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JSM
Clublakers Site Manager
Joined: 28 Apr 2003
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Location: Atlanta
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 Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 7:15 pm Post subject: Bucher: Free Agency Exclusive |
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Rich Bucher
ESPN.com
(Archive)
With the off-season nearly upon us, I took a break from stalking Kobe Brant, and discussed the upcoming free agency with super agent Jerry Maguire. I hadn't planned on having this conversation yet, so needless to say I wasn't all that prepared. I was sitting in my car with my binoculars when my boss called and said I had to publish a Free Agency piece by the morning. So without a pen or paper, I had to take notes using ketchup packets so I apologize in advance for not having any direct quotes.
I'll start with the ETO guys, I've heard (from my boss) these are creating a bit of controversy around the league, not nearly as much as the Orlando Magic scandal but that's for another article.
Gilbert Arenas - Word on the street and I don't mean Hollywood & Vine is that Agent Zero really wants to say in our nations headquarters and remain with the Wizards. But he doesn't want to stay if the team is pressing the reset button. Jamison has to be re-signed and Caron cannot be traded or Gil is breaking out the coin again.
Ron Artest - When Ron is being discussed in league circles a lot of words flood into one's mind, decisive and stable aren't two of them. According to his agent, Ron-Ron actually wants to remain in Sacramento, but he's seeking some long term security. This gives Sacramento the advantage in negotiations as long as they're willing to offer a competitive price for many, many years.
Baron Davis - When I heard this one, the great Chris Tucker quote came to mind. Walking away from $17 MILLION DOLLAS!!!??? Man, who do you think you are? Chelsea Clinton? But I stopped Adam Sandler, who he's done a couple commercials with, at Starbucks this morning and he said he thinks Baron is really happy in California. He loves it here, he just wants some long term security. He probably only has one big contract left before he gets into the entertainment industry.
Elton Brand - Elton has been watching the playoffs and he sees two things: $$$ and opportunity. He wants to win a ring and he doesn't see that happening while he's in LA as the opening act for the Lakers. Without naming teams, because that would result in a hit to EB's pockets, he's noticed a few teams in the playoffs who he thinks he could really help and make them into a championship contender. I called Brand's cell, hoping to get something from the horse's mouth and he's apparently changed his voice mail message to a little diddy, "my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...cause I'm leavin on a jet plane. Don't know when Ill be back again." I take that as a sign we shouldn't expect to see Elton in a Clippers jersey next season.
Corey Maggette - Maguire told me (if I'm reading this ketchup correctly) that Corey and he both believe that Corey can get a better offer elsewhere and that it's best if he and the Clippers part ways. He loved his time with the team and wishes them nothing but the best, but he's ready to move on to the next stage of his career.
Shawn Marion - I found this one nearly as surprising as Baron's decision. Maybe they spoke on the telephone because their reasons for getting out of their contracts were virtually the same. Either that or someone looked at the other one's answer...what is this high school? Any way, he loves the Heat organization now that the "quitter" isn't coaching him any longer, he likes his teammates, he loves the Miami night life and the beach, but he wants a long term commitment from the organization. If the Heat aren't willing to give that to him, well only one team will win the Brand sweepstakes.
Now on to a player who didn't exercise his ETO...
Jermaine O'Neal - We, and by we I mean one of my lackeys, spoke with JO this week and he informed us that he still very much wants out of Indiana. But he demanded a trade this past season and nothing happened. There is no way on the open market that he would get an offer that could come within spitting range of the $21 million dollars he has coming his way next season, especially after spending a good portion of the season injured. So if he's going to be unhappy, he's at least going to be unhappy and well paid. In closing he did tell us, "I demanded a trade last year and didn't get one. But I'm remaining positive, because you know what they say [pause] ... the second time's a charm." We didn't have the heart to tell him that it's in fact, the third time that's a charm.
Next up, I'd like to spread the information that's come my way about one of the premiere free agents this summer who has made the decision to opt out of his contract.
James Posey - His team isn't too shabby. I'm not sure if they made it to the finals because I've been camped out in this dumpster outside of Kobe's residence for a few weeks and the daily paper doesn't get delivered here. But what I do know is he doesn't want to leave the Celtics. He's playing along side 3 stupendous players. But he's not even making $3.5 million next season under his current contract. The guy who made my White Chocolate Mocha (with extra foam) this morning makes that. Give the guy a bone, next we know he'll be standing next to Latrell Sprewell at the soup kitchen. |
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JamrockLakaFan
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Posts: 1650
Location: Kgn,Jamaica
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| Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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O'neal is staying then - Im smiling, no I really am......yippie
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Critter
ClubHawks.com Administrator
Joined: 24 Oct 2005
Posts: 7588
Location: in royal room
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| Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 7:23 pm Post subject: |
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some nice names there
maybe Houston will be lucky  |
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Kobe Bryant 8
CL's Voice of Reason
Joined: 16 Dec 2004
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| Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 7:28 pm Post subject: |
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Cap Room: $29,302,386
Bring it.
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2k
Joined: 01 Jul 2007
Posts: 77
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| Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 10:55 am Post subject: |
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| Elton Brand - Elton has been watching the playoffs and he sees two things: $$$ and opportunity. He wants to win a ring and he doesn't see that happening while he's in LA as the opening act for the Lakers. Without naming teams, because that would result in a hit to EB's pockets, he's noticed a few teams in the playoffs who he thinks he could really help and make them into a championship contender. I called Brand's cell, hoping to get something from the horse's mouth and he's apparently changed his voice mail message to a little diddy, "my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...cause I'm leavin on a jet plane. Don't know when Ill be back again." I take that as a sign we shouldn't expect to see Elton in a Clippers jersey next season. |
He was a Laker! NOICE, I want to resign him. 
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