Quote:If they don't deal him, they will have to pay him 10 mil this year then let him walk next year and receive nothing.

 

He's a free agent so it's not like they need compensation for money invested in his contract. We would be financially responsible for the entire contract.

 

If a 4th and 5th weren't enough for Cleveland to release a player this year that doesn't want to be there, then I would just keep my draft picks and and consider him an option next year.

 

Cleveland really doesn't have a lot of leverage. As long as Mack sticks to his guns, they will eventually have to make a decision that is best for them long term and that will probably have to happen before the draft. After that, getting the picks are no longer an option.

I see your point here.  The one thing I would say is that there is the possibility they would get a compensatory pick for him that might be a 3rd...or at least a 4th...if they simply let him walk.  Now it would not be TWO picks for him like it would be under your initial proposal, but they might get something for him if he simply bolts.

---