McDonald: Spurs Going Greek? Not So Fast

[ploto]

NBA "free agents" aren't free agents for the moment. They are still under contract until June 30th. Teams aren't allowed to talk to players under contract with another NBA team (tampering rule).

Just out of curiosity- when do European contracts officially end? In other words, when can Euro teams start talking to these Euro guys?

[ploto]

Most, like Scola, want the $$$.

Scola got basically what Bonner got. He was not holding out for a ridiculous sum when he had to pay part of his buy-out.

[Bruno]

Just out of curiosity- when do European contracts officially end? In other words, when can Euro teams start talking to these Euro guys?

There aren't things like a CBA in Europe. Teams can talk to other teams players even during the season.

[ploto]

There aren't things like a CBA in Europe. Teams can talk to other teams players even during the season.

Thanks- I recall players in Europe working out deals with a different team for the next season while still playing for the current one.

[SenorSpur]

After how the Spurs fouled up the Scola situation and with the expected events of the Splitter situation, I'd still be a bit hesitant on sinking $$$ and high draft picks on the Euro players.

Let's face it. The Spurs roster situation is very different than in '07. They have immediate needs that must be filled NOW. Also, the global economy is different than it was 2 years ago.

[rapliketp]

I feel certain they can talk to him. The Nets talked to Boki in March during this past season.

Do the Nets still own the NBA rights to Boki? They kept Krstic's NBA rights.

[Bruno]

McDonald has modified his article.

One problem with this scenario: At this point in the offseason, it is against NBA rules for the Spurs to have offered anybody anything. In fact, it is against NBA rules for the Spurs to even contact Bouroussis or his representatives, and will be until July 1.

So we can tell you, without much mental gymnastics, that the Greek report is incorrect. Or at best premature. The Spurs have offered Bouroussis nothing. Yet.

But not so fast.

Our sources urge us to take such reports with a giant grain of salt. The Greek press can be unreliable, and there is a history here of players and their representatives using reports of NBA offers as a leverage in contract talks with their Euroleague teams.

[EricB]

After how the Spurs fouled up the Scola situation and with the expected events of the Splitter situation, I'd still be a bit hesitant on sinking $$$ and high draft picks on the Euro players.

Let's face it. The Spurs roster situation is very different than in '07. They have immediate needs that must be filled NOW. Also, the global economy is different than it was 2 years ago.

If they sign this guy that addresses the big man need.

I'd love to know where this mythical small forward that you guys think is out there, is at.

[benefactor]

McDonald has modified his article.

Why doesn't he just do his research initially instead of owning himself and then changing it. What a dufus.

[duncan228]

Why doesn't he just do his research initially instead of owning himself and then changing it. What a dufus.

I'm beginning to think he relies on SpursTalk to do his research. He doesn't know he's made a mistake until he sees it here.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Just out of curiosity- when do European contracts officially end? In other words, when can Euro teams start talking to these Euro guys?

They can have contracts for any length. For Bourousis his contract was until May 31 or end of Greek season whichever come first.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Scola got basically what Bonner got. He was not holding out for a ridiculous sum when he had to pay part of his buy-out.

He also got $5 million shoe contract from the Rockets owner who owns a shoe company in China.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

Thanks- I recall players in Europe working out deals with a different team for the next season while still playing for the current one.

This is the normal way. But you must wait until the season is over for both clubs. Also the official announcements will not be until the season ends for both clubs.

[Kill_Bill_Pana]

McDonald has modified his article.

But not so fast.

Our sources urge us to take such reports with a giant grain of salt. The Greek press can be unreliable, and there is a history here of players and their representatives using reports of NBA offers as a leverage in contract talks with their Euroleague teams.

WTF is he talking about? When has ANY Greek player done this while with a Greek league team? I can not even think of a single player.

[Bukefal]

I'm beginning to think he relies on SpursTalk to do his research. He doesn't know he's made a mistake until he sees it here.

lol yeah, it really looks like he is following ST