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Mailbag: Waive Chris Kaman as Meyers Leonard grows?

By David MacKay

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This is actually one of my personal favorite ponderings, but before I dive in, I want to make sure everyone else reading this is aware, as you are, of Chris Kaman’s contract situation.

When the Trail Blazers signed Kaman with their mid-level exception last year, Kaman agreed to $9.8M over a two year period. However; only $5.8M was guaranteed. Since Kaman collected $4.8M during the 2014-15 NBA season, he is only guaranteed $1.0M of the remaining $5.0M. That $1.0M can be considered dead cap, as well as the price Portland can pay if they wish to waive him in favor of cap space and a roster slot. If they choose to keep him, he is owed the full $5.0M.

Now, let’s look at where the Trail Blazers stand contractually for the coming season, with specific regard to the frontcourt.

  • Chris Kaman: Partially guaranteed ($5M)

Kaman, Leonard, and Freeland are the only big men whose fate the Trail Blazers ultimately control, though I expect the Trail Blazers to retain Aldridge and Lopez to the best of their ability. That effort right there means sacrifices need to be made. Freeing up $4.0M in cap space would help a lot. We already know that the Trail Blazers are willing shed expensive reserves as necessity dictates, otherwise Thomas Robinson would still be around.

The easiest way for them to do that is to thank Kaman for his contributions and send him on his way. They specifically built the right to do so into his contract in order to give themselves more options in such a huge free agency year. Yet, said contributions cannot be overlooked for the solitary purpose of saving money. Kaman led the Trail Blazers bench in points per game, rebounds per game, and blocks per game for the 2014-15 season.

Jan 14, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) and Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard (11) during the fourth quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

So has Leonard improved enough to replace what Kaman gave to Portland? Or, at the very least, has he reached a point of competence that would justify a downgrade for cash? The answer probably lies somewhere in between. He cannot replace Kaman’s grit because he and Kaman are fundamentally different players, but, because he has begun to excel in his niche, I would not consider him a downgrade at all. Either way, the Trail Blazers can afford to commit to Leonard; especially considering age and career trends.

At 33 years old, Kaman’s best years are behind him. At 23 years old, Leonard’s best years are dead ahead. If Kaman’s declining usefulness and Leonard’s rising usefulness are so close to a point of intersection that your question can even be asked, it’s a safe bet that Leonard will be prioritized. In which case, why not save money at such a crucial juncture by expanding Leonard’s role and waiving Kaman? It is probably the most advisable course of action, despite the amazing job Kaman has done in Portland.

Make no mistake, I do not use the term “amazing” lightly. A big part of why Leonard was able to ascend so quickly was the individual work Kaman put in with him at practice. Kaman acted as a mentor, friend, and teacher to Leonard. Watching them stay late from time to time to work on post moves was a privilege. Their hard work translated to success on the floor, where Kaman continued to guide Leonard to prominence.

There would seem a hint of derision in such a supplanting if not for Kaman’s awareness of the mission. He had to know that given the nature of own his contract, the nature of Leonard’s contract (2015-16 option exercised last October), and the nature of their one-on-one work together, that Leonard would ideally become serviceable enough to be the first center off the bench. Whether that comes to pass remains to be seen, but the Trail Blazers are certainly in position to make it happen.

The more Portland feels Leonard is ready to contribute, the less likely we are to see Kaman playing in red and black next season. It makes the most sense for them to put their eggs in Leonard’s basket and put $1.0M in Kaman’s. The leftover money can then be better distributed among players that figure into Portland’s long-term plans.

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