For the second time in two days, a deal has been worked out for a high-profile player. And, for the second time in two days, the trade now hinges on the player working out an acceptable deal with his new team.
Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that the Saints have agreed to the terms of a trade that would send running back Reggie Bush to the Dolphins.
The deal hinges on the Dolphins working out an acceptable contract with Bush. Due to earn a base salary of $11.8 million in 2011, Bush will have to take a pay cut. (Of course, if he agrees to a long-term deal with the Dolphins, he could actually pocket $11.8 million in salary and bonuses in 2011, or more.)
There’s also a chance that Bush will stay put in New Orleans, if he agrees to accept a reduced rate of pay.
The move makes plenty of sense for the Saints, who would have had no choice but to cut Bush ASAP. If he tears an ACL or busts an Achilles’ tendon in training camp, New Orleans will owe him the full $11.8 million.
Also, by trading him the Saints will be able to ensure that he ended up out of their division -- and out of their conference.
In the end, Bush’s place of employment for 2011 will come down to whether he wants to stay with the Saints or move on. Lately, he has been saying all the right things about New Orleans. His chance to prove that he means it has now arrived.