KoriEllis
09-22-2004, 04:01 AM
Swift, Griz are nowhere near deal
Upcoming season could be last in Memphis for power forward
By Ronald Tillery
September 22, 2004
www.commercialappeal.com/...09,00.html (http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_3200309,00.html)
Stromile Swift and the Grizzlies are so far apart in contract negotiations that the power forward is about to enter what could conceivably be his final season with the team.
The Grizzlies, according to Swift's agent, are not offering his client market value. So Swift is determined to play out this season and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
That means Swift can sign with another team without giving the Grizzlies a chance to match -- a situation similar to what Kenyon Martin experienced before leaving New Jersey for Denver.
"We've had ongoing dialog with Jerry (West, Griz president) all summer," said Swift's agent, Mason Ashe. "I'm not going to negotiate in the media. All I will say is that we're not on the same page as to what type of commitment (Swift) deserves if he stays in Memphis. This contract has to anticipate what his value will be over the next six years."
Barring a change in tone with contract talks, Swift will sign a one-year extension on his rookie contract. In doing so, he'll earn the right to negotiate (no strings attached) with any team following the 2004-05 season. The one-year tender also means that the Griz cannot trade Swift before next summer.
West said he presented Swift with a few contract options that include incentives. West would not offer specifics. But Griz insiders said the crux of those deals is a six-year, $37 million package.
The Griz have also asked Swift to sign a short-term deal -- lasting two or three years.
Swift, according to insiders, is seeking six years and nearly $60 million.
His stance could be based partly on the amount of money handed out this summer to relatively unproven players.
Adonal Foyle re-signed with Golden State for five years and $41.6 million.
Utah grabbed Carlos Boozer from Cleveland with a six-year, $68 million deal.
Darius Miles remained in Portland for $48 million over six years.
West said he was not interested in trading Swift.
At least a half dozen teams expressed interest in Swift but were scared off by the Grizzlies' insistence that they would match any offer. Meanwhile, Boston, Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, Chicago and Golden State were among the teams willing to do a sign-and-trade for Swift.
West, according to insiders, refused and cited the inability for those teams to put together a fair package in return.
"I'm going to talk to his people again (this week)," West told The Commercial Appeal in a recent interview.
Asked if he was concerned about the NBA's financial climate changing with a new labor agreement in place next summer, Ashe flatly said, "No."
"As long as he gets market value, it doesn't matter," he said. "We think (Swift) will eventually get market value. ... If we can't get a deal done, there will be no hard feelings."
What will linger is a possibility that the Griz could lose Swift and get nothing in return.
Upcoming season could be last in Memphis for power forward
By Ronald Tillery
September 22, 2004
www.commercialappeal.com/...09,00.html (http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_3200309,00.html)
Stromile Swift and the Grizzlies are so far apart in contract negotiations that the power forward is about to enter what could conceivably be his final season with the team.
The Grizzlies, according to Swift's agent, are not offering his client market value. So Swift is determined to play out this season and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
That means Swift can sign with another team without giving the Grizzlies a chance to match -- a situation similar to what Kenyon Martin experienced before leaving New Jersey for Denver.
"We've had ongoing dialog with Jerry (West, Griz president) all summer," said Swift's agent, Mason Ashe. "I'm not going to negotiate in the media. All I will say is that we're not on the same page as to what type of commitment (Swift) deserves if he stays in Memphis. This contract has to anticipate what his value will be over the next six years."
Barring a change in tone with contract talks, Swift will sign a one-year extension on his rookie contract. In doing so, he'll earn the right to negotiate (no strings attached) with any team following the 2004-05 season. The one-year tender also means that the Griz cannot trade Swift before next summer.
West said he presented Swift with a few contract options that include incentives. West would not offer specifics. But Griz insiders said the crux of those deals is a six-year, $37 million package.
The Griz have also asked Swift to sign a short-term deal -- lasting two or three years.
Swift, according to insiders, is seeking six years and nearly $60 million.
His stance could be based partly on the amount of money handed out this summer to relatively unproven players.
Adonal Foyle re-signed with Golden State for five years and $41.6 million.
Utah grabbed Carlos Boozer from Cleveland with a six-year, $68 million deal.
Darius Miles remained in Portland for $48 million over six years.
West said he was not interested in trading Swift.
At least a half dozen teams expressed interest in Swift but were scared off by the Grizzlies' insistence that they would match any offer. Meanwhile, Boston, Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, Chicago and Golden State were among the teams willing to do a sign-and-trade for Swift.
West, according to insiders, refused and cited the inability for those teams to put together a fair package in return.
"I'm going to talk to his people again (this week)," West told The Commercial Appeal in a recent interview.
Asked if he was concerned about the NBA's financial climate changing with a new labor agreement in place next summer, Ashe flatly said, "No."
"As long as he gets market value, it doesn't matter," he said. "We think (Swift) will eventually get market value. ... If we can't get a deal done, there will be no hard feelings."
What will linger is a possibility that the Griz could lose Swift and get nothing in return.