KingKong
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Waiting for some signs
When will these Class of '03 players sign new deals?
Posted: Friday October 13, 2006
Boris Diaw and the Suns aren't seeing eye-to-eye
on his monetary value to the team.
Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
Halloween is an important date on the NBA calendar this year, and not just because it's the opening night of the regular season. It's also the deadline for first-round members of the 2003 draft class to sign extensions to their original rookie contracts. If a player is not signed by Oct. 31, he becomes a restricted free agent July 1.
So far, just six members of the '03 group have inked new deals: LeBron James (Cavs), Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets), Dwyane Wade (Heat), Chris Bosh (Raptors), Leandro Barbosa (Suns) and Kendrick Perkins (Celtics). A few more could be added before the month ends, but don't expect a flurry of late signings. Teams still retain the right to match any offer the restricted free agents will get next summer.
Here's a quick rundown of the top 10 remaining unextended members of the Class of '03 (ranked in order of importance to their respective clubs):
1. Josh Howard, Mavs (29th overall)
One of Dallas' new Big Three, along with Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry, this 6-6 forward has made no secret of his desire to get a deal done. But even deep-pockets owner Mark Cuban isn't going to overpay him when he can match any offer next summer.
2. Boris Diaw, Suns (21st overall)
After re-signing Barbosa, the Suns were hoping to do the same with the NBA's reigning Most Improved Player. But reportedly Diaw wants a deal in the $10 million per range, while the Suns are countering with about $8 million.
3. Kirk Hinrich, Bulls (7th overall)
"Captain Kirk" wants a new deal, but it appears his agent and the Bulls are going to hold off for now. At age 25, Hinrich might benefit from waiting until next summer, when he can get an extra sixth year on a new deal.
4. Chris Kaman, Clippers (6th overall)
Coach Mike Dunleavy has strongly recommended locking up the stringy-haired 7-footer, and a deal could get done soon. With low-post centers at a premium, the Clippers have to be concerned that some team will make Kaman a big offer next summer.
5. Darko Milicic, Magic (2nd overall)
The suddenly intriguing 7-footer and the Magic have jointly decided to put off talks and let the market determine his future. If the former Piston pick dazzles like he did at this summer's World Championships, he could play himself into a big offer somewhere.
6. David West, Hornets (18th overall)
Chris Paul and coach Byron Scott both say they want the team to lock up this 6-9 power forward, who led the team in scoring and rebounding a year ago. GM Jeff Bower would like to avoid a bidding war next season, so this is one deal that could get done by Halloween.
7. Luke Ridnour, Sonics (14th overall)
The 6-2 point guard has posted better numbers in his career than has Barbosa, but his price tag is probably higher and the Sonics are more cost-conscious. With Earl Watson in the fold, Seattle is unlikely to make a deal right now.
8. T.J. Ford, Raptors (8th overall)
The Raptors want to wait to see if this little point guard fits in their system -- and can stay healthy -- before investing a boatload of money on him. Ford says he's not worried about his history of back and neck injuries, and that he'll play it out.
9. Brian Cook, Lakers (24th overall)
The Lakers are negotiating a new deal with the 6-10 power forward, who started 46 games a year ago. Unlike some of the bigger names out there, his price tag should be reasonable enough right now to make it work for both sides.
10. Jarvis Hayes, Wizards (10th overall)
After injuries cut short his last two seasons, the 6-7 swingman is back and expected to play a key role again for Washington. But the Wizards are not going to pony up big money to re-sign him until they see where he fits in their future.
The rest of the unsigned 2003 first-round draft class:
Michael Sweetney (Bulls), Mickael Pietrus (Warriors), Nick Collison (Sonics), Zarko Cabarkapa (Warriors), Sasha Pavlovic (Cavs), Dahntay Jones (Grizzlies), Travis Outlaw (Blazers), Carlos Delfino (Pistons), Ndubi Ebi (Mavs).
When will these Class of '03 players sign new deals?
Posted: Friday October 13, 2006
Boris Diaw and the Suns aren't seeing eye-to-eye
on his monetary value to the team.
Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
Halloween is an important date on the NBA calendar this year, and not just because it's the opening night of the regular season. It's also the deadline for first-round members of the 2003 draft class to sign extensions to their original rookie contracts. If a player is not signed by Oct. 31, he becomes a restricted free agent July 1.
So far, just six members of the '03 group have inked new deals: LeBron James (Cavs), Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets), Dwyane Wade (Heat), Chris Bosh (Raptors), Leandro Barbosa (Suns) and Kendrick Perkins (Celtics). A few more could be added before the month ends, but don't expect a flurry of late signings. Teams still retain the right to match any offer the restricted free agents will get next summer.
Here's a quick rundown of the top 10 remaining unextended members of the Class of '03 (ranked in order of importance to their respective clubs):
1. Josh Howard, Mavs (29th overall)
One of Dallas' new Big Three, along with Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry, this 6-6 forward has made no secret of his desire to get a deal done. But even deep-pockets owner Mark Cuban isn't going to overpay him when he can match any offer next summer.
2. Boris Diaw, Suns (21st overall)
After re-signing Barbosa, the Suns were hoping to do the same with the NBA's reigning Most Improved Player. But reportedly Diaw wants a deal in the $10 million per range, while the Suns are countering with about $8 million.
3. Kirk Hinrich, Bulls (7th overall)
"Captain Kirk" wants a new deal, but it appears his agent and the Bulls are going to hold off for now. At age 25, Hinrich might benefit from waiting until next summer, when he can get an extra sixth year on a new deal.
4. Chris Kaman, Clippers (6th overall)
Coach Mike Dunleavy has strongly recommended locking up the stringy-haired 7-footer, and a deal could get done soon. With low-post centers at a premium, the Clippers have to be concerned that some team will make Kaman a big offer next summer.
5. Darko Milicic, Magic (2nd overall)
The suddenly intriguing 7-footer and the Magic have jointly decided to put off talks and let the market determine his future. If the former Piston pick dazzles like he did at this summer's World Championships, he could play himself into a big offer somewhere.
6. David West, Hornets (18th overall)
Chris Paul and coach Byron Scott both say they want the team to lock up this 6-9 power forward, who led the team in scoring and rebounding a year ago. GM Jeff Bower would like to avoid a bidding war next season, so this is one deal that could get done by Halloween.
7. Luke Ridnour, Sonics (14th overall)
The 6-2 point guard has posted better numbers in his career than has Barbosa, but his price tag is probably higher and the Sonics are more cost-conscious. With Earl Watson in the fold, Seattle is unlikely to make a deal right now.
8. T.J. Ford, Raptors (8th overall)
The Raptors want to wait to see if this little point guard fits in their system -- and can stay healthy -- before investing a boatload of money on him. Ford says he's not worried about his history of back and neck injuries, and that he'll play it out.
9. Brian Cook, Lakers (24th overall)
The Lakers are negotiating a new deal with the 6-10 power forward, who started 46 games a year ago. Unlike some of the bigger names out there, his price tag should be reasonable enough right now to make it work for both sides.
10. Jarvis Hayes, Wizards (10th overall)
After injuries cut short his last two seasons, the 6-7 swingman is back and expected to play a key role again for Washington. But the Wizards are not going to pony up big money to re-sign him until they see where he fits in their future.
The rest of the unsigned 2003 first-round draft class:
Michael Sweetney (Bulls), Mickael Pietrus (Warriors), Nick Collison (Sonics), Zarko Cabarkapa (Warriors), Sasha Pavlovic (Cavs), Dahntay Jones (Grizzlies), Travis Outlaw (Blazers), Carlos Delfino (Pistons), Ndubi Ebi (Mavs).
