PimpScourge
10-22-2004, 06:50 PM
Will Kirilenko, Parker and Spree get paid?
By Chad Ford
NBA Insider
Training camp is supposed to be a time for optimism for all 30 teams. So, why has there been so much distress and controversy in camp this year?
It's tied primarily to a growing nervousness among players that the rules of the collective bargaining agreement are nearing expiration. So far, only four players out of a possible 50 or so eligible players have gotten their contract extensions done.
Everyone from Andrei Kirilenko to Latrell Sprewell has been pouting about their owner's unwillingness to offer a big fat extension before the deadline.
What gives? Owners know that the collective bargaining agreement will likely change in their favor. The owners are hoping that the next round of contracts will have fewer guaranteed years and smaller raises – something the players obviously want to avoid.
With the deadline for the draft class of 2001 just a little over a week away, here's a quick look around the league on where the extension talks stands.
THE DRAFT CLASS OF 2001
Members of the draft class of 2001 are eligible for six-year extensions up to a maximum of $86 million this fall. So far, just four players in the class have signed deals. The Grizzlies' Pau Gasol signed for the full six years ($86 million). The Nets' Richard Jefferson got six years, $76 million. The Grizzlies' Shane Battier signed a six-year, $37 million extension. And the Bobcats' Primoz Brezec inked a three-year, $8.25 million deal.
If players don't get an extension done by Oct. 31, they become restricted free agents next summer.
Andrei Kirilenko, F, Utah Jazz
The skinny: The negotiations between the Jazz and Kirilenko have been rockier than most people expected. However, sources told Insider late Thursday that the two sides had agreed in principle to a deal that would make Kirilenko the second player in this class to earn a full six-year, $86 million extension. That's more than the Jazz really wanted to pay, but once Gasol inked his extension, the Jazz were stuck. Most people in the league believe Kirilenko is a better player. The stats and the fact that he's already made an All-Star team back him up. The Jazz were looking to get some sort of discount for signing Kirilenko now, and they still will likely get it. The Jazz want him to defer some of the money he makes in his contract beyond the first six years of the deal (Gasol did the same thing with his contract in Memphis). That allows the Jazz to enjoy a significant savings over the life of the contract. The two sides are still working out the details of how the money is deferred but are confident that things will work out before the deadline.
Zach Randolph, PF, Blazers
The skinny: The Blazers recently upped their offer to six years, $72 million, sources told Insider. That's a lot of money for a player who has skirted on the wrong side of the law throughout his playing career. Amazingly, Randolph still wants more money. On talent, he believes he's in the same category as Gasol and and wants max type money. Should the Blazers give it to him? If talent were the only issue, it would be hard to argue with Randolph. The team has grave reservations, however, about Randolph's maturity. While they believe he's a good kid at heart, his judgement and his choice of friends remains questionable. With all of the scandals the Blazers have had to endure, how much more can they take? If I'm Randolph's agent, I take the money and run. It's hard to believe this kid can keep his nose clean for an entire season. If he doesn't, his value starts to plummet.
Tony Parker, PG, Spurs
The skinny: The Spurs' offer started a little low, but over the past two weeks the two sides have come much closer to an agreement. Still, Parker and the Spurs are far enough apart that it's questionable whether they'll strike a deal before the deadline. Parker knows he's the best point guard prospect in free agency next summer. He's just 22 years old, has a championship ring and the ability to do just about whatever he wants on the court. Given what Steve Nash pulled down with the Suns, it's not out of the question that Parker could get a max deal next season.. The Clippers, Hawks, and Bobcats all will have the cash to throw a max deal his way and need a point guard. Point guard is one of the hardest positions in the league to fill, and Parker's got the chance to be great. The Spurs, more financially conservative than most, will be reluctant to pay him that. He could be one of the hottest free agents on the market next summer.
Samuel Dalembert, C, Sixers
The skinny: Sources on both sides claim that talks are dead at the moment. Dalembert played so well toward the end of the season, he knows he's one more good season away from earning huge dollars. His contract demands, in the $70 million range, might seem excessive now, but they could be a lot higher next season if he continues to rebound and block shots at the pace he did in March and April. The Sixers aren't ready to gamble yet. If Dalembert has a breakout season, they'll pay him. But with all the bad deals on the Sixers' books at the moment, they aren't ready to gamble just yet.
Eddy Curry, C, Bulls
The skinny: Curry got in the best shape of his career this fall in anticipation of a big contract, but the Bulls laughed out loud when Curry's agent demanded near max dollars. There's no way that's going to happen. While the team is happy with his conditioning, it still hasn't made him a good rebounder nor has it helped him remember simple inbounds plays. GM John Paxson is between a rock and a hard place on Curry. He knows that for Curry to reach his maximum potential, he probably needs to be shipped out of Chicago. On the other hand, his trade value is so low right now that any deal will likely look like a bad one for the Bulls. Unless the Bulls really light it up early, don't expect him to be in a Bulls' uniform past the February trade deadline.
Tyson Chandler, F/C, Bulls
The skinny: Chandler is finally healthy and has looked impressive so far in the preseason, but don't look for either side to cut a deal before the deadline. Sources claim that, contrary to a published report, there isn't a deal in the works for Chandler. The Bulls would be open to doing something for a discount, but Chandler wants a chance to prove himself and earn more cash next summer. If he keeps playing the way he's played the past two weeks, it will be a good move on Chandler's part.
Kwame Brown, F/C, Wizards
The skinny: The former No. 1 pick had his moments last year. However, an injury has derailed his preseason and any chance of him earning a big extension now. Brown is an enigma. He has the body and talent to be a superstar. Does he have the head and the heart? The Wizards still aren't sure. If he blows up this year, they might be forced to offer him a huge contract. If he stinks again this year, his value will begin to plummet. The word out of Washington right now is that no one is too concerned with him having a huge year, not with Antawn Jamison hogging the ball in the paint.
Joe Johnson, G/F, Suns
The skinny: Some sort of deal may happen between the Suns and Johnson. The team loves him and wants him back, and Johnson wants to stay in Phoenix. The issue here is that the new owners forked out over $100 million in new contracts this summer and are reluctant to swallow another long-term deal until they see how the team jells. That may put off a contract for now, but the chances of Johnson staying in Phoenix for the long haul look high.
Jason Richardson, SG, Warriors
The skinny: Richardson improved in almost every aspect of his game last season. He improved his scoring, mid-range shot and willingness to put the ball on the floor and get to the line. For much of the season, he was the team's most consistent scoring option. He's an excellent rebounder for a guard. New GM Chris Mullin promised Richardson he'd get a new deal this fall, but that was before his agent, Dan Fegan, asked for more than $70 million. Given the overblown market, it's not an unreasonable request (Is Jefferson really that much better than Richardson?), but Mullin has a dilemma. He spent so much money this summer overpaying Adonal Foyle and Derek Fisher that the high dollars are becoming tough for owner Chris Cohan to swallow. And don't forget, Fegan has another guy in Golden State who's asking for big bucks too this fall.
Troy Murphy, PF, Warriors
The skinny: Murphy, too, is looking for huge dollars from the Warriors. While his demands aren't quite as high as Richardson, they're close enough that the Warriors are really sweating this. If both Richardson and Murphy get their money, the team is out of cap room next summer, hurting its ability to make the additions necessary to compete in the West. And they will be looking at another big extension for Mike Dunleavy Jr. next fall that could put them into luxury-tax territory. How much money is Cohan willing to fork out for a team that doesn't look like its anywhere close to competing for a playoff berth in the West? As of right now, both sides claim that they're pretty far apart on both players. If Mullin doesn't get something done now, expect Fegan to try to get both of them out of Golden State next summer. Say what you will about his negotiating style, but he almost always finds a great deal for his players.
Vladimir Radmanovic, F, Sonics
The skinny: Radmanovic wants out. That was clear when his agent proposed a $70 million extension for a guy that will be a backup this season in Seattle. The truth is that Radmanovic has been trying to be traded for over a year to no avail. The idea of asking for a huge extension was just another signal to the team that he doesn't want to come back. So far, the Sonics are just standing pat. Nothing will get done before the deadline unless a trade happens.
Jason Collins, C, Nets
The skinny: He's been solid for the Nets the past couple of seasons, but with all of the flux that the team is in right now, chances of an extension are slim. Management wants to see how he responds to be the team's only real low-post scoring option. In the past, Collins was asked just to do the little things. Now the Nets need much more. If he has a big season, he could get a big payday.
Jamaal Tinsley, PG, Pacers
The skinny: The Pacers want to keep him and have been in serious dialogue with the point guard about an extension. However, at this point nothing is close. With comps out there like Rafer Alston (five years, $21 million) and Troy Hudson (six years, $38 million), Tinsley should be able to command nice figures.
2005 Free-Agent Class
A handful of soon-to-be unrestricted free agents are also trying to work out deals now. So far, only the Blazers Theo Ratliff has been able to secure a significant extension.
Tracy McGrady, G, Rockets
The skinny: McGrady and the Rockets will get something done soon. They didn't trade away three starters just to watch him opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He'll get whatever he asks for.
Latrell Sprewell G, Timberwolves
The skinny: Spree is threatening to cause problems if the Wolves don't work out a contract extension. He's asking for a three-year, $40 million extension. The Wolves might be willing to get something done for Spree for much less money (try three years, $30 million) but don't want to spend more. Spree is 34 years old and his game is starting to erode. He claims he'll ask for a sign-and-trade if something doesn't get done soon. His contract might be appealing to a team trying to get under the cap, but it's hard to see a team that will be anxious to give him a huge extension.
Ray Allen, G, Sonics
The skinny: Allen and the Sonics have been negotiating all summer. While the Sonics are willing to offer Allen a significant contract, they aren't willing to meet his demands of a max deal. Folks around the league are watching this negotiation closely. If the Sonics don't cut a deal now, he'll bolt the team this summer and become one of the few free agents on the market that people actually are interested in. The Sonics might be better off letting that happen. Without Allen on the books, the team would be significantly under the cap next season. What they have right now isn't working. Why pay huge dollars to keep the status quo?
The Draft Class of 2002
Teams have a fourth-year player option on all players drafted in the first round of the Class of 2002. If they don't pick it up, the players become unrestricted free agents next summer.
Many of the players are slam dunks. Yao Ming, Dunleavy, Drew Gooden, Nene, Chris Wilcox, Amare Stoudemire, Caron Butler, Melvin Ely, Fred Jones, Jiri Welsch, Kareem Rush, Tayshaun Prince and John Salmons all have had or will have their options picked up for next season.
A number of players are still on the wait-and-see list. Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Dajuan Wagner, Jared Jeffries, Marcus Haislip, Bostjan Nachbar, Juan Dixon, Curtis Borchardt, Raul Lopez, Casey Jacobsen and Frank Williams have yet to hear what their respective teams will do.
It's likely that Skita, Wagner, Jeffries and Jacobsen will have their options picked up. Haislip, Nachbar, Borchardt, Lopez and Williams could be out of luck.
Several other players from the class including Ryan Humphrey, Qyntel Woods and Dan Dickau likely won't see their options picked up. In fact, all three could be waived before the season starts.
By Chad Ford
NBA Insider
Training camp is supposed to be a time for optimism for all 30 teams. So, why has there been so much distress and controversy in camp this year?
It's tied primarily to a growing nervousness among players that the rules of the collective bargaining agreement are nearing expiration. So far, only four players out of a possible 50 or so eligible players have gotten their contract extensions done.
Everyone from Andrei Kirilenko to Latrell Sprewell has been pouting about their owner's unwillingness to offer a big fat extension before the deadline.
What gives? Owners know that the collective bargaining agreement will likely change in their favor. The owners are hoping that the next round of contracts will have fewer guaranteed years and smaller raises – something the players obviously want to avoid.
With the deadline for the draft class of 2001 just a little over a week away, here's a quick look around the league on where the extension talks stands.
THE DRAFT CLASS OF 2001
Members of the draft class of 2001 are eligible for six-year extensions up to a maximum of $86 million this fall. So far, just four players in the class have signed deals. The Grizzlies' Pau Gasol signed for the full six years ($86 million). The Nets' Richard Jefferson got six years, $76 million. The Grizzlies' Shane Battier signed a six-year, $37 million extension. And the Bobcats' Primoz Brezec inked a three-year, $8.25 million deal.
If players don't get an extension done by Oct. 31, they become restricted free agents next summer.
Andrei Kirilenko, F, Utah Jazz
The skinny: The negotiations between the Jazz and Kirilenko have been rockier than most people expected. However, sources told Insider late Thursday that the two sides had agreed in principle to a deal that would make Kirilenko the second player in this class to earn a full six-year, $86 million extension. That's more than the Jazz really wanted to pay, but once Gasol inked his extension, the Jazz were stuck. Most people in the league believe Kirilenko is a better player. The stats and the fact that he's already made an All-Star team back him up. The Jazz were looking to get some sort of discount for signing Kirilenko now, and they still will likely get it. The Jazz want him to defer some of the money he makes in his contract beyond the first six years of the deal (Gasol did the same thing with his contract in Memphis). That allows the Jazz to enjoy a significant savings over the life of the contract. The two sides are still working out the details of how the money is deferred but are confident that things will work out before the deadline.
Zach Randolph, PF, Blazers
The skinny: The Blazers recently upped their offer to six years, $72 million, sources told Insider. That's a lot of money for a player who has skirted on the wrong side of the law throughout his playing career. Amazingly, Randolph still wants more money. On talent, he believes he's in the same category as Gasol and and wants max type money. Should the Blazers give it to him? If talent were the only issue, it would be hard to argue with Randolph. The team has grave reservations, however, about Randolph's maturity. While they believe he's a good kid at heart, his judgement and his choice of friends remains questionable. With all of the scandals the Blazers have had to endure, how much more can they take? If I'm Randolph's agent, I take the money and run. It's hard to believe this kid can keep his nose clean for an entire season. If he doesn't, his value starts to plummet.
Tony Parker, PG, Spurs
The skinny: The Spurs' offer started a little low, but over the past two weeks the two sides have come much closer to an agreement. Still, Parker and the Spurs are far enough apart that it's questionable whether they'll strike a deal before the deadline. Parker knows he's the best point guard prospect in free agency next summer. He's just 22 years old, has a championship ring and the ability to do just about whatever he wants on the court. Given what Steve Nash pulled down with the Suns, it's not out of the question that Parker could get a max deal next season.. The Clippers, Hawks, and Bobcats all will have the cash to throw a max deal his way and need a point guard. Point guard is one of the hardest positions in the league to fill, and Parker's got the chance to be great. The Spurs, more financially conservative than most, will be reluctant to pay him that. He could be one of the hottest free agents on the market next summer.
Samuel Dalembert, C, Sixers
The skinny: Sources on both sides claim that talks are dead at the moment. Dalembert played so well toward the end of the season, he knows he's one more good season away from earning huge dollars. His contract demands, in the $70 million range, might seem excessive now, but they could be a lot higher next season if he continues to rebound and block shots at the pace he did in March and April. The Sixers aren't ready to gamble yet. If Dalembert has a breakout season, they'll pay him. But with all the bad deals on the Sixers' books at the moment, they aren't ready to gamble just yet.
Eddy Curry, C, Bulls
The skinny: Curry got in the best shape of his career this fall in anticipation of a big contract, but the Bulls laughed out loud when Curry's agent demanded near max dollars. There's no way that's going to happen. While the team is happy with his conditioning, it still hasn't made him a good rebounder nor has it helped him remember simple inbounds plays. GM John Paxson is between a rock and a hard place on Curry. He knows that for Curry to reach his maximum potential, he probably needs to be shipped out of Chicago. On the other hand, his trade value is so low right now that any deal will likely look like a bad one for the Bulls. Unless the Bulls really light it up early, don't expect him to be in a Bulls' uniform past the February trade deadline.
Tyson Chandler, F/C, Bulls
The skinny: Chandler is finally healthy and has looked impressive so far in the preseason, but don't look for either side to cut a deal before the deadline. Sources claim that, contrary to a published report, there isn't a deal in the works for Chandler. The Bulls would be open to doing something for a discount, but Chandler wants a chance to prove himself and earn more cash next summer. If he keeps playing the way he's played the past two weeks, it will be a good move on Chandler's part.
Kwame Brown, F/C, Wizards
The skinny: The former No. 1 pick had his moments last year. However, an injury has derailed his preseason and any chance of him earning a big extension now. Brown is an enigma. He has the body and talent to be a superstar. Does he have the head and the heart? The Wizards still aren't sure. If he blows up this year, they might be forced to offer him a huge contract. If he stinks again this year, his value will begin to plummet. The word out of Washington right now is that no one is too concerned with him having a huge year, not with Antawn Jamison hogging the ball in the paint.
Joe Johnson, G/F, Suns
The skinny: Some sort of deal may happen between the Suns and Johnson. The team loves him and wants him back, and Johnson wants to stay in Phoenix. The issue here is that the new owners forked out over $100 million in new contracts this summer and are reluctant to swallow another long-term deal until they see how the team jells. That may put off a contract for now, but the chances of Johnson staying in Phoenix for the long haul look high.
Jason Richardson, SG, Warriors
The skinny: Richardson improved in almost every aspect of his game last season. He improved his scoring, mid-range shot and willingness to put the ball on the floor and get to the line. For much of the season, he was the team's most consistent scoring option. He's an excellent rebounder for a guard. New GM Chris Mullin promised Richardson he'd get a new deal this fall, but that was before his agent, Dan Fegan, asked for more than $70 million. Given the overblown market, it's not an unreasonable request (Is Jefferson really that much better than Richardson?), but Mullin has a dilemma. He spent so much money this summer overpaying Adonal Foyle and Derek Fisher that the high dollars are becoming tough for owner Chris Cohan to swallow. And don't forget, Fegan has another guy in Golden State who's asking for big bucks too this fall.
Troy Murphy, PF, Warriors
The skinny: Murphy, too, is looking for huge dollars from the Warriors. While his demands aren't quite as high as Richardson, they're close enough that the Warriors are really sweating this. If both Richardson and Murphy get their money, the team is out of cap room next summer, hurting its ability to make the additions necessary to compete in the West. And they will be looking at another big extension for Mike Dunleavy Jr. next fall that could put them into luxury-tax territory. How much money is Cohan willing to fork out for a team that doesn't look like its anywhere close to competing for a playoff berth in the West? As of right now, both sides claim that they're pretty far apart on both players. If Mullin doesn't get something done now, expect Fegan to try to get both of them out of Golden State next summer. Say what you will about his negotiating style, but he almost always finds a great deal for his players.
Vladimir Radmanovic, F, Sonics
The skinny: Radmanovic wants out. That was clear when his agent proposed a $70 million extension for a guy that will be a backup this season in Seattle. The truth is that Radmanovic has been trying to be traded for over a year to no avail. The idea of asking for a huge extension was just another signal to the team that he doesn't want to come back. So far, the Sonics are just standing pat. Nothing will get done before the deadline unless a trade happens.
Jason Collins, C, Nets
The skinny: He's been solid for the Nets the past couple of seasons, but with all of the flux that the team is in right now, chances of an extension are slim. Management wants to see how he responds to be the team's only real low-post scoring option. In the past, Collins was asked just to do the little things. Now the Nets need much more. If he has a big season, he could get a big payday.
Jamaal Tinsley, PG, Pacers
The skinny: The Pacers want to keep him and have been in serious dialogue with the point guard about an extension. However, at this point nothing is close. With comps out there like Rafer Alston (five years, $21 million) and Troy Hudson (six years, $38 million), Tinsley should be able to command nice figures.
2005 Free-Agent Class
A handful of soon-to-be unrestricted free agents are also trying to work out deals now. So far, only the Blazers Theo Ratliff has been able to secure a significant extension.
Tracy McGrady, G, Rockets
The skinny: McGrady and the Rockets will get something done soon. They didn't trade away three starters just to watch him opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He'll get whatever he asks for.
Latrell Sprewell G, Timberwolves
The skinny: Spree is threatening to cause problems if the Wolves don't work out a contract extension. He's asking for a three-year, $40 million extension. The Wolves might be willing to get something done for Spree for much less money (try three years, $30 million) but don't want to spend more. Spree is 34 years old and his game is starting to erode. He claims he'll ask for a sign-and-trade if something doesn't get done soon. His contract might be appealing to a team trying to get under the cap, but it's hard to see a team that will be anxious to give him a huge extension.
Ray Allen, G, Sonics
The skinny: Allen and the Sonics have been negotiating all summer. While the Sonics are willing to offer Allen a significant contract, they aren't willing to meet his demands of a max deal. Folks around the league are watching this negotiation closely. If the Sonics don't cut a deal now, he'll bolt the team this summer and become one of the few free agents on the market that people actually are interested in. The Sonics might be better off letting that happen. Without Allen on the books, the team would be significantly under the cap next season. What they have right now isn't working. Why pay huge dollars to keep the status quo?
The Draft Class of 2002
Teams have a fourth-year player option on all players drafted in the first round of the Class of 2002. If they don't pick it up, the players become unrestricted free agents next summer.
Many of the players are slam dunks. Yao Ming, Dunleavy, Drew Gooden, Nene, Chris Wilcox, Amare Stoudemire, Caron Butler, Melvin Ely, Fred Jones, Jiri Welsch, Kareem Rush, Tayshaun Prince and John Salmons all have had or will have their options picked up for next season.
A number of players are still on the wait-and-see list. Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Dajuan Wagner, Jared Jeffries, Marcus Haislip, Bostjan Nachbar, Juan Dixon, Curtis Borchardt, Raul Lopez, Casey Jacobsen and Frank Williams have yet to hear what their respective teams will do.
It's likely that Skita, Wagner, Jeffries and Jacobsen will have their options picked up. Haislip, Nachbar, Borchardt, Lopez and Williams could be out of luck.
Several other players from the class including Ryan Humphrey, Qyntel Woods and Dan Dickau likely won't see their options picked up. In fact, all three could be waived before the season starts.