FanPost

Did Ted force the deal?

Everybody has debated the pro's and con's of Okafor and Ariza to death. I'd like to look at what might have been a contributing factors to the deal.

The first factor (and no small one) being the June 30 deadline to buy out Rashard. Ted didn't get rich by handing $13.7 paychecks out without recieving some work product back. However you view this deal, whether good or mediocore, I believe EG likely thought I can get Ted to swallow ABs amnesty but he isn't writing out a second check to Rashard or else this puts me in a horrible light for future employment with the Wizards. Given he had to get something done in the next week EG bit at probably one of the few deals available to move Rashard's contract.

The second point and perhaps bigger factor to me is Ted only gave EG a two tyear deal. If I'm EG I'd suggest I know this first year is a show me year. I might feel that Ted will eat the second year of my contract if the team does not make the playoffs. I'd also wonder if there is another job opportunity in the NBA if I do get canned. Therefore making it as even an 6th - 8th seed gives me a lifeline and possible shot an extention beyond this current contract.

To me the deal was mediocore. I can see how it likely will get us a lower seed in the playoffs. I believe that was a major motivator in doing the deal. I believe Ernie likely sensed even improving to a 36-38 win team next year by staying the course would cause him to get ousted. So in a way Ted letting EG hang with only a two year deal may have significantly contributed to EG's decision making. Yes I am suggesting EG's put his own narcissism in front of what might be a better team decision to stay the course.

Just a thought.

This represents the view of the user who wrote the FanPost, and not the entire Bullets Forever community. We're a place of many opinions, not just one.