This year's Free Agency Market was worlds apart from last year's.
Last year had been packed with big names, but this year's biggest name was DeRozan, followed by Hayward and Siakam (Restricted Free Agent), then players on Gallinari and Lowry's level.
The two discussed it for a long time and eventually formed a rough plan.
The new season's Salary Cap was 116 million. Davis and Durant combined for around 80 million, leaving the Pelicans with only about 35 million in room.
However, the Pelicans had many Expiring Contracts under Cap Hold Extensions. In other words, their workable space could be calculated up to the 141 million Luxury Tax threshold, giving them around 65 million in total flexibility.
The general plan was clear: use a 25 to 30 million contract to keep Holiday, then use the remaining 35 to 40 million to strengthen the center and point guard positions.
Alexander had already developed last season, so they could consider letting Brogdon go.
There were not many quality players on the Free Market. Letting Brogdon go seemed to create plenty of room, but finding reinforcements would not be easy.
Tang Tian looked through the Free agent list, and his gaze finally stopped on one name.
"How about bringing Rose back?"
When Dempsey heard Rose's name, he nodded without much thought.
Rose had played well after joining the Timberwolves, averaging 18.5 points per game last season in his contract year.
Alexander's strengths were defense and playmaking, while explosive scoring was not his forte. Rose could make up for that perfectly.
Moreover, Rose had won the first championship of his career after signing with the Pelicans. Now that he was an Unrestricted Free Agent, the Pelicans would be an ideal destination.
Most importantly, Rose was already 32. His asking price would not be too