Correct. See, you are correcting me because I was making it sound like Morey should get all credit for the buyout, much like you are making the case that Morey should get credit for fooling the Suns into thinking Melton is better than he is. Regardless, you are agreeing that the Suns probably don't make the trade as designed without the buyout. No?
If the buyout came during the trade negotiations, then I think it probably was the thing that pushed Phoenix over the edge. They likely were okay adding to their cap this year because they have a fixed idea of what it'll be, but didn't want to bump their cap for NEXT year. And I can buy your theory, thinking that Phoenix told Morey that, and I totally picture Morey saying, "What if I get Anderson to agree to a reduced buyout amount for the final year?" Ryno's agent doesn't mind because he knows if the Suns hang onto him all year, the contract doesn't change, but if they dump him during the season, he can sign elsewhere to make up most of that $5M he's "giving up." More importantly, it puts Ryno in a much better position to showcase his abilities so that he can sign a better contract in two years when this one runs out. Bottom line: We both like the idea of Morey at the chess board. Your theory is more plausible, but mine is more fun.
just an aside about method: conspiracy theories have to be relatively complicated. if you go with a more parsimonious perspective or explanation, it decreases the odds that a conspiracy is to blame. just sayin'
Remember Jeremy Lamb? He was our lottery pick, but blew up big time after a stellar summer league. He became the centerpiece in the James Harden trade. He was never heard again since. I don't know if Melton is another Lamb. I actually think Melton is good. But Morey has a track record of trading people after their value is high after a good summer league, and getting maximum return for them.
Let's incept this one level further and remember the fat contact CD gave Cato after blowing up with a triple double in a SL game.
hmmm. Didn't think I had a theory. I just found no mention of Ryan's buyout in your OP, and thought that probably was as significant to Phoenix pulling the trigger as anything else. Is that a theory to think your theory didn't include all the facts, theoretically?
