Thursday, July 29, 2004
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
Chat with NBA Insider Chad Ford at 1 p.m. ET today.
Will the Clippers match the Suns' offer sheet for Quentin Richardson? That's the question on everyone's mind this morning as the 15-day window for the Clippers to respond to the Suns' offer sheet expires Thursday at midnight eastern.
With most of the free-agent dollars dried up, several teams and player agents are waiting with bated breath for the decision.
The Clippers, as of late Wednesday night, still weren't willing to divulge their decision. Sources have been maintaining for more than a week that the Clippers were leaning heavily toward matching the offer. However, a number of trade scenarios have popped up over the past few days that could convince the Clippers not to match in an effort to preserve their cap space for a deal down the road.
A league source told Insider on Wednesday that Richardson had not had any contact with the Clippers since he signed the offer sheet.
"You'd think, if they wanted him back, they would've at least tried to give him a little love after the Kobe thing fell through," the source told Insider. "Everyone knew they were after Kobe, but after he chose the Lakers, I think he expected the Clippers to reach out."
Quentin Richardson
Shooting Guard
Los Angeles Clippers
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM
PPG
RPG
APG
FG%
FT%
65
17.2
6.4
2.1
.398
.740
Richardson's six-year, $42.6 million offer sheet is pretty reasonable -- especially given the out-of-control market this summer. His starting salary of $5.8 million is barely more than the mid-level exception and $1.2 million less than Corey Maggette's starting salary last season. However, Insider has learned that his contract does have a few clauses in it that have given the Clippers pause.
Richardson's contract stipulates that 70 percent of his first-year salary has to be paid to him on Aug. 15th. The contract also has a 15 percent trade kicker in it. The Clippers matched similar-type offers for Elton Brand and Maggette last season. Will it scare them away from Q?
The Suns don't know either.
"I'm not sure what their going to do," Suns GM Bryan Colengelo told Insider Wednesday afternoon. "We're waiting like everyone else. I think he'd be a great fit on our basketball team. But we have contingency plans in place in the event that they match."
If the Clippers match, suddenly the Suns become players in the free-agent market again. Warriors free-agent center Erick Dampier has been waiting for over a week to see what happens with Phoenix. The Suns still need a big man and Dampier would be a good fit, especially if he's willing to sign outright for the $5.8 million in cap space the team has.
If he's not, the Suns may still be able to work out a sign-and-trade. If the Warriors were willing to take back center Jake Voskuhl (2 years, $3.57 remaining), he could do a sign-and-trade for a starting salary of $7.6 million. Given that the Warriors can give him 12.5 percent raises, he could end up with a contract of five years, $47.4 million or six years, $59.7 million depending on how high the Suns were willing to go. The Suns aren't willing to break the bank for him.
Dampier isn't the only option for the Suns. Stromile Swift is still looking for an offer sheet, though it appears likely the Grizzlies would match a six-year, $42.6 million offer sheet. Other top-tier free agents like Darius Miles are also looking for a home.
If the Clippers choose not to match, the Suns are capped out, but the Clippers would have roughly $13.2 million in cap space to use. That number goes down to $7.4 million if the team matches.
A number of free agents have targeted the Clippers as have several teams trying to cut cap and work out a trade. Most notably, the Nets have been trying to work out a deal that would send Kerry Kittles (and the one year, $10.3 million left on his contract) to the Clippers in an effort to get even further under the salary cap. Why would the Clippers pay Kittles $10.3 million but refuse to pay Richardson (arguably the better player) $5.8 million next year? With Kittles and Marko Jaric coming off the books next summer, the Clippers would have max cap room to play with again next year.
Around the League
More restricted news: Only five other restricted free agents have signed offer sheets with teams. Mehmet Okur signed one with the Jazz. The Pistons withdrew their qualifying offer from Okur when they signed Rasheed Wallace and Okur signed with the Jazz on Monday. The Wizards matched the Bucks' offer to Etan Thomas. The Cavs will be unable to match the Jazz's offer to Carlos Boozer and he's expected to formally sign today.
The Raptors have decided to match the Hornets' three-year, $15 million offer to Mo Peterson, according to several reports. They are expected to announce their decision today. The other outstanding offer is the Blazers' four-year, $27 million offer sheet to Trenton Hassell. The Timberwolves have until Aug. 10 to match the offer.
More options for Damp? If the Suns end up landing Richardson or, if they can't work out a quick deal with Dampier, look for Dampier to land in either New York or Atlanta by early next week.
The Knicks have reportedly upped their offer to Golden State, offering Kurt Thomas and Othella Harrington (who is in the last year of his contract) to the Warriors for Dampier in a sign-and-trade. Thomas could provide the Warriors with a much-needed veteran presence at the four, though Chris Mullin might balk at the five years, $36.8 million left on his contract.
If things don't go that way, Dampier will likely sign the Hawks' offer. The Hawks have, according to sources, upped their offer to Dampier now that they've received considerable trade interest from several teams, including the Grizzlies. The Warriors may not be interested in doing a sign-and-trade, but the Hawks wouldn't be averse to signing Dampier and then trading him. If they sign Dampier, they won't be able to trade him until Dec. 15.
There's always the risk, given his history, that Dampier will get injured and become untradeable before the deadline. But if he goes to Atlanta and plays well for a few months, it may convince a team like the Grizzlies or Pacers to make a trade that could help fill a number of holes that the Hawks have.
Miles, Abdur-Rahim blazing in Portland: Lost in the Shareef Abdur-Rahim trade demand on Tuesday was a subtle hint as to why restricted free agent Darius Miles and the Blazers aren't even close to an agreement.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Power Forward
Portland Trail Blazers
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM
PPG
RPG
APG
FG%
FT%
85
16.3
7.5
2.0
.475
.869
According to Abdur-Rahim and coach Maurice Cheeks, the Blazers are offering Shareef Miles' job at the three. Miles started 42 games at small forward for the Blazers last season, averaging 12.6 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 28 mpg. By the end of the season, he'd upped his averages to 14.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg. Not too shabby.
Last season, Cheeks clearly preferred Miles to Abdur-Rahim and it was tough to argue with the results. The team went 24-16 with Miles in the starting lineup, a dramatic improvement from where it began the season.
Abdur-Rahim averaged 10 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 23 mpg coming off the bench. However, his production steadily fell off as the season wore on. By April, he was averaging just 7.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 17.8 mpg.
Why the sudden change of heart from Cheeks? Even Abdur-Rahim doesn't get it.
Darius Miles
Guard-Forward
Portland Trail Blazers
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM
PPG
RPG
APG
FG%
FT%
79
10.9
4.5
2.1
.485
.642
"My problem with that is if you started Darius at small forward all of last year -- and Darius is supposed to be a big part of the Blazers' future – and now I'm going to start there?" Abdur-Rahim told the Oregonian. "That's creating a crazy situation. What is Darius supposed to think about that? And for the team? That's not good. I don't want to be in a situation where it's uncomfortable.
"And last season, I didn't even split time at the four, and now all of a sudden you want to start me at the three and have me back up at the four? I just want to know what is really going on. Are they trying to keep me to save luxury tax dollars the next season, or what? I just want to sit down and get some straight talk."
Abdur-Rahim is so upset about the situation that he's threatening to sit out the season if he isn't traded. Can you imagine how Miles feels? During his exit interview, Miles was told he was going to be a big part of the Blazers' future. Abdur-Rahim was told they'd try to trade him. Now, it looks like both promises have been turned on their head.
After the latest fiasco, there's no question that Miles, too, now wants out of Portland. He was stunned when the team offered him a contract that started lower than its one-year tender offer ($5.4 million). The few teams left with cap room have been reluctant to make offers because the Blazers are claiming they'll match. Several teams are willing to do sign-and-trades, but the Blazers are refusing to talk.
That leaves Miles with just two options. One, he can still try to convince a team like the Clippers, Hawks, Suns (if Q isn't matched) or the Bobcats to make him an offer. The Clippers make the most sense. He flourished in L.A. and has a rock-solid relationship with Corey Maggette, Elton Brand and rookie Shaun Livingston. He works out with all three at Hoops the Gym in Chicago all summer. He's also best friends with Quentin Richardson. The two would love to be reunited.
If that doesn't work, Miles can accept Portland's one-year tender offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Doing so guarantees that he'll bolt the Blazers next summer. Like most free agents, he'd prefer to get a deal done now before the collective bargaining agreement expires . . . but given the current climate in Portland, sources say he's on the verge of taking the tender offer.
All of this leads to the inevitable, what the heck are the Blazers thinking, conclusion. While clearly they hold most of the negotiating cards right now, if Miles calls their bluff and takes the tender offer, they've just lost a valuable asset. Owner Paul Allen and GM John Nash may prefer Abdur-Rahim to Miles, but the reality is that Shareef is bolting Portland.
If the Blazers don't trade him this year, he'll leave via unrestricted free agency next summer. If Miles does the same … where does that leave the Blazers? With Zach Randolph (who's looking for a big extension next summer) and roughly $20 million in cap room. Maybe the Blazers think they can do better on the open market next year, but if Miles blows up this year (he showed signs of it toward the end of the season) the Blazers will end up kicking themselves.
Free agent updates
League sources told Insider that the Lakers have reached a multi-year agreement with big man Slava Medvedenko. Look for him to sign the contract on Monday. The Lakers are also close to signing second round draft pick Marcus Douthit to a deal.
Lithuanian sharp shooter and top international free agent Arvydas Macijauskas signed a three year extension on Monday with Tau Ceramic. However, he can still head to the NBA this season as long as he does a deal by July 31st. After that window, he's unavailable until next summer. Several teams, including the Bulls, have shown interest.
Look for Hawks free agent point guard Jacque Vaughn to land in New Jersey along with another free agent guard Rodney Buford. Both have been in serious talks with the Nets all week. Vaughn is the most critical signing. It looks like Jason Kidd may miss that start of the season after offseason knee surgery and the Nets need someone with starting experience to replace him.
Hawks guard Travis Hansen is trying to talk the Hawks out of picking up their team option for his second year. The Hawks drafted a four swingmen in this year's draft and played Hansen sparingly in the summer league. A number of teams are in hot pursuit of Hansen, but can't do anything until the Hawks decide what to do with him. The Hawks have until Aug. 15th to waive him or his salary protection becomes full.
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
Chat with NBA Insider Chad Ford at 1 p.m. ET today.
Will the Clippers match the Suns' offer sheet for Quentin Richardson? That's the question on everyone's mind this morning as the 15-day window for the Clippers to respond to the Suns' offer sheet expires Thursday at midnight eastern.
With most of the free-agent dollars dried up, several teams and player agents are waiting with bated breath for the decision.
The Clippers, as of late Wednesday night, still weren't willing to divulge their decision. Sources have been maintaining for more than a week that the Clippers were leaning heavily toward matching the offer. However, a number of trade scenarios have popped up over the past few days that could convince the Clippers not to match in an effort to preserve their cap space for a deal down the road.
A league source told Insider on Wednesday that Richardson had not had any contact with the Clippers since he signed the offer sheet.
"You'd think, if they wanted him back, they would've at least tried to give him a little love after the Kobe thing fell through," the source told Insider. "Everyone knew they were after Kobe, but after he chose the Lakers, I think he expected the Clippers to reach out."
Quentin Richardson
Shooting Guard
Los Angeles Clippers
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM
PPG
RPG
APG
FG%
FT%
65
17.2
6.4
2.1
.398
.740
Richardson's six-year, $42.6 million offer sheet is pretty reasonable -- especially given the out-of-control market this summer. His starting salary of $5.8 million is barely more than the mid-level exception and $1.2 million less than Corey Maggette's starting salary last season. However, Insider has learned that his contract does have a few clauses in it that have given the Clippers pause.
Richardson's contract stipulates that 70 percent of his first-year salary has to be paid to him on Aug. 15th. The contract also has a 15 percent trade kicker in it. The Clippers matched similar-type offers for Elton Brand and Maggette last season. Will it scare them away from Q?
The Suns don't know either.
"I'm not sure what their going to do," Suns GM Bryan Colengelo told Insider Wednesday afternoon. "We're waiting like everyone else. I think he'd be a great fit on our basketball team. But we have contingency plans in place in the event that they match."
If the Clippers match, suddenly the Suns become players in the free-agent market again. Warriors free-agent center Erick Dampier has been waiting for over a week to see what happens with Phoenix. The Suns still need a big man and Dampier would be a good fit, especially if he's willing to sign outright for the $5.8 million in cap space the team has.
If he's not, the Suns may still be able to work out a sign-and-trade. If the Warriors were willing to take back center Jake Voskuhl (2 years, $3.57 remaining), he could do a sign-and-trade for a starting salary of $7.6 million. Given that the Warriors can give him 12.5 percent raises, he could end up with a contract of five years, $47.4 million or six years, $59.7 million depending on how high the Suns were willing to go. The Suns aren't willing to break the bank for him.
Dampier isn't the only option for the Suns. Stromile Swift is still looking for an offer sheet, though it appears likely the Grizzlies would match a six-year, $42.6 million offer sheet. Other top-tier free agents like Darius Miles are also looking for a home.
If the Clippers choose not to match, the Suns are capped out, but the Clippers would have roughly $13.2 million in cap space to use. That number goes down to $7.4 million if the team matches.
A number of free agents have targeted the Clippers as have several teams trying to cut cap and work out a trade. Most notably, the Nets have been trying to work out a deal that would send Kerry Kittles (and the one year, $10.3 million left on his contract) to the Clippers in an effort to get even further under the salary cap. Why would the Clippers pay Kittles $10.3 million but refuse to pay Richardson (arguably the better player) $5.8 million next year? With Kittles and Marko Jaric coming off the books next summer, the Clippers would have max cap room to play with again next year.
Around the League
More restricted news: Only five other restricted free agents have signed offer sheets with teams. Mehmet Okur signed one with the Jazz. The Pistons withdrew their qualifying offer from Okur when they signed Rasheed Wallace and Okur signed with the Jazz on Monday. The Wizards matched the Bucks' offer to Etan Thomas. The Cavs will be unable to match the Jazz's offer to Carlos Boozer and he's expected to formally sign today.
The Raptors have decided to match the Hornets' three-year, $15 million offer to Mo Peterson, according to several reports. They are expected to announce their decision today. The other outstanding offer is the Blazers' four-year, $27 million offer sheet to Trenton Hassell. The Timberwolves have until Aug. 10 to match the offer.
More options for Damp? If the Suns end up landing Richardson or, if they can't work out a quick deal with Dampier, look for Dampier to land in either New York or Atlanta by early next week.
The Knicks have reportedly upped their offer to Golden State, offering Kurt Thomas and Othella Harrington (who is in the last year of his contract) to the Warriors for Dampier in a sign-and-trade. Thomas could provide the Warriors with a much-needed veteran presence at the four, though Chris Mullin might balk at the five years, $36.8 million left on his contract.
If things don't go that way, Dampier will likely sign the Hawks' offer. The Hawks have, according to sources, upped their offer to Dampier now that they've received considerable trade interest from several teams, including the Grizzlies. The Warriors may not be interested in doing a sign-and-trade, but the Hawks wouldn't be averse to signing Dampier and then trading him. If they sign Dampier, they won't be able to trade him until Dec. 15.
There's always the risk, given his history, that Dampier will get injured and become untradeable before the deadline. But if he goes to Atlanta and plays well for a few months, it may convince a team like the Grizzlies or Pacers to make a trade that could help fill a number of holes that the Hawks have.
Miles, Abdur-Rahim blazing in Portland: Lost in the Shareef Abdur-Rahim trade demand on Tuesday was a subtle hint as to why restricted free agent Darius Miles and the Blazers aren't even close to an agreement.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Power Forward
Portland Trail Blazers
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM
PPG
RPG
APG
FG%
FT%
85
16.3
7.5
2.0
.475
.869
According to Abdur-Rahim and coach Maurice Cheeks, the Blazers are offering Shareef Miles' job at the three. Miles started 42 games at small forward for the Blazers last season, averaging 12.6 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 28 mpg. By the end of the season, he'd upped his averages to 14.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg. Not too shabby.
Last season, Cheeks clearly preferred Miles to Abdur-Rahim and it was tough to argue with the results. The team went 24-16 with Miles in the starting lineup, a dramatic improvement from where it began the season.
Abdur-Rahim averaged 10 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 23 mpg coming off the bench. However, his production steadily fell off as the season wore on. By April, he was averaging just 7.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 17.8 mpg.
Why the sudden change of heart from Cheeks? Even Abdur-Rahim doesn't get it.
Darius Miles
Guard-Forward
Portland Trail Blazers
Profile
2003-2004 SEASON STATISTICS
GM
PPG
RPG
APG
FG%
FT%
79
10.9
4.5
2.1
.485
.642
"My problem with that is if you started Darius at small forward all of last year -- and Darius is supposed to be a big part of the Blazers' future – and now I'm going to start there?" Abdur-Rahim told the Oregonian. "That's creating a crazy situation. What is Darius supposed to think about that? And for the team? That's not good. I don't want to be in a situation where it's uncomfortable.
"And last season, I didn't even split time at the four, and now all of a sudden you want to start me at the three and have me back up at the four? I just want to know what is really going on. Are they trying to keep me to save luxury tax dollars the next season, or what? I just want to sit down and get some straight talk."
Abdur-Rahim is so upset about the situation that he's threatening to sit out the season if he isn't traded. Can you imagine how Miles feels? During his exit interview, Miles was told he was going to be a big part of the Blazers' future. Abdur-Rahim was told they'd try to trade him. Now, it looks like both promises have been turned on their head.
After the latest fiasco, there's no question that Miles, too, now wants out of Portland. He was stunned when the team offered him a contract that started lower than its one-year tender offer ($5.4 million). The few teams left with cap room have been reluctant to make offers because the Blazers are claiming they'll match. Several teams are willing to do sign-and-trades, but the Blazers are refusing to talk.
That leaves Miles with just two options. One, he can still try to convince a team like the Clippers, Hawks, Suns (if Q isn't matched) or the Bobcats to make him an offer. The Clippers make the most sense. He flourished in L.A. and has a rock-solid relationship with Corey Maggette, Elton Brand and rookie Shaun Livingston. He works out with all three at Hoops the Gym in Chicago all summer. He's also best friends with Quentin Richardson. The two would love to be reunited.
If that doesn't work, Miles can accept Portland's one-year tender offer and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Doing so guarantees that he'll bolt the Blazers next summer. Like most free agents, he'd prefer to get a deal done now before the collective bargaining agreement expires . . . but given the current climate in Portland, sources say he's on the verge of taking the tender offer.
All of this leads to the inevitable, what the heck are the Blazers thinking, conclusion. While clearly they hold most of the negotiating cards right now, if Miles calls their bluff and takes the tender offer, they've just lost a valuable asset. Owner Paul Allen and GM John Nash may prefer Abdur-Rahim to Miles, but the reality is that Shareef is bolting Portland.
If the Blazers don't trade him this year, he'll leave via unrestricted free agency next summer. If Miles does the same … where does that leave the Blazers? With Zach Randolph (who's looking for a big extension next summer) and roughly $20 million in cap room. Maybe the Blazers think they can do better on the open market next year, but if Miles blows up this year (he showed signs of it toward the end of the season) the Blazers will end up kicking themselves.
Free agent updates
League sources told Insider that the Lakers have reached a multi-year agreement with big man Slava Medvedenko. Look for him to sign the contract on Monday. The Lakers are also close to signing second round draft pick Marcus Douthit to a deal.
Lithuanian sharp shooter and top international free agent Arvydas Macijauskas signed a three year extension on Monday with Tau Ceramic. However, he can still head to the NBA this season as long as he does a deal by July 31st. After that window, he's unavailable until next summer. Several teams, including the Bulls, have shown interest.
Look for Hawks free agent point guard Jacque Vaughn to land in New Jersey along with another free agent guard Rodney Buford. Both have been in serious talks with the Nets all week. Vaughn is the most critical signing. It looks like Jason Kidd may miss that start of the season after offseason knee surgery and the Nets need someone with starting experience to replace him.
Hawks guard Travis Hansen is trying to talk the Hawks out of picking up their team option for his second year. The Hawks drafted a four swingmen in this year's draft and played Hansen sparingly in the summer league. A number of teams are in hot pursuit of Hansen, but can't do anything until the Hawks decide what to do with him. The Hawks have until Aug. 15th to waive him or his salary protection becomes full.
