Bee: Kings make offer to Wells...

[Kings113]

I don't mind the dunks/swagger... just the contract and health.

 

[BMiller52]

I don't mind the dunks/swagger... just the contract and health.

So you'd be fine with him if he passed the physical?

 

[Kings113]

Hopefully.

I just don't want him missing sets of games a handful of times through out the season.

 

[Fresno King]

The only guys I'd want from the Nuggets are Carmelo Anthony and Earl Boykins, and we're not getting either of them. I've had great distaste for Martin ever since he was called out by Alonzo Mourning for not hustling when they were both with the Nets, and Martin said to him, "at least I don't have a kidney disease." Classless, overrated, CONSTANTLY overpaid, and a first class d***.

Don't like Miller either - can't shoot.

Uh Uh on Nuh-Nay either - health issues. Not like it matters anymore anyway. 6 years 60 million? Can you say overpaid?

 

[VF21]

KMart would have to pass a physical for that to work. If his knee checked out okay would you guys do it or do you just not like him because of his contract/nasty dunks/swagger?

I don't like him because he's got a bad attitude and he hasn't done anything lately to make him worth keeping. Swagger is one thing; being an arrogant SOB is another.

 

[Padrino]

So you'd be fine with him if he passed the physical?

i don't particularly like kenyon martin because of his contract. if we're gonna go after an extremely overpaid player, it better be one that suits the kings needs. kenyon martin is a mediocre defender at best, and a subpar rebounder (career 7.4 rebs/game). for the record, the much cheaper shareef abdur-rahim has averaged a career 7.8 rebs/game. as for kenyon martin's supposed swagger, i've never seen it. glaring menacingly after a "nasty dunk" does not equal swagger. chris webber had a real swagger when he was at his best and in his prime. he could change the course of the game just through his intensity. kenyon martin is hardly a game changer, and he's not really someone you can count on to carry the team. and even if he passed his physical, that's not really much of a guarantee that his knees are going to hold up for the remainder of his oversized contract. in short, kenyon martin is not a solution of any kind to any of the kings problems. more than that, it is likely that he adds to the kings problems.

 

[Widowmaker2k]

The only guys I'd want from the Nuggets are Carmelo Anthony and Earl Boykins, and we're not getting either of them. I've had great distaste for Martin ever since he was called out by Alonzo Mourning for not hustling when they were both with the Nets, and Martin said to him, "at least I don't have a kidney disease." Classless, overrated, CONSTANTLY overpaid, and a first class d***.

Don't like Miller either - can't shoot.

Uh Uh on Nuh-Nay either - health issues. Not like it matters anymore anyway. 6 years 60 million? Can you say overpaid?

I'd take Marcus Camby. He only played 54 games last year, but, 11.9 Rebounds and 3.29 Blocks? Sign here please...

Anybody else notice how Carmello doesn't really rebound very well? Dude is an Athletic 6'8" forward, and can only pull down 4.9 per game? In 37 minutes? We thought we had it bad with peja, at least he had the excuse of not being able to jump...

 

[ParniValjak]

Apparently we are also after Speedy and Przybilla. I like both of them BUT getting Speedy creates a HUGE logjam at our guard positions if we get Bonzi back. Speedy would want some 25mpg and with Bibby, Artest, Bonzi, Martin and Garcia, there just wouldn't be that many minutes to go around. I wonder if its an insurance policy if Bonzi bolts or is one of Martin and Garcia on the block

http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/14274381p-15084209c.html
The bidding heats up
The Kings are one of six teams to make an offer to Bonzi Wells.
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:01 am PDT Monday, July 3, 2006
Story appeared in Sports section, Page C1

By the time the NBA free-agency period ends, Bonzi Wells might be back in a Kings uniform.

But two days into negotiations, the Kings have plenty of competition for the shooting guard. Wells' agent, William Phillips, said he already has received six offers, including one made by the Kings on Saturday that is believed to be for more than the midlevel exception (approximately $5 million). Phillips has made a counteroffer and is waiting to hear back from Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie.

While Phillips wouldn't disclose the origins of the other offers, he said his optimism regarding Wells' market appeal has been warranted.

"There were some teams that called that kind of raised our eyebrows -- one in particular," Phillips said. "There was a very, very good conversation with them."

The Kings have had their own conversations outside of Wells, inquiring about former New Orleans point guard Speedy Claxton, center Joel Przybilla, former Kings forward Darius Songaila (most recently with Chicago), and former Los Angeles Lakers small forward Devean George.

The Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram reports the Kings also are one of four teams with interest in former Dallas center DJ Mbenga, who is a restricted free agent.

With the Kings lacking punch behind Mike Bibby, Claxton, 28, would provide it on both ends of the court. Considering the Hornets agreed to terms with former Kings guard Bobby Jackson on Sunday, Claxton is not likely to return. The Sixth Man of the Year candidate averaged 12.3 points, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals last season.

Claxton, who made $3.6 million last season and was a member of San Antonio's 2003 championship team, reportedly seeks a four- to six-year deal worth $4 million to $6 million per year.

The Kings, who can offer their midlevel exception, might have a recruiting edge. Coach Eric Musselman was Claxton's head coach with Golden State during the 2003-04 season, and the two remain close.

"Eric Musselman loves Speedy," said Bill Duffy, the agent for Claxton and Przybilla. "So that means a lot. Stay tuned."

Przybilla, who is entering his seventh season, is considered a distant second to former Detroit center Ben Wallace among the best available big men. Przybilla's fate might be tied to that of Wallace, who reportedly is coveted by Chicago. The Bulls have ample salary-cap room to attract the defensive star, but if they can't land him, Przybilla will move up Chicago's priority list.

As for Przybilla's potential role with the Kings, Duffy said he envisioned him sharing time with starter Brad Miller. Przybilla, 26, averaged 6.1 points, seven rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game last season with Portland.

"I think it'd be a good situation," Duffy said. "Brad's an offensive player. Joel's a defensive player. It'd probably be a nice combination. There are five or six clubs that have also called, so we're definitely looking at (the Kings), among others."

Wells, who made $8 million last season, seeks at least a five-year deal, and only the Kings can offer six years. Phillips will not comment on a desired salary range, but it certainly is above the midlevel exception many teams are limited to offering. Denver and Detroit reportedly are pursuing Wells, and both could offer more than the midlevel exception via sign and trade.

What's more, if the Pistons can't re-sign Wallace, they certainly would have more money to pursue Wells. Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans and Toronto are the only teams under the estimated $52 million salary cap.

Phillips said he plans visits to each of the suitors but that Wells, 29, must work around a family obligation next weekend. After the visits, Phillips said, it could become clear which way Wells is headed.

Petrie wasted no time in his pursuit. Per league rules, contact first could be made at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday, with teams unable to sign free agents until July 12. And while Petrie told The Bee two years ago that he often waited until the morning to place calls, saying "the days of the midnight raids are long gone," Phillips' phone rang at 12:01 on Saturday.

Maraker on board -- When the Kings leave for summer league in Las Vegas on Wednesday, former Pacific forward Christian Maraker will join them, reports the Record in Stockton. The 2006 Big West Conference Player of the Year had two workouts with the Kings before Wednesday's draft, but was not selected.

 

[SacTownKid]

I want Joel if its between the two.

 

[ParniValjak]

I want Joel if its between the two.

Joel would be my #1 target in free agency. Speedy would be nice BUT how the hell do you divide the minutes if Bonzi comes back.

Certainly, Przybilla would be the best fit of the lot. Maybe we can do a sign and trade with Portland for one of our expiring contracts

 

[Sac.Kings]

We would have great depth at guard if we signed Claxton, but it certainly does create problems in terms of minutes and who is going to or not going to play. I want Martin, Garcia, and Douby to get minutes, but I also want an experienced backup PG. Pryzbilla would be a great add to the team if we somehow manage to get him.

 

[Bricklayer]

Speedy would be nice BUT how the hell do you divide the minutes if Bonzi comes back.

You can't really. Speedy is a 20+min player, and really, I'm mildly surprised he's not looking to start somewhere. Kevin is a 20+min player. And right there that would be all the backup minutes you could possibly have at the little man spots. Something would have to give/be traded.

 

[Ryle]

We would have great depth at guard if we signed Claxton, but it certainly does create problems in terms of minutes and who is going to or not going to play. I want Martin, Garcia, and Douby to get minutes, but I also want an experienced backup PG. Pryzbilla would be a great add to the team if we somehow manage to get him.

I could care less if Douby got minutes or not. All of the other guys have shown they can play in the NBA but Douby hasn't.

 

[VF21]

I could care less if Douby got minutes or not. All of the other guys have shown they can play in the NBA but Douby hasn't.

At one point in their career, every single NBA player had yet to show they could play in the NBA. Douby is a legitimate first round pick; I think you have to at least consider giving him a chance to prove himself worthy.

 

[Bricklayer]

At one point in their career, every single NBA player had yet to show they could play in the NBA. Douby is a legitimate first round pick; I think you have to at least consider giving him a chance to prove himself worthy.

Not however I think at the price of signing a very good backup PG like Claxton. I believe Douby is slated as the backup PG for the moment and so perhaps its not a position of huge need, but if you can nab Claxton you make your team demonstrably better. So you just do it, and the rook has to wait his turn. Douby would really have to be a tremendous pick just ot be as good as Claxton, let alone better.

Here's an interesting thought though: I would have assumed Speedy would have been looking to start for somebody -- he's really a low level starter more than anything. And yet we calim to be interested with an overcrowded backcourt and a major minute PG. What if, just saying, but what if we were interested in Claxton as the REPLACEMENT for Bibby rather than his backup? Last time Muss coached him he turned Speedy into a part time starter, and the year after Muss left he started the first half of the season with Golden State and put up 13pts 6ast 1.9stl. I have no idea what that would mean for Mike, but it would have to be something major.

 

[hammystyle]

i don't particularly like kenyon martin because of his contract. if we're gonna go after an extremely overpaid player, it better be one that suits the kings needs. kenyon martin is a mediocre defender at best, and a subpar rebounder (career 7.4 rebs/game).

Kenyon has plenty of faults, but he is an outstanding defender. I actually think he'd be a good fit for the Kings in a lot of ways, but unfortunately he's the most overpaid player in the league.

 

[VF21]

Not however I think at the price of signing a very good backup PG like Claxton. I believe Douby is slated as the backup PG for the moment and so perhaps its not a position of huge need, but if you can nab Claxton you make your team demonstrably better. So you just do it, and the rook has to wait his turn. Douby would really have to be a tremendous pick just ot be as good as Claxton, let alone better.

And yet, I think we have to consider that Petrie may actually view Douby as the backup PG - at least for now - and may have his sights and the MLE set on really doing something about our front court.

If it were an either/or situation, I'd much rather he do something to shore up the front lines.

 

[nbrans]

Here's an interesting thought though: I would have assumed Speedy would have been looking to start for somebody -- he's really a low level starter more than anything. And yet we calim to be interested with an overcrowded backcourt and a major minute PG. What if, just saying, but what if we were interested in Claxton as the REPLACEMENT for Bibby rather than his backup? Last time Muss coached him he turned Speedy into a part time starter, and the year after Muss left he started the first half of the season with Golden State and put up 13pts 6ast 1.9stl. I have no idea what that would mean for Mike, but it would have to be something major.

Yeah, it's a thought. Claxton can't shoot well from outside, but he's the perfect point guard for the way the game is being called right now. He's fast, he can get into the lane and be a drive and dish (and scoring) point guard. And his defense is great. He's starting-caliber. If Bibby could be dangled in a trade for a good big man then perhaps you do things backwards and start by signing Claxton.

Ben is the big domino, though. His decision will impact everything. If he signs with the Pistons, then the Bulls go after Pryzbilla, and the Spurs probably re-sign Nazr, then the free agent market for big men isn't as good and then you start thinking about what you can do through trade rather than free agency. If Ben goes to Chicago, though, the Pryzbilla could possibly be had for the MLE, either from San Antonio or Sacramento.

 

[Kings113]

And yet, I think we have to consider that Petrie may actually view Douby as the backup PG - at least for now - and may have his sights and the MLE set on really doing something about our front court.

If it were an either/or situation, I'd much rather he do something to shore up the front lines.

Agreed. Can always sign some kind of decent vet. PG with the LLE to have one on the roster somwhere, or give Hart another chance, under a different coach with a different mindset. Whether it's a thirdman or back-up. Can also trade for a PG like Duhon/Lue/Knight.

If we do sign a PG for the MLE/part of it, like Claxton, I'd be all over it. Just would have to address the front-court through trades, which we have the pieces to do that.

If Bibby could be dangled in a trade for a good big man then perhaps you do things backwards and start by signing Claxton.

I'm into that.

Ben is the big domino, though. His decision will impact everything. If he signs with the Pistons, then the Bulls go after Pryzbilla, and the Spurs probably re-sign Nazr, then the free agent market for big men isn't as good and then you start thinking about what you can do through trade rather than free agency. If Ben goes to Chicago, though, the Pryzbilla could possibly be had for the MLE, either from San Antonio or Sacramento.

Yeah... I think you think about both trade and FA though, I think Petrie is keeping his options open. Agreed about Pryzbilla. Just would need to trade Brad for a defensive PF (Chandler or a package from the Wiz), then get a back-up C like Voshkul (shoot the j, rebound, defend) for the LLE.

 

[Unclebuck]

A local radio station here in Indianapolis is reporting that the Pacers have offered Bonzi the full MLE.

Anyone else heard that.

Before you say well he'll get more $$ elsewhere so he won't sign with the Pacers: he might, but he's from Indiana, he was spotted yesterday in his hometown of Muncie, Indiana and has been seen working out with JO who he is very good friends with. So I don't know what to make of it

 

[Kings113]

Well, if he leaves, fine. But he would of got more money here.

We'll have Kevin start, and get a veteran wing to replace Bonzi's experience.

 

[Unclebuck]

Sign and trade? who would the Kings want.

 

[Bricklayer]

Its no shocker, I would guess/assume that Bonzi has offers from the Pacers (who were long rumored to be interested), Pistons, Nuggets and us. Not sure who the other two teams are, but there are numerous possibilities.

Our edge is in $$. And the fact that Bonzi's agent supposedly sent us back a counter offer is very promising. Basically means if we say yes to his number, Bonzi will resign. $$ will trump. We don't hit sign and trade time until/unless we say no and some other team is willing to meet the price. Doubt Bonzi comes back to us after we offer more then the MLE, asks for even more than we offered, then turns around and just takes an MLE somewhere.

As an aside, in any dealings with the Pacers, we would have to be VERY careful about who we brought back in a sign and trade because of the Artest factor. Things have gone well so far. Last thing you want to do is bring in somebody from Ron's past that inspires recidivism. Assuming, as I do, that Bonzi would be getting and $8-$9 mil contract that we were for some reason unwilling to pay ourselves, and with Fred Jones off the market since I don't think you can sign and trade people for each other...no on Jackson, no on Tinsley, obviously not J.O. + Granger is untouchable, leaves either Croshere himself as an ender (but why? unless Harrison or a pcik were thrown in) or humdrum combos of Foster + Johnson or Jasikevicius. With Johnson as I recall being a flat out Ron basher that we almost could not take, and Jasikevicius being the sort of guy that would give Geoff a chubby, but who fit more with the old Kings than the new ones.

In any case hope it does not get there. If the Bonzi counter offer is 5 yrs for $45 mil or less, let's jsut say yes, sign the damn thing, and move on to the frontcourt.

 

[Unclebuck]

If I were the Kings I'd want Anthony Johnson and Jeff Foster. At least that is who you should want.

But we'd gladly trade you Tinsley or Jackson, or maybe you'd like Croshere's expiring $9M contract

 

[Packt]

A local radio station here in Indianapolis is reporting that the Pacers have offered Bonzi the full MLE.

Anyone else heard that.

Before you say well he'll get more $$ elsewhere so he won't sign with the Pacers: he might, but he's from Indiana, he was spotted yesterday in his hometown of Muncie, Indiana and has been seen working out with JO who he is very good friends with. So I don't know what to make of it

That was what I was concerned about, just wasn't sure Indy would even make an offer since they already have a bunch of wing players of their own. We can offer more money, but with JO whispering in his ear, that might blind him and balance things. I hope Bonzi is like every other sane human being and takes the money- our money.

 

[Burrito06]

If I were the Kings I'd want Anthony Johnson and Jeff Foster. At least that is who you should want.

But we'd gladly trade you Tinsley or Jackson, or maybe you'd like Croshere's expiring $9M contract

We already had A.J. I doubt that we would want him back. If anything Geoff would probably rather have Saras.

 

[Kings113]

I'd rather have AJ than Saras. AJ's a solid veteran guard who can play some defense, score, shoot, pass, and has size at 6'3". Plus, AJ's improved and gotten more oppurtunities since his Sac days. He'd be a fine middle option for a guard off the bench. No, the aforementioned is not based off just his playoff series vs. the Nets, it's from the last couple years. He played well filling in for Tinsley this past season. Though that playoff performance is certainly nice.

Saras is a good shooter, but unathletic, not that quick, and still learning the NBA. Both are 30 (AJ might be 31).

 

[Burrito06]

I'd rather have AJ than Saras. AJ's a solid veteran guard who can play some defense, score, shoot, pass, and has size at 6'3". Plus, AJ's improved and gotten more oppurtunities since his Sac days. He'd be a fine middle option for a guard off the bench. No, the aforementioned is not based off just his playoff series vs. the Nets, it's from the last couple years. He played well filling in for Tinsley this past season. Though that playoff performance is certainly nice.

Saras is a good shooter, but unathletic, not that quick, and still learning the NBA. Both are 30 (AJ might be 31).

I for sure thought that AJ was older.

 

[Kings113]

He'll be 32 on 10/4. I'd be pleased if we did get him for those things, assuming we couldn't get Claxton or Duhon.

 

[Unclebuck]

We already had A.J. I doubt that we would want him back. If anything Geoff would probably rather have Saras.

I would love that, please, please take Saras.

Comparing Aj today to the AJ the Kings had before is not a fair comparison, not at all. Look what AJ did to Jason Kidd in this years playoffs.

But please take Saras, that would make my summer