Part 3/11:
The key advantage of this four-year contract is its balanced risk and reward. Starting at roughly $20 million per year, the contract represents about 12-13% of the upcoming salary cap—a smart allocation for a player who has shown flashes of star potential. If Sharp develops into the player some envision—comparable to high-level scorers like Wiggins or even a T-Mac—the team benefits from having him on a team-friendly deal for two prime years.
Conversely, if Sharp's development stalls or he doesn't meet the lofty expectations, the downside is limited because the contract isn't a max or close to it. The deal's structure also provides Portland with flexibility; they retain control over his future and can re-evaluate or extend as needed.