Kori Ellis
07-03-2006, 12:31 AM
Gooden follows James on Cavaliers' to-do list
Bob Finnan [email protected]
07/03/2006
http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16875157&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21848&rfi=6
It's first things first with the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers' first priority with the free-agent period in full swing is getting a maximum contract extension done with All-Star forward LeBron James.
Even though they are talking to several agents about other players, they don't appear to want to do anything until James agrees to a five-year, $75 million extension.
They want to take care of their own major free agent - power forward Drew Gooden - in due time.
"They are very interested in keeping him," Gooden's agent, Calvin Andrews, said. "We've been in talks with those guys. They are focusing on LeBron's situation right now. We respect that."
Andrews said he's getting "some bites" on Gooden with other teams.
"Other teams can make offers," he said.
If Gooden were to sign an offer sheet, because he's a restricted free agent, the Cavaliers would have a week to match it.
"If that happens prior to LeBron, so be it," Andrews said. "They have seven days to match."
Of the four teams with the most money, few of them would be in the market for Gooden. Chicago is making a major run at Pistons center Ben Wallace. Atlanta and Toronto just drafted their future power forwards in Duke's Shelden Williams and Italy's Andrea Bargnani, respectively. Charlotte already has Emeka Okafor and Sean May on its roster.
There's a good chance Gooden won't be going anywhere. If Gooden signs an offer sheet for the midlevel exception, the Cavaliers likely will match it. Players can't sign offer sheets until after July 12.
"He would love to stay with the Cavaliers," said Andrews, Gooden's former AAU coach.
As far as James' extension, he's expected to accept it soon. Another alumnus from the 2003 draft, Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, accepted a full maximum extension just hours into the free-agent period.
"There was a comfort level there," Andrews said. "Once the offer was on the board, it was obvious he was going to take it. 'It's the max. OK, we'll take it.' "
The Cavaliers reportedly spoke to the agents for two other big men - Portland center Joel Przybilla and Memphis forward/center Lorenzen Wright.
Also, they talked to agent Mark Bartelstein about Los Angeles Lakers swingman Devean George, who is an unrestricted free agent.
One source said the Cavaliers could sign second-round pick Daniel Gibson of Texas to a deal worth more than the league minimum, with two years guaranteed. GM Danny Ferry already came out and said Gibson was a lock to make the final roster.
Bob Finnan [email protected]
07/03/2006
http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16875157&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21848&rfi=6
It's first things first with the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers' first priority with the free-agent period in full swing is getting a maximum contract extension done with All-Star forward LeBron James.
Even though they are talking to several agents about other players, they don't appear to want to do anything until James agrees to a five-year, $75 million extension.
They want to take care of their own major free agent - power forward Drew Gooden - in due time.
"They are very interested in keeping him," Gooden's agent, Calvin Andrews, said. "We've been in talks with those guys. They are focusing on LeBron's situation right now. We respect that."
Andrews said he's getting "some bites" on Gooden with other teams.
"Other teams can make offers," he said.
If Gooden were to sign an offer sheet, because he's a restricted free agent, the Cavaliers would have a week to match it.
"If that happens prior to LeBron, so be it," Andrews said. "They have seven days to match."
Of the four teams with the most money, few of them would be in the market for Gooden. Chicago is making a major run at Pistons center Ben Wallace. Atlanta and Toronto just drafted their future power forwards in Duke's Shelden Williams and Italy's Andrea Bargnani, respectively. Charlotte already has Emeka Okafor and Sean May on its roster.
There's a good chance Gooden won't be going anywhere. If Gooden signs an offer sheet for the midlevel exception, the Cavaliers likely will match it. Players can't sign offer sheets until after July 12.
"He would love to stay with the Cavaliers," said Andrews, Gooden's former AAU coach.
As far as James' extension, he's expected to accept it soon. Another alumnus from the 2003 draft, Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, accepted a full maximum extension just hours into the free-agent period.
"There was a comfort level there," Andrews said. "Once the offer was on the board, it was obvious he was going to take it. 'It's the max. OK, we'll take it.' "
The Cavaliers reportedly spoke to the agents for two other big men - Portland center Joel Przybilla and Memphis forward/center Lorenzen Wright.
Also, they talked to agent Mark Bartelstein about Los Angeles Lakers swingman Devean George, who is an unrestricted free agent.
One source said the Cavaliers could sign second-round pick Daniel Gibson of Texas to a deal worth more than the league minimum, with two years guaranteed. GM Danny Ferry already came out and said Gibson was a lock to make the final roster.