http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/253808.html
Petrie is looking for more help
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:51 am PDT Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C2
When draft day came and went without more than the No. 10 pick for the Kings, team basketball president Geoff Petrie was asked where the selection of center Spencer Hawes fit into this offseason of hoped-for rebuilding.
"It's the beginning," Petrie said with a laugh. "We've got the whole summer ahead of us."
Had Petrie been able to move up in the draft (he tried) or make a big trade (also discussed), draft day could have been more than a beginning. Hawes, however, is the only remodel thus far, and the free-agency period that began Sunday marks the next step. Once again, the Kings are among the masses working solely with the midlevel exception -- an estimated $6 million per season -- to lure new talent.
But their best chance of attracting a bigger name is via sign-and-trade, the latest potential vehicle for Petrie to move point guard Mike Bibby, small forward Ron Artest or others. Petrie said he has contacted the representatives for the "top four or five" free agents on the market regarding the possibility of a sign-and-trade but did not specify names.
Among the big names available are Seattle small forward Rashard Lewis, Detroit point guard Chauncey Billups, and Charlotte forward and former King Gerald Wallace.
Petrie also confirmed a Salt Lake Tribune report that said former Toronto swingman Morris Peterson, a free agent, was among the players he called about. There is a moratorium on trades and the signing of most free agents until July 11.
"We're not in that game (for the big-name players) unless those situations ... are going to turn into sign-and-trade-type situations," Petrie said. "That doesn't usually happen for a while, and whether we could be involved in them is an open question at this point, too."
As is the likelihood that the Kings will use none, some or all of the midlevel exception.
"We want to keep an eye on our future salary cap and what types of players are available," Petrie said.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
Petrie is looking for more help
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:51 am PDT Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C2
When draft day came and went without more than the No. 10 pick for the Kings, team basketball president Geoff Petrie was asked where the selection of center Spencer Hawes fit into this offseason of hoped-for rebuilding.
"It's the beginning," Petrie said with a laugh. "We've got the whole summer ahead of us."
Had Petrie been able to move up in the draft (he tried) or make a big trade (also discussed), draft day could have been more than a beginning. Hawes, however, is the only remodel thus far, and the free-agency period that began Sunday marks the next step. Once again, the Kings are among the masses working solely with the midlevel exception -- an estimated $6 million per season -- to lure new talent.
But their best chance of attracting a bigger name is via sign-and-trade, the latest potential vehicle for Petrie to move point guard Mike Bibby, small forward Ron Artest or others. Petrie said he has contacted the representatives for the "top four or five" free agents on the market regarding the possibility of a sign-and-trade but did not specify names.
Among the big names available are Seattle small forward Rashard Lewis, Detroit point guard Chauncey Billups, and Charlotte forward and former King Gerald Wallace.
Petrie also confirmed a Salt Lake Tribune report that said former Toronto swingman Morris Peterson, a free agent, was among the players he called about. There is a moratorium on trades and the signing of most free agents until July 11.
"We're not in that game (for the big-name players) unless those situations ... are going to turn into sign-and-trade-type situations," Petrie said. "That doesn't usually happen for a while, and whether we could be involved in them is an open question at this point, too."
As is the likelihood that the Kings will use none, some or all of the midlevel exception.
"We want to keep an eye on our future salary cap and what types of players are available," Petrie said.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.