Even if TT got the Max, the Max for him is lesser than it is for vets already on Max deals like Aldridge and Gasol. They'd be called MAX deals but the value of Tristans would start at 15.8, while the MAX for Aldridge and Gasol(or Love for that matter) will start at closer to 20 million. Also, I don't think he ends up with that 15.8 max starting point. I think he ultimately signs for a deal starting between 13.5-14.5 per year.
And to say we're under the smaller cap is misleading. If TT signs a 4 year deal and the cap jumps up significantly in years 2, 3, and 4(as its set to do) than the value of his deal changes over time.
But most importantly, what are our options? Let him walk? You take value and replace it with nothing. He walks and all we can add is the taxpayer MLE to replace him. Yes we can use the Haywood contract to get something, but why not keep talent in TT AND use the Haywood deal for additional talent?
Additionally, the LeBron/Rich Paul dynamic can no be ignored. It simply can't. Whether you or I think it should matter or not, it does matter.
Finally, if signing TT to a large deal does prevent us from keeping everyone else, doesn't prevent us from using the Haywood deal to add more talent, and doesn't stop us from using the taxpayer MLE than what beyond the simple gripe that he'd be overpaid is the reason for not doing it?
Its not our money. It's not the real world. It's not doctors, policemen, and civil servants. It doesn't have to make sense. It doesn't have to be fair or true value. Is Tristan worth more than the 11 million Steph will make next year. Of course not. But getting Steph isn't an option for us.
Our option is keep Tristan or lose him for nothing. I suppose potentially, we could try and trade him, but that only works with the blessing of LeBron, like it or not.