Phew ... that took a long time to read.
The biggest issue in this, of course, is why they didn't want to retain salary.
If it's to keep the slots open then this is likely a very good move.
If it's an owner not wanting to retain for bottom line reasons, then not so much.
I get the fear that it's #2 given their history, but there's a pretty big distinction this time around ... the GM is out in the media after the transaction talking about cap space, brokering and saving his 3 retention spots.
That isn't done unless you have a sign off to use them in my mind.
So they decided to take less for Zadorov, to have more flexibility and accrue more cap space by the deadline for other deals. If his plan comes to fruition, then this was likely a very good trade. If it goes for not it cost them the difference between 2024 and 2026 in value.
Didn't blow my socks off, but the deal is fine as it stands, and could play a really important role in a future transaction.
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