It sucks that he left for 7 million more. I think he felt disrespected that he was not getting his pay day. But to be on the HEAT side of things, they was not going to pay him KOBE money to cripple the franchise for 2 years.
They probably should have, because he took less money to help bring them two more titles.
I personally think that showing the entire league that you will take care of your franchise players that have sacrificed to help bring in better talent... that is worth more than the few million you saved, or the difference between a 3 seed and a 6 seed. But that's me.
Funny You dont see Duncan or Dirk wanting more money at the latter stage of their careers.
That would be a stronger argument if the Mavs didn't just go over the cap to give Dirk a final payday. And it's not like the Heat are in the Spurs' position, where they are a legitimate title contender and every dollar/every signing can make or break a title run. MIA is in the same position as DAL: neither team has a realistic shot at the title right. This is the PERFECT time to make a symbolic gesture and pay the player that has defined your franchise.
Mark Cuban understands something that Pat Riley and Micky Arison do not.
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