Peja opts out...

[Kings113]

Indianapolis Star - As expected, guard Peja Stojakovic opted out of his contract with the Pacers today, and is now an unrestricted free agent.

The free agent negotiating period begins July 1, and teams can start signing players July 12. Pacers officials have said they want to re-sign Stojakovic, according to the Indianapolis Star.

"We are going to see what's out there and listen to what other teams have to say, but Peja is the Pacers to lose," Stojakovic's agent, David Bauman, said. "The contract he signed before was done as a restricted free agent, so he didn't really get a chance to test the market."

Stojakovic, 29, who made $7.6 million this past season, hopes to get a raise and lock in a long-term contract. The Pacers can sign him for up to six years, while other teams can only sign him to a five-year deal.

"Anyone that says it's not about money is a liar," Bauman said. "Peja is going to get his big contract. Peja likes the Pacers because they have a base to build off. . . . Peja is a guy that can give a lot more than what he showed last year."

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060626/SPORTS04/606260432/0/SPORTS04

 

[VF21]

Guard????????????????????????????????? Peja's a guard? Well, who wudda thunk?

And BTW? Have I mentioned the total lack of respect I have for agents?

 

[Rome]

LOL Peja a guard... Well hope the guy gets his contract and stays with the Pacers. He seemed to really enjoy playing with J. Oneal when healthy.

 

[SacTownKid]

I guess they calls 'em like they see 'em.

 

[DocHolliday]

Nice. Peja can give a lot more than he showed last year. So he was sand bagging is what you're saying. Sounds like the personality of a player I want on my team.

 

[jon e]

yeah what a great time to not play your best, take a lesson from bonzi if you really want to get paid... if it truely is all about the money. im glad this guy isnt a king anymore. or his agent isnt behind him as a king anymore

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Well at least they're up front that its all about money. He'll probably wind up with the Pacers though since they can pay him the most.

 

[BMiller52]

And to think we could still have this heartless, oft-injured, and one dimensional player on our team?

 

[Evenstar]

well he sure rebounds like a guard......

hmm i wonder if he stays in indy.

 

[VF21]

In all fairness, this is coming from Bauman, Peja's agent - you know, the guy who makes more the more Peja makes. Peja has never been outspoken about money. It has ALWAYS come from his agent.

 

[Sac.Kings]

I guess even 6'-10'' players are considered a guard these days...

 

[sloter]

I have argued before that Stojakovic's game is more suitable for SG than SF. I'm not that surprised.

 

[sauce-26]

Do you think he will end up in Toronto like a lot of people were saying? They always say they want to stay, and then end up leaving, so we shall see.

 

[AriesMar27]

i miss peja.... lets trade bonzi for peja.... kidding...

 

[Venom]

In all fairness, this is coming from Bauman, Peja's agent - you know, the guy who makes more the more Peja makes. Peja has never been outspoken about money. It has ALWAYS come from his agent.

Peja has never been outspoken about anything, except his trade demands.

 

[atxrocker]

Do you think he will end up in Toronto like a lot of people were saying? They always say they want to stay, and then end up leaving, so we shall see.

it would certainly be interesting if this scenario is played out. peja/bosh/villanueva along with james, rasho and their draft pick can be interesting in the east.

 

[Sac.Kings]

The Raptors are a better team than most people give them credit for. If they resign James and/or other solid free agents, the playoffs aren't too much of a reach for them. The east doesnt have teams that are sure to make the playoffs besides the Pistons, Heat, and maybe the Cavs.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

... The east doesnt have teams that are sure to make the playoffs besides the Pistons, Heat, and maybe the Cavs.

Did the Wizards lose Arenas or Jamison, and I'm just now hearing about it?

 

[Kings113]

I think the Bulls are with their off-season additions (draft, FA, possible trades - capspace), and continuing development of their young guys, who are a good crop of players.

Cavs, yup, LBJ/more Hughes/Illgauskas/Marshall/D-Jones/Snow/a couple additions. Playoff team? Yup.

I also really believe in the Magic, and do not believe they are like the 2nd-half-season 2005 Warriors because of completely different teams and situations...

- Magic play defense (Brian Hill/Dwight/Darko/Battie/Dooling/Ariza/Jameer)
- Magic have capspace
- Magic have Dwight/Darko/Jameer/Hedo/Ariza/Dooling/Arroyo/Battie
- Damn deep
- Have an inside game, and outside game.
- Are in the Eastern conference.

All they need is another swingman and a big.

I expect them to make the playoffs. Likely as a low seed. I'd be quite surprised if they don't get in the post-season.

 

[atxrocker]

I think the Bulls are with their off-season additions (draft, FA, possible trades - capspace), and continuing development of their young guys, who are a good crop of players.

Cavs, ditto, LBJ/more Hughes/Illgauskas/Marshall/D-Jones/Snow/a couple additions. Playoff team? Yup.

i agree in regards to the bulls putting together a good run next season. i could definitely see it happen. hell, they gave miami something of a fight and hinrich is an emerging superstar.

 

[Andriod_KiNg]

I feel bad for some team that will pay him the max, then watch him slowly go away in 4th Q's and then if lucky the playoffs.

 

[Andriod_KiNg]

I hope he signs with SF, that would give me a legit reason to hate him.