I'd probably sign him to a 5 year, 45 million contract, though I'm guessing that won't be his asking price.

I'd probably sign him to a 5 year, 45 million contract, though I'm guessing that won't be his asking price.

No one is arguing Rashard Lewis's max contract is the worst ever. My biggest point was that if we could get him for $9 million a year we should do that right away, which everybody here agrees with. If hes asking for even as much as $12 million, I probably wouldnt do it. Bringing up Rashard Lewis is valid because they are essentially the same type of player, albeit at different positions. Rashard Lewis is bigger therefore will get more boards, but essentially the same type of player. Yes I am aware of how bad last FA class was and how good next year's cpuld be, but nevertheless when contracts get signed, no matter how ludicrous it is, NBA players look at those contracts as benchmarks. If Ben sees Rashard get max money, he has to believe he is not much worse, or wont be much worse if worse at all during his prime, so he would probably seek one too, and theres some moron like Isaiah that would give it to him, so if we could lock him up now for $45 million I would do that for sure.

Hinrich got 5 for $47.5. Gordon will get a minimum of $50. My projection is 5 for $55.

If Kevin Martin got 5 for $55 million for one above average year, Gordon's agents will surely be asking more since he has been improving steadily every year in the league. 5 years $70 million is my guess. I am not saying he deserves it, and I dont even disagree with you saying hes over rated, but the fact remains that contracts in the NBA these days are ridiculous, and if Pax doesnt overpay him, someone else will

Rashard Lewis and Ben Gordon is not a good comparison.

If Gordon's demand is too high for Paxson to justify, just let him play out the season, and see how the market develops in the off-season. If he averages his expected 22-24 PPG next season, but Paxson deems his contract requests unreasonable, he could be a key piece in finally getting a big man in a sign and trade.