As a doctor I would think you would get the difference between goal and outcome. If their goal was play out this year they wouldn't be talking and their desired outcome would be assured. The only reason to do different is because the goal is otherwise, i.e. extend him just like they say they are trying to do.
Hey, I wish they would cut off talks, play him and then franchise him until the inevitable knee injury, chancing he miracle walks after getting too expensive and becoming someone else's problem. But just play out this year is not their goal. May be the outcome, but not the goal.