George O'Brien
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The math is pretty simple. If the Suns match on JJ (seems very likely after the Voskuhl deal), they will have a huge salary structure beginning in 2006-07 and be well into the luxury tax area.
Since Sarver doesn't like paying luxury tax, someone will get traded - right?
There is another option. Sarver could bring in new investors.
NBA franchises are not simply about cash flow. If they were, the Clippers would be the top franchise in the league. Ownership is about ego. If you want to sell pieces of the team, the ideal time is just after the team gets to the finals.
A major infusion of cash could reduce the pinch Sarver feels and perhaps open a window to pay some luxury tax. Look at teams like the Pacers and Sixers who are quite willing to pay a lot of luxury tax just to be competative. If Sarver partially cashes out at a profit, he can prove to be a great businessman and still keep the team together.
... but it means they have to win now.
Since Sarver doesn't like paying luxury tax, someone will get traded - right?
There is another option. Sarver could bring in new investors.
NBA franchises are not simply about cash flow. If they were, the Clippers would be the top franchise in the league. Ownership is about ego. If you want to sell pieces of the team, the ideal time is just after the team gets to the finals.
A major infusion of cash could reduce the pinch Sarver feels and perhaps open a window to pay some luxury tax. Look at teams like the Pacers and Sixers who are quite willing to pay a lot of luxury tax just to be competative. If Sarver partially cashes out at a profit, he can prove to be a great businessman and still keep the team together.
... but it means they have to win now.