Strategic foresight. The ability to say 4 years from now (if applicable), "Okay, we're moving in the wrong direction. Need to rebuild. TJ's still playing well, his salary's down to $4.5m, and there's 20 teams we can talk to about moving him. Let's make a deal."
They softened the backend substantially, about as much as you can within the rules, is my point. If he's still potting 20 and a versatile, all-situations guy, moving him wouldn't have to be so hard. You might have to eat a little, but it wouldn't be impossible.