:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50058595/usa-today-9008080.0.jpg)
As reported first by Adrian Wojnarowski, and confirmed by NetsDaily, the Brooklyn Nets and restricted free agent Allen Crabbe agreed to an offer sheet that will lock in Crabbe in Brooklyn for the next four seasons at $70 million. That is, of course, if the Blazers don't match the offer, which they have the right to do between now and Sunday.
Neil Olshey, the Blazers' GM, wasn't talking Friday...
Neil Olshey on Friday declines to comment on Allen Crabbe offer sheet. Has until Sunday evening to decide whether to match.
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 8, 2016
To match or not to match: Blazers need Crabbe's shooting. But the offer sheet is HUGE money. HUGE. If pressed to choose, I think they match
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 8, 2016
The details of the contract, however, are starting to trickle out, and it's beginning to look like a much tougher decision for the Blazers.
Eric Pincus of BBall Insiders weighs in on the details:
Allen Crabbe's offer is $18.5 mil 1st, 2nd & 4th yrs (PO), 3rd yr is $19.3 mil - Portland Trail Blazers or Brooklyn Nets TBD @BBallInsiders
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 8, 2016
Allen Crabbe offer sheet from Brooklyn Nets has plenty to make Portland think- 15% trade kicker, significant payment advances @BBallInsiders
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 8, 2016
The Blazers, it would seem, would have to provide lump sum payments to Crabbe, if they match, upon signing him. That is similar, if you recall, to how the Nuggets structured the Kenyon Martin deal back in 2004 -- they had piled up so many advanced payments that it made it difficult for the Nets to match.
That, and:
Plus Blazers would owe Lillard, CJ, Turner, Crabbe $80M tho Paul Allen can afford it if he wishes https://t.co/Xe2DxhoCcH
— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) July 8, 2016
Also, the Nets promised Crabbe a role as a starter, something the Blazers haven't done, and likely wont' be able to do. Still, the starter role won't factor into the decision since this belongs to the Blazers and not Crabbe -- however, paying someone to come off the bench for near $83 million over the next four years...? That could weigh on the Blazers' decision, as well.
Again, the Blazers have through the weekend to decide, and I fully expect that they'll take all the time they have. So, stay tuned.