What I think is interesting is the way that the cap hit for Richards will hit the Kings.
It will progress like this: $1.2m, $1.7m, $2.7m, $4.2m, $4.2m, then $1.5m for five more years. (according to
General Fanager)
It is clearly a good cap move for the next two years. Mediocre, but still probably positive for a third year. But a big honking anchor for 2018-19 & 2019-20. It almost looks like they are pre-planning a rebuild around then. Given all of their top forwards will be in significant decline by then, it might be a reasonable approach. If the rebuild is successful, this cap hit will be trailing off as they are starting to be competitive again.
Obviously, it would have been much better to use a compliance buyout or just not have this horrid contract in the first place. But this is not that bad if you think their cup window is only 2-3 years.