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View Full Version : Minnesota offered Nesterovic at least $50 mil over 7 years.



Marcus Bryant
07-14-2003, 01:32 AM
espn.go.com/nba/news/2003...80271.html (http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0713/1580271.html)

Sunday, July 13

Slovenian center's wish list narrows

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ESPN.com news services

Free-agent center Rasho Nesterovic has narrowed his wish list down to two teams (Minnesota and San Antonio) and one long shot (New York) and plans to choose from among those destinations by Tuesday, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports.

The Spurs, struggling to make use of their $15-plus million in salary-cap space despite winning the championship last month, have been pursuing Nesterovic aggressively since missing out on Jason Kidd, Alonzo Mourning and P.J. Brown. Nesterovic already has a seven-year offer on the table worth more than $50 million from the Wolves, who desperately want to keep Nesterovic alongside Kevin Garnett on their front line and add to it by signing power forward.

The Knicks' presence on the 7-footer's list of finalists is due largely to Nesterovic's fondness for New York City. The Knicks can't offer Nesterovic more than the $4.9 million mid-level exception and are unlikely to tempt Minnesota with sign-and-trade offers.

Agent Bill Duffy told ESPN.com that Nesterovic is in his native Slovenia, huddling with family to make the decision by Tuesday. Wednesday is the first day free agents are permitted to sign contracts.

If the Wolves can hang onto Nesterovic, that should enhance their chances of luring Howard, who has also drawn significant interest from Orlando and Detroit -- with the Magic looming as the team most likely to beat Minnesota out.

If the Spurs miss out on Nesterovic, which would be another significant blow in their attempt to replace the retiring David Robinson, the list of desirable free-agent big men would be down to two: Indiana' s Brad Miller and the Los Angeles Clippers' Michael Olowokandi.

Indiana is intent on keep Miller as a front-line sidekick to Jermaine O'Neal, but the Spurs' cap flexibility would allow them to challenge any Pacers bid.

Olowokandi, meanwhile, is drawing strong interest from Memphis, with the Grizzlies positioned to offer the Clippers a future first-round pick and the expiring contract of Wesley Person ($7.7 million) in a sign-and-trade deal. Miami and Denver are also said to be interested in Olowokandi, but Heat president Pat Riley has openly hinted at holding onto the club's cap space until next summer, while the Nuggets have focused their free-agent activity on swingman Corey Maggette and Andre Miller.

Marcus Bryant
07-14-2003, 01:39 AM
That would be a contract starting at least at $5.2 million for 2003-04.

o0drpill0o
07-14-2003, 01:47 AM
That would be a contract starting at least at $5.2 million for 2003-04.

And he said he'd take less to play for us? Damn it we may as well sign the pasty mutha up and get on to landing Odom.

adidas11
07-14-2003, 01:47 AM
Quote: "Olowokandi, meanwhile, is drawing strong interest from Memphis, with the Grizzlies positioned to offer the Clippers a future first-round pick and the expiring contract of Wesley Person ($7.7 million) in a sign-and-trade deal."

:shock

I didn't know that the Grizz were in the hunt for Kandi!

Marcus Bryant
07-14-2003, 01:54 AM
Well, the deal was supposedly for more than $50 mil. A deal starting at $6 mil would be roughly $58 mil total over the 7 seasons.

ducks
07-14-2003, 01:59 AM
I could live with him for that money.

o0drpill0o
07-14-2003, 02:07 AM
Well, the deal was supposedly for more than $50 mil. A deal starting at $6 mil would be roughly $58 mil total over the 7 seasons.



Ah, I see the "at least" part now. Reading comprehension 101 was a long time ago... Five or six still leaves us with a decent chunk of change to look at another free agent, so that's not so bad.

I think Pop is looking for something of a bargain here in Nesterovic (relative to the market rate for centers right now). If he can whip him into shape and turn him into a defensive presence then we would have definitely gotten our money's worth, and at least we know there are no character issues.

With the money left over, my guess is Pop will try to make Odom an offer Sterling can refuse. I think Odom is another project, but one that Popovich can potentially turn into a superstar. I have faith that the guidance of Pop, Tim, SJax, Malik, Willis, etc can help Lamar walk the straight and narrow, at least during the season... Jackson is a balla and Lamar would respect what he has to say about this organization and the dedication it takes to be a champion. If Popovich can mould Buckets into a prime time player (he's almost there), my guess is he can turn Odom into Kevin Garnett. Odom can score and pass like KG, if he could even approach 70 per cent of Garnett's intensity he would be a monster.

Parker/Speedy/Kerr
Jackson/Manu
Odom/Bowen
Duncan/Malik
Nesterovic/Malik/Willis

I would be ready to go into battle with that lineup next May. How bout the rest of you?

MannyIsGod
07-14-2003, 02:11 AM
If we sign odom, speedy is gone.

ducks
07-14-2003, 02:13 AM
they thought they could get kidd and a big and I think rasho was the big

Marcus Bryant
07-14-2003, 02:17 AM
Then they get Arenas instead. Same concept. Every Spurs fan who has complained about this team's offense wouldn't have much of a reason anymore...

o0drpill0o
07-14-2003, 02:19 AM
This guy -- Nesterovic -- will be a Spur next week for sure.

Popovich drives four or five hours to the guy's house in god damn Slovenia (bet that's a scenic ride), on the first day teams are allowed to talk to free agents, to meet with him, and presumably his family. As if they didn't just love the guy, too. Pop can be a charming sunuvabitch when he wants to be, and I bet Rasho's parents thought the former military man with extensive background in Soviet Studies and the Russian language was the coolest motherfunker on the planet. And now Nesterovic is at home deciding with his family whether he should stay in Minnesota with Kevin Garnett, who he dislikes, or go play for the CIA with Duncan who just does what he's asked and asks you to do the same. Gee, I wonder where he and his family think he should be.

If the money is basically the same, Rasho will sign with us for sure. Six mil leaves us with a few options. Namely Odom.

MannyIsGod
07-14-2003, 02:20 AM
I'd love to see Odom or Arenas in the lineup, and I don't think they are projects at all, I think they are instant sesults.

They would be projects off the court however, thats for damn sure. Threaten them with a willis elbow to the groin if they **** up, that would keep me in line.

Marcus Bryant
07-14-2003, 02:26 AM
From the Spurs' POV it's a good situation that Nesterovic isn't (presumably) near any of his Minnesota teammates/coaches now.

o0drpill0o
07-14-2003, 02:26 AM
Threaten them with a willis elbow to the groin if they **** up, that would keep me in line.

:lol

I'm telling you man, Rasho and Odom. I am calling it right now. If it means Speedy is gone, so be it, I wish him well. Steve Kerr can back up the point for the five minutes a game we would need him to with Manu and Odom also able to handle the rock as well as they can. Feeding it in to Duncan ain't all that hard, especially if you're six ten.

I like Arenas' possibilities, but I think he would be more of a problem child than Odom and would also threaten to get Tony Parker's panties in a bunch again. And we don't want that.

Marcus Bryant
07-14-2003, 02:29 AM
Odom is the one free agent remaining who truly has superstar potential. But would he want to come to SA?

o0drpill0o
07-14-2003, 02:29 AM
From the Spurs' POV it's a good situation that Nesterovic isn't (presumably) near any of his Minnesota teammates/coaches now.

Totally, MB. No one can convince him to change his mind once he's decided to make the move. And I doubt Flip Saunders has given him more than a phone call or two, let alone a house call.

o0drpill0o
07-14-2003, 02:37 AM
Odom is the one free agent remaining who truly has superstar potential. But would he want to come to SA?

I think he will. Definitely. Jackson liked it here. It's not like he would have no one from the hood to chest bump or whatever. I bet odom is ready to get his shit together; unlike Arenas he has already spent a couple years being a stupid kid and I think being on the Clippers his whole career (poor kid) will have given him a desire to win some damn ball games. Unlike Jermaine O'Neal, Odom is ready to accept that he should play second fiddle to Tim Duncan, as he has been doing that since Elton Brand came to town. The best part about it is he has learned this stuff (hopefully, I know I'm an optimist) before the age of 24.

To me Odom is the most obvious candidate to be a Spur of the remaining free agents (besides Rasho). I for one would be perfectly happy with that as the results of the 2003 offseason.

50 Cent
07-14-2003, 02:42 AM
Odom is the one free agent remaining who truly has superstar potential. But would he want to come to SA?
Well, the smoke in SA is pretty damn good, so I'm liking our chances. :hat :smokin2

Marcus Bryant
07-14-2003, 02:44 AM
To play the John Hagee's Advocate :cooldevil , Odom is not from Texas like SJackson. Odom reportedly prefers an urbane lifestyle. I wouldn't be so sure about him not wanting to be The Man when Pat Riley comes calling and offers him $60 mil+ to be The Man in Miami.

o0drpill0o
07-14-2003, 02:58 AM
Translation: "urbane lifestyle" = booty shakin hos at the clubs?

Yeah, if that's the case Miami will be in there for sure (is San Antonio really that po'dunk? damn...). But with the heat Odom is looking at starting from rock bottom and playing for a team that might make the playoffs, in the East. I think if there is a player out there among the youngsters who might see coming to a championship team as an important factor, it's Lamar, who has suffered a lot longer than Maggette or Arenas.

Marcus Bryant
07-14-2003, 03:00 AM
Only if SA was near a beach then all would be well.

o0drpill0o
07-14-2003, 03:01 AM
Yall need to build a casino or something... :lol

o0drpill0o
07-14-2003, 03:19 AM
Hmmmm... I am feeling less confident re: Odom after reading the following thread at a Clippers message board... This is long but there's some good stuff here and there. In sum, it doesn't really sound like the Spurs are anywhere on Odom's radar, and he would probably prefer to just stay in L.A...


Author Comment
Summumma
NBA Rookie
Posts: 31
(7/3/03 2:05 pm)
Reply Brand offered 65 mill.. so how much yall think LO will get?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
^^^^

laclippersfan07
NBA Rookie
Posts: 28
(7/3/03 4:25 pm)
Reply Re: Brand offered 65 mill.. so how much yall think LO will g
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i think LO will get a 5 year deal for between 40-45 mil

realclipsfan
World Champion 4peat
Posts: 716
(7/3/03 4:26 pm)
Reply well
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if EBs offer comes out to be about 13per, if I were him I would accept no less seeing how I would think I am just as good as him or better, but i dont see him accepting any less than 10per if EB can get 13per. If he dont get what he wants, he should accept the QO and go from there. since hes healthy now, and everythings going forward this should be his year, and just go the Kandi route as far as accepting the QO, and then just come in next season and play ball. here's a quote of his from a recent interview with a Denver paper.

"I expect Denver to come after me if they want one of the best players out there," said Odom, who added he isn't opposed to staying with the Clippers. "There are probably a couple players out there that had a lot better year than me. But I know when I come in shape with my head on, I'm a top 10 player."

surely none of the other guys on this team would even consider themself a top 10 player, no matter what. but LO knows he is, and i think its up to him to go out there and show it this year.

LAClippers
aka MassClip
#88
Posts: 550
(7/4/03 12:23 am)
Reply Re: well
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it would be a risk, but maybe he gets offered Brands 6/60 from last year??

hard to tell what the team is thinking $$$$$wise, who would have thought that Elton Superstar Brand would be worth 13 MILLION in their eyes???

Go Clippers


35 million in cap room, Can you say DYNASTY????


babyclip
World Champion 4peat
Posts: 907
(7/4/03 4:09 am)
Reply ...
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Well anybody that knows basketball, knows this is Sterling's boy, because of his loyalty, I see him getting 10, if not 10 somewhere around 8 with incentives because of Odom's past. But hopefully he either stays in LA or goes to Miami, not Denver

mustang6944
<< Moderator >>

Contributor
Da Phenom
Posts: 2077
(7/8/03 4:52 pm)
Reply Re: Brand offered 65 mill.. so how much yall think LO will g
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NO G.M in there right mind will offer LO close to that much, unless they are trying to bait the Clippers into not matching. $10mil for a player who has not played a complete season since his first yr is a bit rediculous.

realclipsfan
World Champion 4peat
Posts: 718
(7/8/03 6:08 pm)
Reply LOL
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very smart logic, as a matter of fact EB has not played a complete season since his first year. hell this was kobes first complete season in sometime, steve francis didnt play a complete season before his extension, neither did baron davis, shawn marion. LOL, nice logic, you're a very smart guy buddy. lol

jcrush13
<< ADMIN >>

Contributor
Posts: 1924
(7/8/03 6:15 pm)
Reply Re: LOL
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This is a tough one. LO~LO~LO

First question is..DOES HE WANT TO BE HERE...? If he does than I can live with giving him a break. Come on LO, this team has been patient.!

And if they do pony up.THEN PLAY LIKE A BAT OUTTA HELL...!

Second question is how much pull and sway EB has on the org's decision as well as LO's decision.... Can he be a part of the deal......Will he only stay if LO stays etc...

Can't wait till the newz hits the fan...... This could turn out COOL.

mustang6944
<< Moderator >>

Contributor
Da Phenom
Posts: 2079
(7/8/03 6:55 pm)
Reply Re: LOL
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Notice the difference. The guys you've mentioned been out for injuries, not boneheaded suspenisions. LO could be a top five player, but has yet to meet his potential. Part of which is the organizations fault (i.e dumb coaching). But a good deal of it is of his own making. Plus what do the aformention players have in common. All have been all-stars while LO has not.

realclipsfan
World Champion 4peat
Posts: 719
(7/8/03 8:15 pm)
Reply LOL
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your logic is very flawed. you say that LO aint played a full season then i give you more players that missed time yet you then say it was a suspension. was he suspended last year? and also, which of those guys were allstars before they were extended? but like i said, last year was his year, but he didnt expect everyone to play selfish, next year, that wont be allowed, i promise you that. wait and see, i also thought last year was his year but with the selfish play, noone came perform well in that unless you are flat out ballhogging and thats not in his nature.

and yes crush, LO wants to be a clipper, and hopes he will be. he has said that many times, he hasnt made many statments since the 1st, since he had a death in the family and is in NYC taking care of all the arrangements. but this offseason is not like the last one, he has already put in lots of work, with more to come. he was already a helluva player but he will show all the haters just how good he really is.

mustang6944
<< Moderator >>

Contributor
Da Phenom
Posts: 2084
(7/9/03 11:47 am)
Reply Re: LOL
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Lets see. EB was an all-star and has yet to be extended. Francis was an all-star in 2002, before recieving his extension that summer. Baron was an all-star before his first extension. Least us not forget that Kobe reached the all-star roster in his second year. Of the players you mentioned only Marion isn't as good of a player as LO. The other four (EB, Kobe, BD, Franchise) are their teams franchise players. LO hasn't done anything yet to deserve a contract of that magnitude. That is like giving Kandi that much. Three of these guys (Kobe, BD and Francise) have raised their level of play each year, and have carrie there team when needed. Lo isn't in these guys catagory.

Oh by the way, Kobe, BD and Francise are all consider ballhogs yet are the best players on their team (Kobe is 1a to Shaqs 1)

realclipsfan
World Champion 4peat
Posts: 720
(7/9/03 1:55 pm)
Reply LOL
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actually, Kobe is 2, to shaqs 1. no 1a or all that BS when it comes to whos the man on the Lakers. anyone who know basketball or who can add 1 plus 1, knows shaq is the man on that team. and bd is not the best player on the hornets, ever heard of that guy named jamal mashburn? look at the stats, it will prove that. eb and bd were both altn allstars, meaning the coachs didnt pick them, but stern and the nba did. not to take anything away from either, because they are both good players. and i think shawn is just as good as bd or eb. and steve francis was voted to be on the allstar team simply because he participated in the slam dunk comp that one year, and the fans really take a liking to guys who do, and perform well. most probably think that will get that player to participate again. notice how vince lead the league in allstar balloting a few years straight? not taking anything away from steve, his numbers are solid but on a fully healthy team the whole year, and the team still sucked.

but ill tell you one thing, ask kobe, bd, or the franchise if LO is in their category. dont be shocked at what they say, i think francis made it pretty clear how much he wanted him on his team last summer. but just ask them, lol. thats all u gotta do

Lifter777

Contributor

Posts: 1003
(7/9/03 2:40 pm)
Reply
Re: LOL
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Gotta agree w/ you there about the Hornets. Davis might as well be wearing an eye patch because the only Dr. Evil on that team is Mash.

Calling Brand an all-star, while technically correct, is a bit of a stretch. Brand did not get voted in by the fans (who vote on starters) or by the coaches, GMs, and media (who vote for the reserves). He was added to the team by David Stern because Shaq couldn't play. And adding him as a center is a bit of a stretch in itself. I think Brand is an all-star quality player, as is Odom, but when you've got Nowitzki, Duncan, KG, Webber, Malone, Marion and Rasheed- all on playoff teams, your not gonna be an all-star forward. Winning teams aside, there's also Jamison and Rashard Lewis to compete against.

Brand and/or Odom can be all-stars once the Clippers are well over .500 by the season mid-point.

realclipsfan
World Champion 4peat
Posts: 721
(7/9/03 3:37 pm)
Reply well
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when a guy wont have to fight for shots and touches with his teammates, who just so happen to be FAs too then he will be an allstar. next year he will have a chance at being an allstar, once some of these cats are gone. his contract may not be resolved since he is leaning toward taking the 1 year deal, but he wont have it where the 8-9 people in the rotation are FAs after the season. his hard work this summer will pay off in helping him reaching his ultimate goal and getting closer to the level he wants to be at.

elecam
NBA Rookie
Posts: 49
(7/9/03 8:24 pm)
Reply Re: well
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Odom takes wait-and-see approach


By ART THOMPSON III
The Orange County Register


Lamar Odom has options as a restricted free agent.

But unlike Clippers teammates Corey Maggette and Andre Miller, who have met with other teams and have other visits scheduled, Odom has been virtually inactive.

At least four teams have expressed interest in Odom, according to his agent, but he has not scheduled any visits.

Instead, he is continuing his offseason workout program.

"There is no rush,'' agent Jeff Schwartz said Tuesday. "Yes, there are a handful of teams that have shown serious interest, but we're in a wait-and-see situation.''

Schwartz said Odom is watching how the Clippers conduct business with other restricted free agents - specifically Elton Brand. Odom said he would like to see the Clippers re-sign unrestricted free-agent Michael Olowokandi.

ART THOMPSON III/The Register


This shows Odom has his priorities straight for this summer. It sounds like he know the best situation in terms of winning could be staying with the Clips, if they sign the right people. I'm sure he could be talking with Miami right now with all their new found cap space. But instead he is working on improving as a player. And if the Clippers don't sign anyone longterm and he has a great season he could make big money in one year.

Also, notice the article does not mention Odom looking for Mags to get singed.



ANDREMILLER24
ALL-STAR
Posts: 115
(7/9/03 10:06 pm)
Reply Re: Brand offered 65 mill.. so how much yall think LO will g
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I think Odom should get at least 8 mil a year!! I love the guy and if he leaves, I dont know man. It will be hard on me and other fans.

realclipsfan
World Champion 4peat
Posts: 722
(7/9/03 11:50 pm)
Reply well
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its no disrespect intended to corey but not only LO but alot of the players seen his act last year and didnt like it. they are still cool with the guy as far as off the court because thier friendship is much bigger than basketball. but again, he is leaning towards taking the one year deal and when he goes back to LA, he will sit back down with the clippers. hes talked to a few teams already like the article said but i think when its all said and done, he will accept the one year and go from there. he know with a healthy offseason to improve his game, it will only help his value next summer when he is an UFA, but i do know one thing. he wants to play in LA. i talked to him yesterday and he said "i hope so man, i hope so" when asked if he would be playing in LA next year. but he wont be taking a deal just to be taking one, or any kind of lowball offer from the clips. it will be interesting to see how everything goes though

Aggie Hoopsfan
07-14-2003, 04:24 AM
This shows Odom has his priorities straight for this summer. It sounds like he know the best situation in terms of winning could be staying with the Clips, if they sign the right people.

Of course, that "perspective" would change if it's Tim Duncan and the world champ Spurs on line 1 instead of Pat Riley and the lotto ball Heat.

AHF

MannyIsGod
07-14-2003, 04:28 AM
Did i read a clips fan predicting a clisp dynasty in that thread?

I believe I did, I stopped reading at that point.

Marcus Bryant
07-14-2003, 04:36 AM
Category 'Limp' Hurricane Rasho nears South Texas Landfall...

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20030713/capt.sge.gya91.130703223517.photo00.default-380x265.jpg

spurster
07-14-2003, 10:26 AM
Rasho starting at $5M to $6M is ok, I guess, but a very big letdown from our expectations and hopes for this summer.