Saltzman Decides...The Contracts of Ellis and Biedrins

The contracts of Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins have been a source of much debate through the years.  It is something, that as a fan, is easy to second guess and criticize.  That being said, both players were so young and so full of potential at the time of the 2008 off-season.  I do agree with the signing, but I don't agree with the length or money.

I would have drawn a hard line in the sand that no contract be longer than 4 years.  I also would have been more realistic about the roles these two players were going to play.  In a salary capped world, no role player should be making 20% of the cap room.  They shouldn't make more than 10-15%.

Warriors sign Monta Ellis to a 4 year $36 million contract.  This contract will pay Ellis $9 million a year.  This will ensure that the NBA's best 6th man remains with the Warriors for a long time.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have Monta under contract for the next several years," Warriors president of basketball operations Chris Mullin told The Associated Press. "He has been one of the top young players in the NBA for the last two years and enjoyed a tremendous season last year. The growth that he has demonstrated at such a young age is incredible and we look forward to him playing a big part in our future success."

Warriors sign Andris Biedrins to a 4 year $28 million contract.  This contract will pay Biedrins $7 million a year. This will ensure that of the game's best young centers remains with the Warriors for a long time.

“We’re extremely happy to have Andris under contract for many years to come,” said Mullin. “He is clearly one of the top young centers in the NBA and, much like the young player we signed a few days ago (Monta Ellis), he has continued to improve every season. It’s not easy to find quality young big men in this league, but we certainly think we have one of them and he’s only 22 years old.”