SALARY CAP HELL -- WHO IS SUFFERING THE FIRE..??

I am still not ruling out a trade.

Exactly right...

I suspect Burns and his agent will "shop" him carefully under the TAG among teams who need/want outside help.  I would expect Burns to grab any deal that made him richer.  Nothing can happen (officially) until the 13th, but I expect to see some movement on this before too long. Any team that wants Burns will probably move fast after the year "opens" to avoid another team beating them to the deal.  I would think we'll see something within a week or so after the 13th if the TAG is in play.

A true "trade" could happen at any time up until the trade deadline. Burns would have no say in the matter..... WELL, he could refuse to go play for a different team, I guess.  Can't see that happening though...