The problem isn't 90+ million. If the bulls could offer the 4 year max of a little over 90 million melo would for sure leave. He wouldn't be leaving as much on the table. It's deceiving when comparing the numbers because New York can offer an extra year at the 4.5% increase. The issue is the per year average. Without a sign and trade of boozer the bulls can only offer a 16 mill per year average with the 4.5% increases. Whereas the Knicks can offer the 20-22 mill a year average max. So the difference is truly closer to 20 million.
Rumor is the bulls have an offer that is 16 million a year with the increases but a player option after 2 years. Which would allow melo to opt out at a time where a new tv deal will be struck the salary cap will jump and the bulls will have the money to offer him the 5 year max contract anyways.
It's more complicated than espn talking about leaving 60 million on the table. That is not accurate and deceiving the real situation.
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