is now in full swing. Players, general managers, and owners have dug their trenches, positioned themselves in their fox-holes, and are poised to win this intense game of attrition. The core players in this stare-down comprise four pivotal NBA teams and two marquee players. Any other organization, in this arena, serves merely as a facilitator to help seal a deal, or, in an unfavorable scenario, acts as a pawn used for leverage against the two teams earnestly seeking to acquire these star players.
Although the Bulls or Knicks could stir the pot, the real puppeteers of this summer are the Trailblazers, Heat, Sixers, and Clippers. The Trailblazers possess the power to determine the endgame of this summer standoff, simply because they have Dame Lillard. The NBA has been biding its time for years, waiting for him to ask for a trade; a few more months will hardly matter now that he has officially made his request. While the Trailblazers don't hold every card, they certainly have the winning hand. Their star player is on a long-term contract, and as long as Dame doesn't threaten to sit out the regular season, their position remains solid. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which poses financial constraints and hinders a team's flexibility, is the only dent in their armor, lowering Dame's market value.
Miami finds itself in an advantageous position in this staredown. Dame has made it clear he wants to play there. However, Miami lacks the enticing assets to make this deal a slam dunk. Their draft picks are middling at best, and their best tradeable player, despite being talented, is arguably overpaid. With the new CBA, taking on his $30M a year contract is far from desirable for any team.
The Sixers are in a peculiar spot this summer. Despite their interest in Dame, Lillard has been explicitly partial to Miami. They have James Harden who is seeking a trade, but teams are cautious, questioning his desire, commitment, playoff mentality, his hefty contract, and the cost of acquiring him. Daryl Morey, however, has shown adeptness in managing uncomfortable situations. With Tobias Harris and Maxey in the mix, Morey certainly has a full plate this summer.
The Clippers also hold significant cards since Harden has expressed his preference to play for them. Similar to Miami, they see no reason to overpay for his services, especially given Harden's market value. With Jerry West on board, they are known to make astute deals. They are the ones who decide when Harden is traded since they have the assets that could tip Morey's scales in favor of a 'yes.'
Dame...It's certainly Dame-Time, with the summer revolving around him. How far is he willing to go to speed up proceedings? Is he willing to cause a media storm, to become the villain in this story? The NBA is full of such precedents. He can always turn to James Harden for advice...
Speaking of James Harden, a player known for his ability to create media storms. Despite having a good rapport with the Sixers, his teammates, and Morey, his previous acts of rebellion might hint at his capacity to instigate change. But will over $150M lost reasons fuel his anger enough to turn the tide in his favor?
Get this: James Harden has until midnight to sign an extension with the Nets. If he doesn't, he can sign a new extension next offseason & become the first player in NBA History to have a salary of $60M+! 🤯#NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/qhMjpKn4Wu
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) October 18, 2021
As with most summer trades, things slow down shortly after free agency kicks off. This summer should be no different. All four teams have sound reasons to avoid impulsive, overpriced deals. Only Miami stands to lose by not finalizing a deal before the season's start. The only sparks that could ignite rapid action are the players themselves, but are they willing to play with fire? The NBA certainly becomes more thrilling when they do. So, when can we expect the summer stare-down to finally reach its crescendo? Media Day, a date synonymous with deadline day, often forces teams into making a decision. Between reporter inquiries, players getting mic-time, and franchises fretting about team morale, Media Day has historically been the catalyst for many a trade deal.
