David West

Hi David,

You're a big part of my team and with being my first lottery pick, I'd like to keep your around for as long as you want to be here. I want to see AI, Hassan, and yourself settle in as the cornerstones to my franchise for years to come.

Offer: $12,500,000 for 4 Years with 8% increase

Jun 14, 2023 23:08:06 GMT -5 mattynokes said:

Hi David,

You're a big part of my team and with being my first lottery pick, I'd like to keep your around for as long as you want to be here. I want to see AI, Hassan, and yourself settle in as the cornerstones to my franchise for years to come.

Offer: $12,500,000 for 4 Years with 8% increase

Dear Trail Blazers' Organization,

I hope this letter finds you well. As the representative of David West, I wanted to address the extension offer you recently presented to my client. We appreciate your interest in retaining David's services and the effort you have put into this proposal. However, after careful consideration, we would like to counter the offer and request a maximum contract for David West.

While we understand and value the offer of a four-year extension starting at $12,500,000, with 8% raises year-over-year, we believe that David's contributions and market value warrant a higher compensation. Comparing recent contracts, such as Amar'e Stoudemire's maximum deal in free agency this offseason, we firmly believe that David should not undervalue himself. Therefore, we kindly request that you reconsider and extend a maximum contract to align with his market value.

David West has proven himself as an invaluable asset to the Portland Trail Blazers, both on and off the court. His leadership, professionalism, and consistent performance make him a vital component of the team's success. By offering a maximum contract, you not only recognize his value but also demonstrate the organization's commitment to securing his long-term future with the team.

We understand the complexities involved in contract negotiations, taking into account team salary cap considerations and market dynamics. However, we believe that an increased offer in the form of a maximum contract is a fair and reasonable proposal. We hope to engage in further discussions to find a resolution that meets the interests of both parties, ensuring a mutually beneficial agreement that reflects David West's contributions and market value accurately.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to continuing the dialogue and reaching a satisfactory agreement that showcases David West's worth to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Best regards,

FBB Agent

Verdict: OFFER COUNTERED

Feel free to accept, decline, or counter below.

While Stoudemire is decent comparison, Stoudemire still tops West in a few major categories (20.5 ppg vs 19.6, 8.8 rbg vs 7.5, and 46 PoG vs 29). So, if Stoudemire is worth a maximum deal, and I think he is, then I think West is a slight notch below that. I am willing to increase my offer by one million dollars. This will be more than what Amar'e makes in his first extension eligible season and very close to a maximum offer while also giving us some kudos for offering a guaranteed extension before your current contract runs out.

Offer: $13,500,000 for 4 Years with 8% Increase

Jun 17, 2023 17:42:18 GMT -5 mattynokes said:

While Stoudemire is decent comparison, Stoudemire still tops West in a few major categories (20.5 ppg vs 19.6, 8.8 rbg vs 7.5, and 46 PoG vs 29). So, if Stoudemire is worth a maximum deal, and I think he is, then I think West is a slight notch below that. I am willing to increase my offer by one million dollars. This will be more than what Amar'e makes in his first extension eligible season and very close to a maximum offer while also giving us some kudos for offering a guaranteed extension before your current contract runs out.

Offer: $13,500,000 for 4 Years with 8% Increase

What is the point in shorting him over 450K? That is a rookie minimum contract. And as far as your comparison goes, both guys were able to put up roughly 23 PPG in the right situation -- I think we can both agree the most recent season in Portland is not that. West is a better overall defender, as well. We view him as a guy worthy of a maximum rookie extension (four or five years, whichever you prefer), and we're not even asking for a player option when we easily could. Let's get this deal done.

Couldn't I ask the same of you - Why are you arguing so much for just an extra ~$450K? If I can't get a bit of a discount, then I don't see the point in extending a RFA-elgible player. My offer will make him almost $60.5M over the entirety of the contract. If he goes to Free Agency, the other 28 teams could max him out at just over $59.8M over the entirety of the contract. At which, I can match and get him to return at a cheaper AAV. The Player Option isn't that big of a deal to me. With the 8% increase that I can offer him, his 4th Year salary would be $16.74M. Otherwise, he'd be able to only make just shy of $16M in his 4th year at a 5% increase offer from the other 28 teams.

I'll provide a second option, with a Player Option:
1. $13,500,000 for 4 Years with 8% Increase
2. $13,350,000 for 4 Years with 8% Increase and Player Option on 4th Year

Jun 18, 2023 12:38:02 GMT -5 mattynokes said:

Couldn't I ask the same of you - Why are you arguing so much for just an extra ~$450K? If I can't get a bit of a discount, then I don't see the point in extending a RFA-elgible player. My offer will make him almost $60.5M over the entirety of the contract. If he goes to Free Agency, the other 28 teams could max him out at just over $59.8M over the entirety of the contract. At which, I can match and get him to return at a cheaper AAV. The Player Option isn't that big of a deal to me. With the 8% increase that I can offer him, his 4th Year salary would be $16.74M. Otherwise, he'd be able to only make just shy of $16M in his 4th year at a 5% increase offer from the other 28 teams.

I'll provide a second option, with a Player Option:
1. $13,500,000 for 4 Years with 8% Increase
2. $13,350,000 for 4 Years with 8% Increase and Player Option on 4th Year

I'm sorry, but this is the second major free agency negotiation you've had where you've tried to short change a max-worthy player over a trivial amount of money instead of trying to reward them for being loyal to YOU. This is a trend that I can't ignore. If you aren't willing to pay up and offer the full max, my client is prepared to walk away from the negotiating table. This is your only chance to make this right.

Verdict: OFFER COUNTERED (FINAL)

Feel free to accept or decline below.

To Agent,



The fact that my numbers weren't mentioned, even in the slightest, tells me that I was correct and this is trying to strongarm the Portland organization into giving into the pressure and prestige of a max deal, when in actuality, I'm offering more money than his other option.

Instead, I was attacked on a different negotiation. One, which didn't get past an opening offer (that was invalid), and I was told that even if it was valid, that the player intended to let his player option play out. That doesn't sound like loyalty to me. Loyalty is a two-way street.

Lastly, why even suggest that I can counter when it's always been max deal or nothing from you?


To Mr. West,

First off, let's set the max deal offer discrepancy straight. If you were an UFA, I'd have no problem offering a max deal under your current production. As a RFA, it's simply financial irresponsible to do so. Even saving just $470K can be the difference in me being able to add another free agent to aid our winning chances. My best offer can get you a total of $60.48M. Were you to head to Free Agency, the most that you can make would be $59.802M. I can then (and will) match to have you return to Portland anyways.

It is with no disrespect that my offer is what it is. I am considering what you could get in Free Agency, while also trying to be as financially sound as possible in order to further improve my team. If wish to go to Free Agency and get that lowered max deal, then by all means, no hard feelings here. However, if your agent is going to leave money on the table, then I would seek out new representation, if I were you. Either way, we'll see you back in Portland in 2007!

Jun 18, 2023 17:01:56 GMT -5 mattynokes said:

To Agent,



The fact that my numbers weren't mentioned, even in the slightest, tells me that I was correct and this is trying to strongarm the Portland organization into giving into the pressure and prestige of a max deal, when in actuality, I'm offering more money than his other option.

Instead, I was attacked on a different negotiation. One, which didn't get past an opening offer (that was invalid), and I was told that even if it was valid, that the player intended to let his player option play out. That doesn't sound like loyalty to me. Loyalty is a two-way street.

Lastly, why even suggest that I can counter when it's always been max deal or nothing from you?


To Mr. West,

First off, let's set the max deal offer discrepancy straight. If you were an UFA, I'd have no problem offering a max deal under your current production. As a RFA, it's simply financial irresponsible to do so. Even saving just $470K can be the difference in me being able to add another free agent to aid our winning chances. My best offer can get you a total of $60.48M. Were you to head to Free Agency, the most that you can make would be $59.802M. I can then (and will) match to have you return to Portland anyways.

It is with no disrespect that my offer is what it is. I am considering what you could get in Free Agency, while also trying to be as financially sound as possible in order to further improve my team. If wish to go to Free Agency and get that lowered max deal, then by all means, no hard feelings here. However, if your agent is going to leave money on the table, then I would seek out new representation, if I were you. Either way, we'll see you back in Portland in 2007!

The negotiation I was referring to was Allen Iverson’s free agency a few off-seasons ago. If you remember, you did not want to give him the maximum contract he desired, but eventually caved. I will give you one last chance to do the same here. If you do not, David West will be demanding a trade. If one is not granted to him, he will be playing for the qualifying offer in 2007 and walking the following summer. These two negotiations, as well your drastic low ball offer Bonzi Wells this summer, tells me this organization cares more about penny pinching than they do taking care of their star players, and I won’t let any player worthy of more respect rot away here. I strongly urge you to reconsider your stance.