What GM's have to learn how to do now, and if this isn't a sign then I don't know what is, is to plan for the year big free agents have their opt out clause, not necessarily when they actually play out their contracts and become free agents.
Think about this: Lebron made Cleveland do a sign and trade with Miami to get his five years, and Miami had to give up a first round pick. Lebron didn't even play out his contract and opted out, so giving up that pick was a waste for Miami. If Lebron goes back to Cleveland, not only do they get their former number one back, but they got a first round pick for next year when Miami will most likely be a treadmill team. It might be top ten protected, but it's still a pretty good pick unless Miami tanks.
I don't know what Durants contract situation is off the top of my head, but if he opts out, then we are good to go after him next year if he is unhappy with his situation, along with Gasol. But if the Knicks didn't **** up and sign Bargnani and give Amare that extra year, we would be in play right now...but the whole time it was all about 2015 2015 2015 when they knew that the contract ended for the same big free agents from 2010. It's like the thought of their opt outs didn't even occur to them.
