Tag: contract

“Holy freaking overpay” – Khris Middleton signing $102 million contract with Milwaukee Bucks has NBA fans puzzled

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After opting out of the final year of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent, Khris Middleton has re-signed with the Milwaukee Bucks.

A few hours after NBA free agency opened, and the versatile forward is back with the Eastern Conference powerhouse.

The deal was promptly greeted by fans who were confused with the Bucks’ move:

“Holy freaking overpay”

@wojespn @excelbasketball why stay with that fake humble run and dunk man get you a bag and play for someone like the lakers jesus

@wojespn @excelbasketball why stay with that fake humble run and dunk man get you a bag and play for someone like the lakers jesus

Bucks fans were wary of re-signing Khris Middleton to that kind of amount. He is just coming off an injury-plagued season where he played in 33 games, starting in 19 of them. “Khash Money” averaged 15.1 points, his lowest since the 2016-17 season.

Middleton’s efficiency also dropped. He had a 44.3%, 37.3% and 89.0% split a year ago. This season, he shot 43.6%/31.5% and 90.2%.

“Khash Money” did pick up his game in the playoffs against the Miami Heat. He averaged 23.8 points on 46.5% shooting, including 40.6% from deep.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo playing hurt due to a bad fall, Middleton couldn’t step up big enough to help prevent the Heat from causing a stunning upset.

Three-time All-Star Khris Middleton has agreed on a new three-year, $102 million deal to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, his agents Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. Middleton keeps franchise a championship contender with his return. Player option.

Three-time All-Star Khris Middleton has agreed on a new three-year, $102 million deal to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, his agents Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball

tell ESPN. Middleton keeps franchise a championship contender with his return. Player option. https://t.co/o2E7vXXQj8

The Milwaukee Bucks believe the three-time All-Star still has plenty left in the tank. If he had not been injured, he likely would have put up better numbers.

If that had been the case, the fans’ reactions to the re-signing would have been relief and excitement.

Middleton’s return means that the Bucks should still be a legitimate title contender in the Eastern Conference. If they can also get back Brook Lopez or replace him with another solid big man, Milwaukee should still be in the mix to come out of the Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee Bucks fans can only hope Khris Middleton will stay healthy

During the 2021-22 playoffs, Middleton played just two games. Antetokounmpo gallantly dragged the team to a Game 7 against the Boston Celtics. Many are still convinced that if Middleton had been healthy, the Bucks would have handily won that series.

Middleton’s injury malaise continued the following season when he played just 33 games, the worst since 2016-17 when he played just 29 games. The Bucks desperately tried to save him for the playoffs, which only worked partially.

Khris Middleton seemed like his old self against the Miami Heat, but he was gassed out late in the game. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s back injury forced the Bucks to put more load on him and his body couldn’t respond well enough.

Middleton will stay in Milwaukee for three more years with a player option in the third year. If he can stay healthy, the Bucks will not regret signing him to the said deal.

Also read: Charles Barkley trolls Draymond Green about not having a contract on national TV: “Talks a lot for a guy that ain’t got no job”

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Edited by Michael Macasero

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July 1, 2023
Pelicans, Herb Jones agree to 4-year, $54 million contract in free agency

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Entering the league as a second-round pick in 2021, Herb Jones has turned himself into one of the league’s premier all-around defenders. While they did decline his team option ahead of free agency, the New Orleans Pelicans had no intentions of letting Jones go.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pels have reached an agreement on a new four-year, $54 million deal with the 24-year-old swingman.

Making an impact during his rookie season, Jones continued to grow into a versatile, two-way player in New Orleans this past season. Despite not being voted to the All-Defensive team, Jones did receive consideration for this honor and is widely known around the league for his effort on that end of the floor.

Finding himself in the starting rotation early on in his career, Jones has started in 135 of the 144 total games he has played with the Pelicans over the last two seasons.

Herb Jones’ fit with Pelicans’ future

Since his very first game with the Pelicans, Jones has fit in seamlessly. Unselfish on the offensive-end of the floor and a threat to not only make a play defensively, but push the pace in transition as well, Jones checks off all the boxes for being an impactful player in this league.

The best part about the Pelicans signing him to a new, long-term deal is the fact that the former second-round pick is still just 24 years old and can continue to grow his offensive game.

Shooting 33.7 percent from three-point range during his rookie season and 33.5 percent from deep this past season, Jones did begin to show flashes of his perimeter shooting growth during the second half of the 2022-23 season. In terms of getting to the rim, he’s looked a lot stronger as a ball-handler and is not afraid to rise up over defenders in attempts to punish them.

Even though they have found themselves at the center of trade conversations around the league this offseason, the Pelicans were never truly interested in moving either Zion Williamson nor Brandon Ingram.

This core group in New Orleans played really well together to begin this past season, as they were 18-8 through their first 26 games. The Pelicans have a chance to really take the next step as a franchise during the 2023-24 season, especially if they are able to stay healthy.

Herb Jones figures to once again play a big role on the Pels’ roster heading into his third NBA season and he will continue to grow as a dynamic two-way presence who can truly play any position on the floor.

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July 1, 2023
Is Vince Carter leaving ESPN? NBA All-Star’s current contract situation explained

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Vince Carter is not one of the many on-air personalities who were laid off by ESPN on Friday. However, the former NBA All-Star may not have his contract renewed with the worldwide leader in sports, Front Office Sports reported.

Carter’s contract expires in September. Reports say it may be unlikely the company renews a deal with the NBA analyst.

The giant sports media company is getting rid of big contracts from some of their most famous on-air personalities. The moves are a part of budget cuts organized by its parent company, Disney.

After the layoffs, ESPN will examine which big contracts it will let expire. Carter could be one of those who does not get an extension. Carter has been with ESPN for the past three years.

Carter frequently contributes remotely from his home. He does not have a set show. He contributes on a rotation basis and is not one of ESPN’s lead game broadcast analysts. The company likely sees his deal as too expensive.

Carter may be let go alongside other ESPN NBA talent. Longtime NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy was laid off. He was ESPN’s top NBA announcer for years. NBA’s studio host Jalen Rose was also let go. He worked at the company for 15 years.

Carter should be OK without the ESPN money. He accumulated plenty as a NBA player for a record 22 years.

How much did Vince Carter make in the NBA?

Vince Carter, an eight-time All-Star, played for eight teams: the Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks.

Carter made $171.8 million in career earnings. He had a career high salary of $17.5 million with the Suns in 2010-11. He averaged 16.7 points per game in his NBA career.

Carter gained fame as a prolific dunker. He was nicknamed “Vinsanity” and had the most ridiculous hops in the league for years. He famously won the Slam Dunk Contest in 2000.

Carter was also a legend in college basketball at the University of North Carolina from 1995-98, leading UNC to two straight Final Fours.

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Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein

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June 30, 2023
Norah O’Donnell extends CBS News contract: reports

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News anchor Norah O’Donnell and CBS have reached an agreement that will allow her to stay behind the news desk beyond the 2024 presidential election, according to sources.

The longtime anchor allegedly shared the news Friday evening during a toast with producers at the CBS News facility in Washington, D.C., according to Variety.

CBS and O’Donnell’s spokeswoman declined Variety’s and Deadline’s request for comment.

O’Donnell’s reported bad attitude and low ratings led to reports that CBS co-president Neeraj Khemlani was interested in shaking up the station’s roster. With her contract ending in the spring, CBS News allegedly reached out to the competition to see if they wanted to join the network’s daytime programming.

Her diva-like behavior has also been bad for newsroom morale.

“There was an incident last year in the studio where she ranted about how her bronzer was wrong,” one insider told The Post last month, noting that her hair and makeup staff take the brunt of her tantrums and have been known to end up in tears.

Norah O’Donnell makes $6 million to $8 million a year.
CBS via Getty Images

O’Donnell’s ratings are down as she’s the only evening TV anchor not reporting from Europe as the Russia-Ukraine war continues.
CBS via Getty Images

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April 9, 2022
Aaron Judge’s quiet confidence biggest barrier in contract talks

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Aaron Judge is a real mystery man, but there are a few things we do know about him. He’s a terrific ballplayer, with the ability to thrive in his star turn, and he’s the possessor of an even temperament and an engaging smile.

It’s a bit shocking we really haven’t much of a clue about him even after a half-decade in the country’s alleged media capital, beyond that glorious stat line that shows a minimum OPS-plus of 143 in each of his five full seasons and the city-held belief he should have won the MVP in that memorable year of 2017.

But in failed contract extension talks with the Yankees that, true to his nature, were kept quiet up until Friday morning, when they fell apart, we finally did learn a couple of relevant things about Judge.

One, he’s a gambler. Not as in the fifty-bucks-a-hand blackjack player. But as in the legendary, larger-than-life whale, the kind who gets his own penthouse at Caesar’s Palace sense.

Two, he has enormous confidence in his own abilities — not just to play the game, but also to stay healthy and on the field.

Aaron Judge hits a single for the Yankees on Opening Day.
Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed the Yankees’ offer to Judge was for an extension at $30.5 million a year over seven years on top of the $19M or so they will pay him this year, putting the bid at $233M plus over eight years. I say “plus” because they offered some minor adjustments, including acceding to his $21M wish for this year to bring it to $235M.

Cashman didn’t say so, but word is the Yankees also told the Judge camp of their willingness to consider an opt-out or two, which often greatly enhances a contract’s value.

Regardless, it turns out he and the Yankees weren’t in the same ballpark.

Judge, according to multiple sources, countered the Yankees’ offer at nine or 10 years at $36M a year for up to $360M. (Someone close to Judge denied that.)

Mike Trout’s record extension was for 10 years at $36M for $360M.

Confidence is a wonderful thing, and it has helped get Judge to where he is, which is one of the best five or six players in the game, when healthy. But let’s face it, he isn’t Trout. While it might be sacrilege to say it in New York, Trout is basically Mickey Mantle.

Aaron Judge (right) celebrates Anthony Rizzo’s home run.
Robert Sabo

Judge truly is a great player, and he surely gets extra points for the kind of star quality that brings out his own chambers. But he hasn’t won three MVPs, as Trout has. He isn’t the consensus best player in the game, as Trout is. And let’s face it, he hasn’t stayed nearly as healthy as Trout has.

After a survey of agents, the Yankees’ offer was deemed solid. The reaction wasn’t unanimous, but was generally positive. One agent saw it as a little light in the AAV, but almost all thought it was certainly worth talking about.

We don’t know of course what Judge’s agent, Page Odle, thinks, as he is the Greta Garbo of agents. But one competing agent did give him a tip of the cap for taking this gigantic risk of an $11M commission when Odle’s stable consists of Secretariat and mostly a string of maiden claimers.

While Judge is great, and may be getting even better — his whiff rate was down last year and his hard-hit rate was up — his history includes missed games. He was second and fourth in the MVP voting in two of his five full seasons, but in the other three, he played 63 percent of the Yankees’ games.

“That’s a very fair offer considering the durability factor,” one prominent agent said.

“Lot of downside risk [to rejecting the offer],” said another agent.

Of course, one person’s fair offer is another’s non-starter. And let’s face it, Judge didn’t think the Yankees came especially close.

The word is, Judge asked for almost exactly $100 million more than the Yankees offered. That’s quite a gap.

Aaron Judge and the Yankees failed to extend his contract before Opening Day.
Newsday via Getty Images

Cashman, upon revealing the Yankees offer, admitted “we are all disappointed” in the failure to sign Judge. Beyond a disappointment, if they fail to bridge their enormous gap after the year, it’ll be quite a loss. Judge is not only their best position player, but he is a star.

The Yankees already have been outflanked by the perennial little brothers in Queens in terms of star power, and Judge sells more T-shirts and jerseys than many Yankees combined. He is bigger than life, and likely their most popular player since the iconic Derek Jeter, who battled with the Yankees over dollars, but ultimately understood he was better off as a lifetime Yankee.

Jeter was as quiet and close-to-the-vest as Judge is, but we knew more about Jetes, as he engendered considerable tabloid interest. He also had the good sense to stick around for 20 years, as some part of his star was tied up in pinstripes.

Brian Cashman said the Yankees will take the year to try to bridge the gap between them and Judge.
Getty Images

The hope is there’s still some chance for Judge to at least make it into his second decade in The Bronx. If not, the Judge’s Chambers may have to become a traveling band. Gone from the right-field bleachers at Yankee Stadium, it just wouldn’t be the same. It’s their loss. And ours.

And it just might be Judge’s loss, too.

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April 8, 2022
Judge rules NYC illegally canceled Trump’s contract to run Bronx golf course

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Donald Trump is back in the Bronx.

A state Supreme Court judge ruled Friday that the city did not have the right to cancel Trump’s contract to run the Ferry Point Golf Course. Mayor Bill de Blasio had nixed the deal after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, arguing that Trump would not be able to attract golf tournaments.

In her decision and order filed on Friday, Justice Debra James said there was nothing in the contract that required a tournament — only that the city would share in any proceeds. That means either Trump gets to continue to run the course, or the city needs to pay him to leave. Trump’s son Eric said they’ll stay.

“The judge didn’t buy their nonsense and this is a well-reasoned and appropriate decision and we look forward to running the best golf course for years to come,” Eric Trump said.

De Blasio tried to freeze Trump out of all city contracts. The Parks Department had reassigned Ferry Point to an out-of-state operator, Bobby Jones Links, causing Trump to file an Article 78 to appeal that city move. It’s unclear how much it will cost the city to cancel the Bobby Jones contract.

The Trumps will continue to run the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course in the Bronx, the former president’s son said.
Andrew Theodorakis/New York Post

“We look forward to running the best golf course for years to come,” Eric Trump said following the decision.
Andrew Theodorakis/New York Post

James granted a temporary restraining order last fall, allowing the organization to continue its operations, and has now sent the matter back to the Parks Department.

“De Blasio did this for his own political theater,” Eric Trump said. “He wasted tremendous amounts of time and city resources on his own vendetta. He is a disgrace to New York and everyone is glad he is gone.”

Eric Trump said he was on his way to the Bronx to congratulate the staff — 150 people who would have been out of work all winter had the restaurant been shut down for the winter as the other operator would have done. The Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course is now open but was closed for the winter to let the grasses “rest” and maintain the course in the manner approved by the golf great.

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April 8, 2022
Aaron Judge talks title with Yankees contract extension not done

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TAMPA — Aaron Judge knows this could be his last Opening Day as a Yankee, with no long-term deal yet and free agency a possibility after this season.

“You think about it, but it comes down to: I’ve got games to win,’’ Judge said after the Yankees finished spring training with a 5-3 loss to the Tigers at Steinbrenner Field.

And he’s got at least one more thing to accomplish in The Bronx.

“It’s been a while since Yankee fans have held a championship in the city,’’ Judge said. “I’ve got a job to do: to go out there and win it for them.”

There’s still a chance Judge and the Yankees could come to terms on a long-term extension before Judge’s self-imposed Opening Day deadline. If that doesn’t happen, they’ll head to an arbitration hearing and pick up talks after the World Series — one that Judge expects to be playing in.

He declined to provide an update on the negotiations, saying only, “We’ll get there when we get there.”

For now, he’s embracing the expectation of the season ahead.

Aaron Judge
USA TODAY Sports

“I came up here,’’ Judge said of coming through the Yankees’ system. “I don’t know anything else except going out there and trying to win a championship. That’s always been my goal. That’s what you do when you wear pinstripes.”

Since 2009, however, that hasn’t happened.

And manager Aaron Boone, in the first year of a new deal signed in the offseason, isn’t running from the pressure the Yankees face once again as they look to end their title drought.

Asked if there was more pressure to win a title when playing in New York, Boone said, “Sure. But that’s the beauty of getting to play here, getting to work here [and] getting to play for this franchise. The expectations and the interest, not only in the city of New York, but across the world, is different. That’s a privilege.”

The spotlight intensifies soon after the Yankees completed a shortened spring training on Tuesday.

On Thursday, they are scheduled to open the regular season against the Red Sox in The Bronx — weather permitting — and will begin to find out how good they are.

“That’s something we talk about all the time,” Boone said of the expectations. “It’s something to be embraced and it sure as heck beats the alternative. We understand the expectations. We share the same expectations, and no one wants to kick that baby down more than me.”

Aaron Judge signs autographs for fans.
AP

They’ve remade a significant portion of the lineup — with Gleyber Torres back at second base, Anthony Rizzo at first, newly arrived Josh Donaldson at third and Isiah Kiner-Falefa at shortstop.

Kyle Higashioka, coming off a terrific spring, will team with another fresh face, Jose Trevino, behind the plate.

The outfield will look somewhat like it did last season, though Brett Garder’s return never materialized this spring.

Aaron Hicks, healthier and lighter than last year, will play alongside Aaron Judge and Joey Gallo — as well as Giancarlo Stanton on occasion.

Their pitching rotation is set with Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino, Jordan Montgomery, Jameson Taillon and Nestor Cortes, and the bullpen has added some youth with Clarke Schmidt, Ron Marinaccio and JP Sears to go along with Aroldis Chapman, Chad Green and Jonathan Loaisiga at the back end.

Whether this is the year the Yankees regain their championship mettle won’t be decided by their Opening Day roster, as Boone knows.

“That’s 6 ¹/₂ months away,’’ Boone said of the playoffs. “We’re working hard to lay the foundation now and put ourselves in a position to make a run at it. That’s why a lot of us do this. The beauty of high-stakes competition is awesome.”

Judge called this group, “the most established team I’ve been on.”

“We’ve got a good team,’’ he said. “We’ve got a lot of guys that have a lot of hardware in this room. Now it’s time to go out there and play the game.”

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April 6, 2022
Carlos Beltran causes Aaron Judge contract stir during Yankees game

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TAMPA — Carlos Beltran made some news — kind of — in his first day as a broadcaster with the YES Network on Monday.

During Monday’s game against the Phillies at Steinbrenner Field, Beltran seemed to indicate the Yankees had signed Judge to an extension to stay in The Bronx long-term.

Soon after the comment, though, Beltran corrected himself and said he “hoped” the two sides would agree on an extension.

“I’m just glad to see him being able to create this new contract with the New York Yankees and being able to extend his stay here in New York,” Beltran said on the broadcast. “He’s an incredible guy… He’s a guy that plays the game hard and I bet the message has to be like, from Judge, the Yankees are willing to commit like that for so long. And at the same time… they want to build around him. They understand he’s a leader, so I’m glad to see Aaron Judge increasing his stay here with the New York Yankees.”

But sources said that no deal is done with Judge’s self-imposed deadline of Opening Day to cut off negotiations until after the season just three days away.

General manager Brian Cashman said the team would work on an extension within Judge’s timeframe.

If they don’t come to terms on a new deal, Judge and the Yankees will head to an arbitration hearing during the regular season. Judge asked for $21 million and the Yankees countered with $17 million. He’s due to become a free agent after the World Series.

Aaron Judge during a Yankees spring training game on March 25, 2022.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Carlos Beltran (r.) during his YES Network debut Monday with John Flaherty.
YES Network

Three years ago, Luis Severino signed a four-year, $40 million extension before his arbitration hearing was due to begin.

Beltran’s arrival was significant even before his gaffe, as it was his first time around the team since the Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal became public.

After acknowledging in an interview released by YES on Sunday that the Astros “crossed the line” during their championship run that “stained” their title, Beltran declined to address the scandal again on Monday.

On air, Beltran said: “We have to move on. In life, we make mistakes. A lot of times you don’t want to make those. You move forward, apologize for what happened and move on. It’s hard to live in the past. You have to live in the present. I look forward to living in the present.”

Judge and Kyle Higashioka — both members of the 2017 Yankees team that lost to Houston in the ALCS in seven games — said Sunday said they had put the scandal behind them and Beltran said he hoped they wouldn’t have to address it again.

“It’s difficult for them as a player, every time you’ve got to come to the ballpark and address the media about a situation not related to you, takes a lot from hitters and players,” Beltran said. “Hopefully this can go away and the players can focus on playing the game.”

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April 4, 2022
The contract extension battle lines for Aaron Judge, Yankees

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Lists are not the most creative of ways to get into a column, but I feel we need one to begin this piece. Because this grouping, this top 5, this — OK, I will use the dirty four-letter word — list will be our guide through trying to unbundle the Aaron Judge extension talks with the Yankees.

Contract negotiations in baseball revolve around comparables, and to get a sense of where Judge and the Yankees stand, we first need to understand where Judge stands in the game now. This list is for Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement from 2017-21, the five full seasons that Judge has been a Yankee:

1. Mookie Betts, 32.0
2. Mike Trout, 28.4
3t. Judge, 26.7
3t. Jose Ramirez, 26.7
5. Nolan Arenado, 25.9

So why is this list fascinating? Because Betts and Trout are definitely going to be central to these Judge talks. Because Ramirez — look at that, tied with Judge in this category — is the other mega-player involved in extension negotiations right now with his team (Cleveland). And because Arenado in February 2019 signed the kind of star-level, face-of-the-franchise extension with Colorado before beginning his walk year that the Yankees and Judge are trying to complete now.

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April 1, 2022
Yankees usually ‘get it done’ in contract talks

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TAMPA — Gerrit Cole is among the Yankees teammates who have spoken to Aaron Judge about his negotiations with the team as he seeks a long-term extension to avoid arbitration and possibly free agency next offseason.

And Cole knows first-hand what it’s like to be a top target of the Yankees and managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner — and to get what you want.

“I don’t want to speculate [on Judge’s free agency], because there’s this window right here and then at the end of the year [before he hits the market], but I would say when the Yankees want somebody and their back is up against the wall, if Hal wants to get it done, he gets it done,’’ Cole said Thursday at Steinbrenner Field.

With just a week left before Opening Day, Judge said he knows time is running short for him to agree to a long-term extension with the Yankees before talks are shut down by his publicly stated deadline.

“I’m always optimistic, but I know the days are counting down and both sides want to get something done,’’ Judge told The Post on Thursday.

Aaron Judge runs to first base during a Yankees spring training game.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

And after seemingly backing off his firm April 7 deadline over the weekend, Judge stated Thursday he hadn’t softened his stance.

“I’m gonna stick with that deadline,’’ Judge said. “I think it’s best for both parties, so they can focus on what they need to do and I can focus on what I need to do, which is on the field. If we’re not close by then, what’s the point of communicating in the season?”

General manager Brian Cashman said on Saturday that Judge would have an offer for an extension by Opening Day.

Both Cashman and Judge declined on Thursday to discuss the details of the talks.

If no deal is struck by then, they’ll go to an arbitration hearing, with Judge seeking $21 million and the Yankees offering $17 million.

In the meantime, Judge is communicating with players past and present about how best to handle the negotiations.

Hal Steinbrenner (left) introduces Gerrit Cole (right) at his introductory press conference.
Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

“I’ve talked to a lot of guys, some who are done playing and teammates that have gone through the process — especially with the Yankees,’’ Judge said. “I want to pick their brain about what they went through and how it was to try to get as much information as I can to prepare myself. … It’s kind of like getting a practice test so nothing surprises you.”

Judge said his most recent conversations on the topic came with Cole and DJ LeMahieu, both of whom signed free-agent deals with the Yankees.

Cole said his advice to Judge was simple: “I think when it comes to business, I just encourage people to make the best decision for themselves and their family,” and to keep the emotions from the contract talks away from the field.

That’s what Judge says he’s trying to do.

“This is cool and a fun process and a lot of people helped me along the way to get to this spot,’’ Judge said. “But I’m ready to get it over with.”

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April 1, 2022