http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports...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
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.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916) 326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com.
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
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.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916) 326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com.
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