Overpaying an RFA
I’ve seen some comments here and there recently about overpaying an RFA on purpose. Here’s why this is probably a bad idea:
A team should expect to actually get the player if they give them an offer. Yes most teams will match but very real possibility they don’t. If they don’t you’re stuck with a role player on a deal the size meant for a 3rd option
The idea of “making another team overpay to keep their guy” is a massive risk for almost no reward. Hamstringing a solid team in the west does nothing for the grizzlies, we aren’t competing for a championship next season. And a secondary point which I don’t hear much is, what would doing something like that do to our FOs relationship with other front offices? You don’t want to be known as the team screwing other teams for no self benefit. Trying to fleece on a trade is not the same as jacking up an RFAs price while not intending to sign the player.
I’m not against going after RFAs. But the idea of trying to make another team overpay when we’re not even in a position to compete is just bad GMing.