In Part 1, we looked at the members of the draft class of 2004. Those players are restricted free agents this summer because last summer they failed to agree on an extension with their team. In Part 2, we'll look at members of the draft class of 2005, who have the option to sign long-term deals with their current teams. Typically, this means that they are looking at less money than they could sign for as a restricted or unrestricted free agent, but they have the peace of mind of all that guaranteed money (in case of injury) and knowing where they'll be playing for the next five or six years.
Two players from the draft class of '05 -- Chris Paul and Deron Williams -- are widely considered to be no-brainer max extension players. In fact, Paul has already extended for four years and $68 M, and Williams' camp is currently negotiating with the Jazz. It would be a coup if Utah could convince their young point guard to take a bit less money to allow for the team to have salary cap flexibility in the future.
So let's take a look at the other big-name players from the class of '05 and try to gauge their total value. Remember, this includes performance (John Hollinger's PER), age, potential, and the salaries of comparable players.
(Read the rest after the jump.)
Two players from the draft class of '05 -- Chris Paul and Deron Williams -- are widely considered to be no-brainer max extension players. In fact, Paul has already extended for four years and $68 M, and Williams' camp is currently negotiating with the Jazz. It would be a coup if Utah could convince their young point guard to take a bit less money to allow for the team to have salary cap flexibility in the future.
So let's take a look at the other big-name players from the class of '05 and try to gauge their total value. Remember, this includes performance (John Hollinger's PER), age, potential, and the salaries of comparable players.
(Read the rest after the jump.)
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