Moore Indications that Wilcox deal is Done.
Posted on Saturday, July 29th, 2006 at 10:27 am by Brian Robinson
UPDATE: The Seattle Times has confirmed this story, broken by SC.com more than 4 days ago.
With more than a week gone by since the change of ownership announcement it is time for everybody to put their money where their mouth is.
For the fan that means finding ways to actually channel their angst into action. Fans must conitinue to flood the radio stations, contact local politicians, and remind people that that this is decision that must be based on more than dollars and cents. The community needs to invest in cultural amenities that it’s citizen’s value. If you value professional sports then participate with time or money. For starters simply go to www.saveoursonics.org and register for action alerts.
For the new ownership group stepping up is just as important. New majority owner Clay Bennett made clear in his opening day press conference that he understands that winning, and demonstrating a commitment to winning is crucial for building support in professional athletics. Just as the city has a very short window to show him that we take this matter seriously he has a short window to win over the fan base with his actions, starting with free agent PF Chris Wilcox.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and bet that Chris Wilcox’ agent is very much aware that his clients leverage just increased a bit. While the old ownership had already pretty much established their reputation as hard negotiators this new team has a reputation to gain or lose based on this first significant transaction. In the case of the old ownershi soured negotiations with Wilcox would have been bad news, but essentially more of the same. In the case of Clay Bennett and his new ownership group the stakes are much higher.
It would be disastrous if this new ownership fails to come to terms with Wilcox. Should Wilcox elect to accept the teams qualifying offer and enter into free agency next season the fans of this community may in fact write off ownership as unwilling to compete before they have any chance to prove otherwise.
The reasons for and against re-signing Wilcox are becoming very apparent. While attending the Rocky Mountain Review earlier this month it became clear that complaints of Wilcox’ work ethic are very well justified. Multiple sources including players who had joined Wilcox in previous Clippers’ training camps cited examples of Wilcox clashing with Clippers Head Coach Mike Dunleavy over conditioning related issues. One source went so far as to say that prior to last season Dunleavy had told Wilcox in no uncertain terms that if he reported out of shape for his third consecutive season that the team would not play him. When he reported again with no signs of off season improvement or conditioning the team held to their word and limited him to 13mpg before trading him to Seattle in February. Wilcox has reportedly been out of contact with the team this offseason and the Sonics are leery of investing big money or a long term guarantee into a player who does not show the level commitment this organization expects. Furthermore a significant extension to Wilcox could restrict their ability to come to agreements with Nick Collison and Luke Ridnour, both of whom are notoriously dedicated offseason workers.
Wilcox’ camp however can point out the obvious PR pitfalls presented should the two fail to come to terms. Also NBA teams continue to set atrocious examples as marginal players such as Nene and Al Harrington both look to be receiving contracts in the range of $10 million per year. Wilcox possesses all the physical tools to be better than either of those players and arguably should be paid on a par with them.
Multiple sources close to the situation indicate that a deal with Wilcox may be in place soon. Prior to the ownership change the Sonics had held firm in their contract offer which was far less than some would expect. It is believed that the 6’10 PF has some concerns regarding his reputation around the league and that he is unwilling to take the gamble that he can receive a large contract next season. Since the ownership change every indication I have received points to the fact that the organization does understand the significance of this move from a public relations perspective. While they are hesitant to greatly overpay based solely on fan desires both sides seem to feel that a short term contract can address Wilcox’ desire to get paid without having long term consequences. Thus the team may be willing to overpay for a 3 year contract, or settle upon a more reasonable 5 year contract in order to get the deal done.
Given that Wilcox was reportedly buckling, and that new management understands the need to retain him it seems very probable that something gets done within the next 10 days. Furthermore yesterday’s trade of Mikki Moore to New Jersey sends a strong signal to me that the team is confident in its ability to retain Wilcox.
Mikki Moore is a valuable role player who has the ability to step in as needed at either frontcourt position. When he was signed last season many felt that he was brought in to replace the production of Jerome James, lost to the New York Knicks via free agency. That soon proved to be inaccurate as folks within the Sonics have consistently hinted that Moore was at all times considered an insurance policy. The team felt that Nick Collison, Danny Fortson, Vitaly Potapenko, and Robert Swift could replace the meager production of James, and Moore would insure against any of those failing to make an impact.
This season Moore was once again given the opportunity to provide insurance against roster pitfalls. In the event that that the team was unable to resign Wilcox, or that first round pick Mo Sene struggled Moore would be able to step in and fill the final spot in the Sonics frontcourt. By exercising his contract option he received guaranteed money for the season and had the possibility of a role on the team. Given his strong relationship with the team he felt comfortable knowing that, should his role disappear they would move him to a better situation that would afford him playing time.
I do not believe that it is coincidental that Moore was moved during the same week that Wilcox’ agent reportedly met with the team for further negotiations. It is extremely likely that conversations became such that it was obvious that the team no longer required Chris Wilcox insurance Thus they shipped out the happy Moore for a second round pick in 2009. The Sonics wind up with a minor trade exception and a small but useful asset out of the deal, the Nets receive a very serviceable big man without digging into their mid-level exception, and both the Nets and Moore will be happy that, should he produce this season the team will have mini-bird rights with which to retain him next season. It is a rare deal when every party involved can be labeled a clear winner.
July 28th, 2006 at 11:25 am
It makes sense. Without knowing that the Wilcox situation is coming to a conclusion dealing Moore doesn’t make a ton of sense.
I’d be very curious to know the years and the dollars being passed around
July 28th, 2006 at 11:41 am
I’m in agreement that shipping out Mikki wouldn’t seem prudent unless a deal with Wilcox was close - at the same time, the move was likely also influenced by Sene’s ability to possibly take over his role and Felix filling some other gaps as well.
If Chris is signed, the PR department better be all over putting out some solid highlight reel commercials in some attempts to rally the troops and build some excitement. SOS&S can’t do all the work!!!
July 28th, 2006 at 12:01 pm
It is interesting discussion but I dont read imminent conclusion for sure from this move. I think they wanted to clear the deck of Moore regardless.
I would think Bennett & Co. would “want” to have some contact with Wilcox before greenlighting a move and to set the final offer parameters but they probably “won’t” do the first and may only give general guidelines and not try to actually dictate exact details.
They probably have to trust Sund on this one.
July 28th, 2006 at 1:21 pm
“he has a short window to win over the fan base with his actions, starting with free agent PF Chris Wilcox.”
For me, the only action that has any significance this entire season will be a new arena deal. Signing Wilcox is a rather insignificant action in comparison.
Also, i’m not all that sold on Wilcox (yet… need to see more). I prefer the one-year tender, the 3-yr - $21M deal reported (I hope the team doesn’t get suckered into paying more), or even a S&T to Atlanta for their Harrington trade exception and a 1st rounder. The Sonics need to keep their options and pocketbook open for their free agents next summer.
July 28th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
“For me, the only action that has any significance this entire season will be a new arena deal. Signing Wilcox is a rather insignificant action in comparison. ”
How many fans show up if they don’t re-sign Wilcox?
How easy is it to spin a non-signing of CW as evidence that ownership has no commitment to keeping the team in Seattle?
Re-signing CW to a multi-year deal is a good first step in the right direction.
The one year tender is not a realistic option for either side and never has been.
July 28th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
“How many fans show up if they don’t re-sign Wilcox?”
Maybe about twenty less than if they do. The progress on the arena deal will be what pushes the attendance.
“The one year tender is not a realistic option for either side and never has been. ”
Wanna bet?
July 28th, 2006 at 1:56 pm
“Maybe about twenty less than if they do. The progress on the arena deal will be what pushes the attendance.”
Actually, winning games is what will push attendance…..a new arena deal won’t make a difference to attendance if the team is getting hammered on the court.
Thus, does re-signing Wilcox result in the Sonics winning more games next season?
The logical answer would be yes. Much more so than a trade exception and and the Hawks first round pick, who’d end up playing in OKC by the time the Sonics franchise drafted him.
July 28th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
Yeah we can not S&T Wilcox for picks… it is very important that we play for this year.
We need to make a nice playoff push to keep attendance up and to make the Seattle area remember how great it is to have a winning basketball franchise here.
July 28th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
The most obvious reason to ship Moore out is he’s not needed. He barely played last year with 2 projects ahead of him, how much less time will he get with 3? Why have this guy on the team if there are already 3 young centers here who all need playing time. Collison, Wilcox and Felix are also going to get minutes hopefully before this guy. Moore would likely never suit up. I still can’t believe the Sonics got a 2nd rounder for him.
July 28th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
“I still can’t believe the Sonics got a 2nd rounder for him.”
Mikki is a fairly athletic 7 ftr. Just cause we have a bunch of those types of guys doesnt mean that they are still not a premium in the league.
He’ll be a good back up for Nenad Kristic, the only other guys they have that can play any C is a rookie that just had shoulder surgery and Jason Collins. Yikes!
Simple Econ… the demand was high.
July 28th, 2006 at 3:16 pm
“The progress on the arena deal will be what pushes the attendance. ”
Wins push the attendance.
““The one year tender is not a realistic option for either side and never has been. ”
Wanna bet? ”
Considering the sources I have on this issue there is little point in arguing with you.
July 28th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
“Actually, winning games is what will push attendance”
Good point.
I think it’s quite amusing that so many think signing Wilcox is necessary for a playoff push. CW has many holes in his game and Collison is no slouch. Collison backed up by Petro, Swift, Rashard and Felix would fare just fine, IMO.
July 28th, 2006 at 3:28 pm
“Considering the sources I have on this issue there is little point in arguing with you.”
Steve, sure your sources give you insight, but it ultimately comes down to the decision by Wilcox and his agent.
I get a kick out of how often you like to present your opinion as fact.
July 28th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
If the Sonics sign Wilcox, there will really be only 1 or 2 spots left on the Roster if you include the “rehabbing” Danny Fortson. I would really like to see the Sonics sign someone with a great outside shot at the 2 to back up Ray ray, like a Ritchie Fraham type, and then a battle for the 3rd PG. It doesn’t seem like Denham has enough game to be the backup for Ray. D Wilk can’t hit the 3; Gelabale is untried.
I guess this is why the coaches and staff make the big bucks. Their success and livelihood depend on decisions like those.
July 28th, 2006 at 4:45 pm
“it ultimately comes down to the decision by Wilcox and his agent.”
I suppose it does if you want to be ultra-pedantic about it…I said the QO has never been a realistic option for either side and it still isn’t. Even a 5 or 6 year offer at the MLE would be better than playing out the QO, no agent worth their commission would ever recommend to their client to turn down 5 years of guaranteed money especially if the team is guaranteed to cut your client’s playing time as a result. You seem smart enough to grasp that simple premise.
“I get a kick out of how often you like to present your opinion as fact. ”
We aim to please … when Wilcox signs for the QO I’ll make sure I give you credit…
July 28th, 2006 at 4:47 pm
“I think it’s quite amusing that so many think signing Wilcox is necessary for a playoff push. CW has many holes in his game and Collison is no slouch. Collison backed up by Petro, Swift, Rashard and Felix would fare just fine, IMO.”
Agreed, Wilcox does have a few holes in his game currently, but he also represents considerably more upside at the PF position, IMO than the other players you list.
IMO, the Sonics best team on the floor includes Wilcox at the PF position. As such, that’s what I’ll support as giving the Sonics the best chance at a playoff run. We’ll just have to agree to disagree that the others you listed don’t represent the same upside going into this season.
July 28th, 2006 at 4:52 pm
I disagree with the premise that moving Mikki means Wilcox will sign a long-term deal. The Sonics know he will be with the team this coming season regardless, one way or another. If he signs the tender, he could be dealt at the deadline for another frontcourt player.
July 28th, 2006 at 5:37 pm
“no agent worth their commission would ever recommend to their client to turn down 5 years of guaranteed money especially if the team is guaranteed to cut your client’s playing time as a result.”
Then why does it EVER happen?
As far as the guaranteed cut in playing time… is this from one of your sources? Hill gave Vlade a completely undeserved starting spot last season and has already shown that he feels Wilcox fits his style better, so cutting his PT would only hinder what Hill wants to do on the court. There’s absolutely no reason to think Wilcox would be treated any differently than any other player on the last year of their contract. Giving CW the playing time would show him he’s still a good fit for the team and keep the door open for him to resign next summer. It also will give him higher value for any potential S&T deal next summer.
“You seem smart enough to grasp that simple premise.”
Do you think condescension is a useful debating tool?
“when Wilcox signs for the QO I’ll make sure I give you credit.”
LOL
July 28th, 2006 at 8:28 pm
“no agent worth their commission would ever recommend to their client to turn down 5 years of guaranteed money especially if the team is guaranteed to cut your client’s playing time as a result.”
Normally I agree 100% with this statement, it simply makes too much sense given the nature of players who have attempted to increase their value playing for a team that almost certainly won’t retain their services the following year. I do think, however, that its worthy of note that Hill absolutely must win this season if he wants a sure shot at a head coach job in 07′-08′ (not that he ultimately has any say, but his preferences will have quite of bit of influence)
The group with the real power here though is the new ownership group. If they are serious about keeping the team in SEA, they have to win this season if there is to be any hope of rallying local support for arena options - Chris likely being a big part of that winning. If staying in WA is just lip service, they can do whatever they want and signing him or not doesn’t make a difference as losing here almost bolsters the argument to move the team to more supportive waters.
I think its worthy of note, too, that Chris likely will be able to garner an MLE deal from some team next year, even if he has a mediocre season with the Sonics this year. The allure of a crazy athletic PF is too much to pass up for many GM’s.
July 28th, 2006 at 8:46 pm
“Why does it EVER happen?” Well, for starters, because there are a number of agents out there who aren’t worth their commissions . . .
July 28th, 2006 at 9:08 pm
“Hill gave Vlade a completely undeserved starting spot last season and has already shown that he feels Wilcox fits his style better, so cutting his PT would only hinder what Hill wants to do on the court.”
Richard, you missed on this one friend. Hill completely stuck Radmanovic in his place. He came in and said, “you’re this guy with ‘all this talent’ that wants the big bucks? Then get out there and do the things that help us win.”
Radman was traded shortly thereafter. It was awesome–one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen a coach do. Then he gets a guy that’s been known as a lazy underachiever and pushes him.
Hill should get as much credit for the 26/24 night as Wilcox. Hill had been pushing Wilcox, challenging him and Wilcox went Wilt Chamberlain.
Hill pushed Wilcox, got him to buy into the system and play hard and we saw what he could do. But I didn’t see him sustaining it. Is Wilcox coachable? Because Hill has already shown he knows how to coach Wilcox; now it’s on Chris to keep it up.
I don’t know that Wilcox fits what Hill wants. Wilcox has shown very little interest in defending. Hill wants his bigs to get to their spots and close out offensive sets AND THEN rebound. Late in season Seattle defending for 24 and then gave up key rebounds. That CAN’T happen if Wilcox is on the floor.
I don’t want to come off sounding negative towards Wilcox. I’m with everyone here that wants to see him breakout and nearly be a problem in 3 years when he resigns with the SEATTLE Sonics. If he’s that guy with Ray and Rashard, the Sonics will be good.
July 29th, 2006 at 12:17 am
“Richard, you missed on this one friend. Hill completely stuck Radmanovic in his place. He came in and said, “you’re this guy with ‘all this talent’ that wants the big bucks? Then get out there and do the things that help us win.”
Radman was traded shortly thereafter.”
Seanic, i’ll add that the trade happened after Vlade failed to perform consistently in the starting spot and had already been benched.
The point I’m making is if Wilcox takes the tender, I think Hill will basically give him that same opportunity he gave Vlade last season and it will be up to CW to seize the day. If he doesn’t perform, then he gets benched and $crews himself in his next contract. That should be pretty clear to Wilcox by the example of what happened to the three tendered players from last season.
I just don’t think it’s reasonable to conclude that every situation with a one-year tendered player is always going to result in the same outcome as the previous motley collection of players that took the tender. How many folks thought Alexander would re-sign a long term deal with the Seahawks at the time he cut his one-year deal before last season?
July 29th, 2006 at 6:50 am
I think that he whole Wilcox scenario is probably overblown by the majority of fans. Wilcxo is not THAT much of an impact player (which is why he should not get $60 million) but in terms of just general buzz I think it is huge. Fans associate him with the end of last season in which we won, and associate losing free agents because you won’t pay them what they ask with being cheap and specifically old ownership. I don’t think it makes a huge overall impact on wins/losses but I think it makes a big impact on attendence the first 20 games or so. If you don’t sign Wilcox and you come out the gate 2-3 fans will have given up on the team befoe the season has even started. They will just get the label losers and nobody will care.
Right or wrong sometimes perception is more important than reality. I feel the same way about opening night. It is one game win or loss, worth exactly the same as a game in the middle of Feb. If we lose opening night this year though it is bad news. From a PR standpoint it means WAY more than those midseason contests.
July 29th, 2006 at 7:06 am
“I just don’t think it’s reasonable to conclude that every situation with a one-year tendered player is always going to result in the same outcome as the previous motley collection of players that took the tender. ”
I agree.
I would also add that one of the best things that happened last year was 3 guys taking the one-year tender. I wouldn’t be nearly as excited about this team had Vlad, Flip and Evans taken the deals offered to them.
Whatever the contract, I think Hill’s going to push and demand of Wilcox what he wanted out of Vladi and more. Wilcox has a chance to be a beast on the interior. He also has a chance to be Casper and sit on our bench wondering what happened to his career.
Let’s hope it’s the former.
July 29th, 2006 at 8:37 am
Jayda Evans says (rumor has it) Wilcox has signed a three year. Final T&C’s must be a mess (are there a million riders on the contract or what?) if it is signed and not in the press yet…or does the league need to receive it for it to go press release?
July 29th, 2006 at 9:12 am
So Psheehy…read Jayda’s article and notice who she interviewed yesterday…
July 29th, 2006 at 10:15 am
“I think that he whole Wilcox scenario is probably overblown by the majority of fans. Wilcxo is not THAT much of an impact player (which is why he should not get $60 million) but in terms of just general buzz I think it is huge.”
Granted, he’s not that much of an impact player on a championship caliber team - but he means more to us than another team possibly at this junction. Collison has not proven he’s ready to handle major minutes w/out foul trouble, and our other options would be Petro/Felix/Lewis. Earl Watson isn’t much of an impact player, but the guys contribution to this squad was huge last season - I think we’re in a similiar situation with Wilcox.
Even if he doesn’t make that much of a difference in terms of wins/losses, 3 games will likely be the difference between playoffs and not, which is hard to put a price on in the current situation.
July 29th, 2006 at 1:20 pm
Drew Gooden situation has many similarities, looks like Cavs offering him more $45-48 millions over 6 years but still he wants the full Nene/Al Harrington true free agent treatment. Got to sign qualifying offer and get to that point and possibly that extra $12-15 million. Risk/reward.
If reliable insider information indicates an announcement on a 3 year deal is imminent I have no basis to contradict though being close to a deal and actually have a deal are two different things as everyone knows. Wilcox might hold out longer. Could the Sonics pull the 3 year deal they are offering at whatever salary level? Yeah, that is a risk but probably not a huge one. I think I am about done trying to guess or secondguess on the signing process. At least this one.
July 29th, 2006 at 1:53 pm
brian-
i didn’t miss that. just citing another published source is all…
July 30th, 2006 at 4:03 am
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2003162350_soni30.html
July 30th, 2006 at 6:23 am
3 years, $24mil deal is just about perfect. And like Brian says, it’s just about done. I’ve been saying that’s the best route to take for both sides for a while now. That’s what Wilcox’s agent originally wanted. The Nene contract clouded his view and he thought the Sonics would give more. I guess as an agent he has a job to squeeze all he can but it prolonged matters.
Brian, if it is this Evens guy that flies in for the announcement, will SOS be there to try and talk to him?
July 30th, 2006 at 7:03 am
If the Seattle Supersonics sign power forward Chris Wilcox to a three-year, $24 million contract, then it would most likely be a backloaded deal worth the following:
2006-2007 $7,250,000
2007-2008 $8,000,000
2008-2009 $8,750,000
Personally, I think that $24 million is way too much money for the ’sonics to pay Wilcox, who supposedly has a poor work ethic and is undeniably inept on defense, as it could strap the franchise financially during the next couple of off-seasons.
July 30th, 2006 at 7:44 am
According to Percy Allen of the Seattle Times, the Sacramento Kings were one of the teams who contacted the Seattle Supersonics about the availability of power forward Chris Wilcox.
At any rate, though, the following is a trade proposal involving the Kings and Wilcox:
From Phoenix*
2009 Second-Round Draft Pick (Via Golden State)
From Sacramento
PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim ($5,400,000)
PG Ronnie Price ($664,209)
From Seattle
PF Chris Wilcox (BYC: $3,625,000)
PF Noel Felix ($664,209)
To Phoenix
PF Noel Felix ($664,209)
PG Ronnie Price ($664,209)
To Sacramento
PF Chris Wilcox ($7,250,000)
To Seattle
PF Shareef Abdur-Rahim ($5,400,000)
2009 Second-Round Draft Pick (Via Golden State Through Phoenix)
*The Phoenix Suns have a $1,803,600 trade exception.
In the end, ultimately, I’d rather have a solid, steady veteran such as Abbur-Rahim on the ’sonics than an unproven player like Wilcox.
July 30th, 2006 at 8:30 am
A 3 year deal is just great. Basically you get the guy and it’s all excitement in his first year. If he struggles in year 1 then you go into year 2 trying to determine whether it was an aberation. If he struggles in year 2 then by year 3 he’s already an expiring contract.
Like I said in this article. The Moore trade was the clinching piece of evidence. Mikki Moore is Chris’ best friend on the team. You don’t trade a guys best friend while you’re still working out the terms.
Glad to have gotten the scoop on this one. We should all be excited.
July 30th, 2006 at 9:05 am
DK - Warrning: Official rhetoric to follow…
Save Our Sonics and Storm would welcome any opportunity to meet with the new ownership and present our views and ideas on the matter. We are committed to working closely with the team in a positive manner while also ensuring that they keep their word and make a good faith effort to keep the team in the region. We have had initial conversations with their represenatives and so far those conversations have been extremely positive and supportive in nature.
We’re not sure if we’re going to get together. There’s been talk of it and I would like to simply get a read on whether they are as honest as advertise. That said there is no real reason for us to meet at this point and we’re going to be pretty cautious about getting too close to the situation. We are an independent grass roots movement aligned with the city. As such we have an obligation to watchdog the team to some extent and sometimes the best way to do this is from a comfortable distance.
This is a good first move for them. I can tell you that I was absolutely assured that they knew the value of not getting Chrsi on a QO. They asked me a while ago what the team needs to do to get the fans on board and I told them actions will speak louder than words. Get this deal done and it cannot drag into August or result in the QO. They really get it and honestly I wouldn’t be terribly surpised to see them make even another move just because they are really sincere about their desire to win this year. Winning solves all their problems. If they can move Danny for a contribiting piece,even if the contract is longer, I think they may consider doing so. If nothing else I’m betting Rashard gets extended as soon as it’s allowed.
July 30th, 2006 at 11:03 am
[i]If nothing else I’m betting Rashard gets extended as soon as it’s allowed.
[/i]
I’m betting he doesn’t. IF he is extended it will be right at the trade deadline, or he will be traded. Just look at how Ray’s situation was handled.
July 30th, 2006 at 11:24 am
New group, new MO. Besides there is a real age difference between Rashard and Ray.
July 30th, 2006 at 1:26 pm
“Personally, I think that $24 million is way too much money for the ’sonics to pay Wilcox, who supposedly has a poor work ethic and is undeniably inept on defense, as it could strap the franchise financially during the next couple of off-seasons. ”
Considering that you don’t know how much of that money is guaranteed and how much is incentive laden, then it’s a little early to jump to conclusions and propose trades for crappy forwards, don’t you think?
July 30th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
It seemed to me that the bottomline was that the Sonics were going to have to pay him more than they wanted to if he was going to sign a deal with us. The big thing is that we didn’t have to do a longer term deal which could really hurt us for many years if Wilcox doesn’t work out.
July 30th, 2006 at 2:19 pm
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww yeaaaaaaaaayah
July 30th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
Brian, I like the tone in your last post about not getting too kissy kissy with the new group and appearing to be on your knees begging them to keep the team in Seattle.
Being a “watchdog” group, as you say, keeping your distance, and continually holding their feet to the fire in regards to their promise of keeping the team in Seattle if the arena issue can be solved is the approach I like to see.
And if SOS can have any influence on getting a new arena then it’s in a position to put a little pressure on the new owners in a capacity of saying the business community and fans have done their part as you wished, now it’s time for you Mr. Bennett to step up to the plate and do the honorable thing.
If you do get too close to the owners you compromise that aspect. But I don’t see any harm in getting Evans ear right from the start if he does indeed come for the Wilcox announcement in the near future.
July 30th, 2006 at 5:09 pm
Right now all the conversations are going really well. we’re talking to both old and new owners and really committed to keeping this clean and very positive for all involved. It’s the right way to go about it, but we’ll just keep aware of our obligation to not get too chummy. Even they agree that it lessens our integrity and makes us less likely to be effective with the community.
So far though I can say positive things about all parties. The team is really eager to help and in the end it feels like all parties will be able to pat themselves on the back and say the others did their part.
July 30th, 2006 at 7:02 pm
“Considering that you don’t know how much of that money is guaranteed and how much is incentive laden, then it’s a little early to jump to conclusions and propose trades for crappy forwards, don’t you think?”
In my personal opinion, Steve, Shareef Abdur-Rahim is a better player than Chris Wilcox. Okay, sure, Wilcox may have more potential than Abdur-Rahim; yet, on the other hand, it can’t be denied that Abdur-Rahim is a more proven commodity than Wilcox.
August 3rd, 2006 at 4:33 pm
looks like perhaps the deal was less done than anticipated. no press releases or conferences in the past two days.