Bee: Wells' situation affects Songaila

[Warhawk]

http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/14278739p-15087537c.html

By Sam Amick
Published 12:01 am PDT Sunday, July 16, 2006

The snail-like negotiations between the Kings and free-agent shooting guard Bonzi Wells went another day with no announcements, as Wells' agent, William Phillips, declined to comment Saturday.

But more than two weeks into the free-agency period, numerous player agents have indicated that Wells' unknown status makes it more difficult to seriously discuss other free agents with the Kings. While the Kings still can offer their mid-level exception ($5.2 million), they would prefer to avoid paying the luxury tax.

So should the Kings re-sign Wells, who made $8 million last season, the mid-level exception likely would go unused. There is approximately $8 million of space between the Kings' current payroll and the luxury-tax threshold of $65.4 million.

In essence, as Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie has said, Wells is the top priority, meaning others must wait. Among them is former Kings forward Darius Songaila, a Chicago restricted free agent who is not expected to receive an offer from the Bulls.

"Geoff and I have been talking," said Mark Bartelstein, Songaila's agent. "But we have eight to 10 teams that we're seriously talking to. We've told them that Darius has a great interest in coming back there. But obviously, there are other teams that are pursuing Darius. We just can't wait around forever. We're moving toward trying to get something done."

Petrie never wanted Songaila to leave Sacramento. But after nearly three months of free-agency negotiations last summer, Songaila -- who was a restricted free agent with the Kings -- did not accept their qualifying offer. When Songaila drew serious interest from Chicago, Petrie rescinded his offer, allowing the then third-year player to sign a one-year deal for $2.2 million, with a team option for a second season.

The short-term deal would not have been possible if teams had to match the Kings' offer, but Petrie's gesture allowed Songaila to give free agency another try in the near future. But the Bulls' mega-signing of center Ben Wallace and his four-year, $52 million deal brought that time more quickly than expected.

And Songaila, one of the Bulls' top reserves last season, suddenly is looking for his payday again. Even if it's from the Kings. The Kings reportedly have inquired about free-agent small forward Trevor Ariza, a third-year player from UCLA who played in 21 games for Orlando last season. His agent, David Lee, did not return a call for comment.

The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916)326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com

 

[EatMoreChicken]

Doesn't make sense to sign Songaila with our roster already stacked with undersized PF (Amundson, KT, and SAR). Unless KThomas is being moved (wishful thinking) I hope we don't sign Songalia. He'll just be taking a spot for one young big (ie Justin Williams).

 

[Big Cuz 15]

Doesn't make sense to sign Songaila with our roster already stacked with undersized PF (Amundson, KT, and SAR). Unless KThomas is being moved (wishful thinking) I hope we don't sign Songalia. He'll just be taking a spot for one young big (ie Justin Williams).

agreed, he should sign with miami and get a ring

 

[Burrito06]

I don't think we need Songaila. We alreay have a younger more aggressive version in Amundson.

 

[Kings113]

I don't see the point of getting Songaila. Unless Brad's gonna be moved, as Darius is Brad-lite with the jumpshooting and passing. Though Darius actually has a decent post-game. The rebounding/shot-blocking are basically washes, though Darius is better and more consistent in the hustle/effort areas.

If that's not the case, I don't want to see him come here at all. I'd like to see the other PF role filled by a defensive big man, as it should be. Regardless, the third PF role I'd like to see filled by Amundson, and Justin Williams can get the third center spot.

If it's the above scenario, THIS will be our front-court:

Brad/SAR/KT?/Songaila/Back-up C or Potapenko

Just getting a new back-up center is not going to solve our interior defense problems, really at all. If we don't, and keep Potapenko and/or KT, it'll just be worse.

I hope the front office knows what they're doing if they want to become better, because the above scenario is definitely not the way to go. I still trust Petrie to get a couple defensive bigs in our front-court though, still a lot of time left in the off-season.

About Ariza, I'd definitely be cool wtih getting Ariza, I like him a lot. Whether it's to replace Garcia if he's traded or Garcia moving over to SG and Ariza backing up Ron.

 

[NoBonus]

I hope the front office knows what they're doing if they want to become better, because the above scenario is definitely not the way to go.

I know the front office knows what they are doing...

 

[Bricklayer]

I know the front office knows what they are doing...

I know they know what they are doing too -- the question becomes whether what they know they are doing is going to ever let you win the big bananna.

Darius is a nice player, but the fact that he is even in the discussion with his particular skillset and deficiencies, let alone in the serious discussion, says something about Geoff.

 

[SacKings384]

Regaurdless this goes to show that this Bonzi situation is hurting the team.

 

[CruzDude]

Darius is a consistent 4-5 reb and 8-10 pts a nite in 15-20 min off the bench. He has a good outside shot and runs the floor. He is a true 6-10 and a decent journeyman. For the cap room they have and their bench needs, he is a better choice than anyone else at that price.

Besides we don't know what is happening with the three $6-$7M guys we got from philly. I assume some of them are gone. Corliss IS an expiring contract. SAR is good starting or off the bench and KT is a pain I think.

So I'm willing to wait and see.

 

[SacKings384]

I think people are referring to the fact that you can use that money to get someone that may not be the greatest, but a decent shotblocker. Not a decent soft upfront, AGAIN. The frontline of Miller/Darius/Reef/Kenny is the weakest front line defensively in the league. How about the fact that Miller doesn't even have a real backup center. Potapenko doesn't play, and Miller has NO BACKUP. I'm tired of seeing Reef and Thomas in at the same time. Get a center. There has to be someone. Darius is a solid player, but not what the Kings need in any way.

 

[Kings113]

Agreed on the last two lines ^.

Kings should get one of Wright/Cato/Olowokandi for back-up center.

 

[SacTownKid]

Well looks like we ain't using the MLE on anyone. That's pretty stupid if guys like Kandi, Cato and Wright are out there cheap. If Songaila comes aboard that has to mean Kenny is gone. Darius is a good player to come off the bench, but I question what they'd be doing in bringing him back. Don't need him at all.

As for Justin Williams, I would love to see him get 15 minutes a game this upcoming season. He is a shotblocking beast and way more athletic than any of our other bigs.

If they let go of Justin Williams and bring in Darius I'll be pissed.

 

[Kings113]

Exactly on the last line ^.

I wouldn't say were not using the MLE on anyone, too early. Also there is the LLE.

All I know is if we have a front-court with Brad/SAR/Songaila/Potapenko/maybe even KT - what the bloody hell is going on?

 

[BigSong]

I won't be pissed if we get Darius. flexibility!!!!!!?!!!!!!

 

[VF21]

I'm not buying this.

For one thing, a LOT of agents use the Kings when they're talking about potential offers their clients have received. And, because Petrie does hold his cards close, they feel they can do so with impunity. After all, the Kings aren't going to deny it.

For another thing, Petrie doesn't bring someone back after they're gone. It just doesn't happen.

I think this is puffery.

 

[SacTownKid]

Exactly on the last line ^.

I wouldn't say were not using the MLE on anyone, too early. Also there is the LLE.

All I know is if we have a front-court with Brad/SAR/Songaila/Potapenko/maybe even KT - what the bloody hell is going on?

Exactly, it would make no sense with how Musselman said he wants to play pressure defense. If you are going to play any sort of pressure or double team defense you need to have a shotblocker at the basket. If not teams are going to fast break us to death.

 

[Bricklayer]

Darius is a consistent 4-5 reb and 8-10 pts a nite in 15-20 min off the bench. He has a good outside shot and runs the floor. He is a true 6-10 and a decent journeyman. For the cap room they have and their bench needs, he is a better choice than anyone else at that price.

Besides we don't know what is happening with the three $6-$7M guys we got from philly. I assume some of them are gone. Corliss IS an expiring contract. SAR is good starting or off the bench and KT is a pain I think.

So I'm willing to wait and see.

Whoa!

a) Darius is not 6'10". The question is if he's even 6'8". Not only that, but he plays very short. He might as well be 6'6" for all the good his height does him.

b) He rebounds like SAR -- one of the worst rebounding PFs in the league.

c) He has 46 blocks...in his career! Kenny Thomas alone had 39 last year, and he sucks.

Darius is all about offense. Eveything else is way down near the bottom of the barrel. For a team, maybe even a team like Chicago, with little frontcourt offense, having another slow shooter up front could make sense. For a team who has nothing BUT wannabe offensive bigs who are lousy rebounders and shotblockers picking up Darius is just intentioanlly adding a cherry to the top of our creampuff sundae of a frontline.

 

[Kings113]

Indeed STK, and having one or two mobile bigs on the roster. Which is why I think getting LoWright would be good - a bigger Kenny Thomas but more versatile on offense (post-game and a pretty solid jumper) if needed, would be best to start at PF or have him back-up SAR. I'd prefer the former. Wright would be out there like what KT was for us when he started for SAR - hustle, energy, defense, rebounding. Effective without the ball, being a presence, and a better post-defender. Wright can play center as well.

Musselman knows him from their two seasons in Memphis, and Petrie wanted him last summer.

That also fits in if we got Magloire, and would compliment Brad or Magloire.

I also like getting Etan Thomas.

 

[SacKings384]

Re-sign Bonzi, sign and trade Bonzi, do something and get this crap over with. The Kings are still the same team from last season sans Doubie and Musselman. Neither of which will put this team over the top. Signing Bonzi will NOT make this team better, more like plugging a leaking hole in the same old boat you have. Darius is NOT the answer but this Bonzi situation is really starting to get real old real fast. The Kings AND BONZI need to get this finished will so they can move on. Because honestly, the Kings have a MLE to use on someone and the free agents are pretty much all off the shelf thanks to this bullcrap.

 

[Sac.Kings]

Whoa!

a) Darius is not 6'10". The question is if he's even 6'8". Not only that, but he plays very short. He might as well be 6'6" for all the good his height does him.

b) He rebounds like SAR -- one of the worst rebounding PFs in the league.

c) He has 46 blocks...in his career! Kenny Thomas alone had 39 last year, and he sucks.

Darius is all about offense. Eveything else is way down near the bottom of the barrel. For a team, maybe even a team like Chicago, with little frontcourt offense, having another slow shooter up front could make sense. For a team who has nothing BUT wannabe offensive bigs who are lousy rebounders and shotblockers picking up Darius is just intentioanlly adding a cherry to the top of our creampuff sundae of a frontline.

Now that is funny, but the sad thing is that it's true.

 

[Sac.Kings]

Re-sign Bonzi, sign and trade Bonzi, do something and get this crap over with. The Kings are still the same team from last season sans Doubie and Musselman. Neither of which will put this team over the top. Signing Bonzi will NOT make this team better, more like plugging a leaking hole in the same old boat you have. Darius is NOT the answer but this Bonzi situation is really starting to get real old real fast. The Kings AND BONZI need to get this finished will so they can move on. Because honestly, the Kings have a MLE to use on someone and the free agents are pretty much all off the shelf thanks to this bullcrap.

And that is what is making me angry. Who cares about a couple million (a lot of people do, i tend to think ), he still is going to make more money than i ever will probably.

 

[Kings113]

I hope you're right VF.

Also guys, there are trades that can be done realistically for bigs. Which is where a new PF would likely come from, unless we sign Wright, who can play the 4/5 effectively because of his size and mobility. Wright/Cato/Olowokandi still being out there as decent options for back-up center, and they're our realities for that. PG, Banks/Delk/Lue all can be had, but back-up PG is questionable right now what we do. If we get an FA or use Douby or Price.

 

[CruzDude]

.... puffery???

 

[RaY Z]

For another thing, Petrie doesn't bring someone back after they're gone. It just doesn't happen.

what about corliss?

 

[VF21]

What about Corliss?

Big difference between being part of a trade necessary to make salaries match and seeking a free agent you let walk before...

Yeah, Petrie could bring Darius back, but WHY would he?

.... puffery???

Puffery on the part of the agent to make it appear as though Darius has more value than he really does. Bartelstein says they have 8 to 10 teams interested in Darius. As much as I liked Songaila, I have to find that rather hard to believe...

 

[BigSong]

what about corliss?

who is this corliss guy everyone keeps talking about? i've never seen him play!

 

[VF21]

Yes you have. You've just forgotten. He actually played center once or twice last year. You just couldn't see him behind the tall guys.

 

[BigSong]

do you mean we have another tweener i didnt know about!!!!

 

[VF21]

Don't get me wrong. I like and respect Corliss Williamson. I liked him the first time around and I would love to see him end his career as a King. He does have a very attractive expiring contract, however, and that could make him "flexible."

 

[BigSong]

All kidding aside then i hope we do sign Darius. Then i hope we unload Pot, SAR, KT, and Hart, while picking up wilcox and Magloire. then i hope Miller gets injured in training camp, Justin Williams is forced to play backup center to MAgloire, and turns into the second coming of Howard. Then after we make the playoffs, we steam roll through the aging geriatric Spurs, and make a stab at Dallas. I hope.