The issue comes down to competing ego's of Darren, Semere, and now Rayquan in the long term. And also the fact that Semere is the lowest payed player on the team and the lowest paid "power-player" in the league. With such a monster of a trio and no one else in the league having a true big 3, These 3 may want their celebrity to be able to breathe more -- alone. All 3 have kept mum about this so far, but when negotiation time comes, actions will speak louder than words.
Toros owner Austin Johnston has only said he expects the level of performance to stay where it is and only get better from there. Sources say Toros management will keep these 3 until the wheels fall off. And looking at this teams very forgettable past history, it would make sense. They are entering into untread terrain; the 2 other Back to Back title holders (PHA, DD) fell off sharply after they won the titles. The Toros are easily above everyone else talent-wise coming into the offseason. So why not get a third straight ring?
The potential to build an even better team.
Everyone knows what the Toros decide to do with Semere will dictate how this year's offseason will work. The most clear suitor for Semere if the Toros dealt him would be the young and skill-less Reapers. They need a tried and true veteran (even though he'll only be 3 years old, but hey, he's played 40 games in 2 years). And the Toros could pocket a hot 1st pick in the draft to be the next star and probably build some more cap room for potential later diva problems. That would be the best fit.
The Dizzy Devils are also in the hunt, they need a replacement for Alexi, but the problem would be Semere would be #2 to Russell. The Scarlet Ember would also be enticing because Hobbs and Andy will be leaving Rookie MVP Jack all alone to lead the team. Semere could step in and be the #1...kinda. Jack has definitely captured the spirit of the team. But the problem with DD and SE is they couldn't match what the Reapers can offer the Toros.
The only reason the Toros would deal Semere is to get an exact replica of him and some more money or personnel to build an unstoppable beast. The Reapers give them the best chance, but, the safe route would be to get another ring and then deal with the firestorm next offseason when Semere's contract is over.
This offseason should be a good one with not only Semere in talks, but also James, Salem and Casey at the end of their contracts.
