Just based on what I hear, I think ISU could afford up to $5mil without it causing adverse effects on other programs, coaches, prospective plans, contingencies, etc. That is just speculation based on talking with big donors and the discussions they've had with JP. Now, just because we can afford up to that limit, doesn't mean there is a scenario where JP wants to spend even half that, and he would prefer to spend a third of that at most.
Jeremy, if this is the case, why didn't we at least explore the option to give Fred that and keep him? This leads me to believe that Fred didn't give a rats butt about the money, but basically said what he said in the press conference, "here is my list of NBA coaching jobs, if any of those come up during my tenure at Iowa State, I'd be interested in leaving for them."