Paxson to open contract talks with Deng/Gordon this week, Get it done. Options

[eddog2]

Paxson is set to open contract extension talks with both Deng and Gordon sometime this week. Does anyone want to predict what will be the outcome of those talks? Who will/won't get the extension. How much each player will sign for?

I'm guessing right now that Deng's extension will be far less of a hassle than Gordon's. Gordon recently hired a new agent which tells me he's looking out for #1.

I'm predicting Deng signs in the first 2 weeks of his contract talks and gets a 5 year $60-62 million deal (which averages $12-$12.4 million per) However, that deal will probably start off with him making $10-10.4 million his first year, $11-11.4 his 2nd year, $12-12.4 his 3rd year, $13 his 4th year, and $14-$14.4 his final year. Then he'll still only be around 28 years old and still would be able to sign another big time deal assuming he continues to improve during those 5 years.

As for Gordon, I'm kind of worried that he might go into next season without signing an extension. If that happens, the Bulls might really consider trading him at the trading deadline. I'm thinking a team with a lot of cap room would probably make him a stupid offer if he went into free agency and that would put the Bulls in a bad position. I'm hoping that he gets re-signed. If he does I'm thinking his contract will look something like this:

5 years $52.5 million. The contract would start off with $9.5 million and then excalate as to, $10, $10.5, $11, & $11.5. I think that's how much Ben will be looking for. However, Paxson might only be willing to give him something in the neighborhood of 5 years $47 million ($9.4 million per year).

We'll see what happens.