That is one report that is contradicted by all the other reports. And I don't even know if Ballesteri is all that plugged into the team.
Belichick wanted Garoppolo to replace Brady. And reports are that Kraft sided with Brady. And some reports have Kraft pressuring Belichick to trade away Jimmy G. And then you are saying that Belichick a year later would be giving Brady a three year contract worth $35 million and Kraft was the one who kiboshed it? It doesn't make sense.
I have not seen any other reporter back up this story. In fact, most say the opposite and say Kraft is pissed at Belichick because Kraft sided with Belichick on Brady.
Kraft gave Belichick an extension at $25 million a year after last year instead of letting him go in as a lame duck coach. I seriously doubt he would balk at paying $35 million a year to Brady since he was the face of the franchise. Everything pointed to Belichick wanting to let Brady walk one year early than one year too late. His typical way he treats players.
Wickersham's report is the wrong one.
You think the San Francisco GM lied when he called Belichick to trade for Brady and Belichick laughed in his face?
Lynch said that Belichick wouldn't even listen to any offers for Brady. It was Garoppolo he was willing to trade. Not the reverse. Wickersham's story flies in the face of everything Lynch said on the record. Wickersham was also wrong on much of Deflategate as well.
Let's not forget a few other factors here. The Patriots offered $25m. If Brady was adamant about $35m, then why did he accept $25m (the same as the Patriots money) at Tampa? He got more years, but the yearly was the same.
And lastly, prior to the 2019 season Brady showed up on Stephen Ross's boat hoping to join the Dolphins while he was still under contract with the Patriots. He should thank Flores for having morals and ethics because if Brady joined the Phins, he would've been written off in New England the way Clemens was.
Do you honestly believe that Belichick didn't get wind of that?
If I were Flores trying to make my way as a HC in the NFL, I would absolutely make sure that Belichick (HC of my archrival) heard about it somehow.
There is no way that Belichick didn't know that Brady wanted to join the Dolphins.