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http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2003190623_soni11.html
Friday, August 11, 2006 - 12:00 AM
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JIM BATES / THE SEATTLE TIMES : 031606_JB
Chris Wilcox
Sonics trying to sign Wilcox
By Michael Ko
Seattle Times staff reporter
Sonics general manager Rick Sund and the agent representing Chris Wilcox met face-to-face Thursday to talk about the power forward's future in Seattle.
And while no agreement was reached on a contract for Wilcox, a restricted free agent, Sund described Thursday's four-hour meeting as "meaningful," while Jeff Fried, Wilcox's agent, said it was "productive" and "worthwhile."
Both sides have committed to continue their discussions today. Fried was accompanied at Thursday's meeting by his business partner, Nate Peake, while Sonics legal counsel Rich Cho sat with Sund.
Wilcox is in Houston for the summer.
Fried said after the meeting he felt a three-year deal would be "a win-win" for both his client and the team.
"If Chris turns out to be a true superstar and continues in his progression, he'll be 26 years old (at the end of the deal) and have the ability to make substantial dollars," Fried said. "If Chris doesn't continue to progress, Seattle's position is protected."
Fried also said he came away from Thursday convinced that the Sonics are committed to keeping his client in Seattle. Wilcox believes he is a good fit for Seattle's up-tempo style of play, Fried said.
"Chris takes tremendous pride in his professional career, and Rick confirmed today he is a supporter of Chris' talents," Fried said. "We feel good about Rick's view of Chris as a player."
Sund had no comment on the negotiations.
An NBA source said a three-year deal could be in the range of "$20 million plus." Previous reports had said the two sides were about $5 million apart, with the Sonics offering $19 million and Wilcox asking for $24 million.
Wilcox, who turns 24 on Sept. 3, averaged 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds and shot 59 percent from the field in 29 games for the Sonics. He came to Seattle after a February trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for Vladimir Radmanovic.
As a restricted free agent, Wilcox can sign an offer sheet from any NBA team. But the Sonics have the right to match that offer.
Copyright © 2006 The Seattle Times Company
Friday, August 11, 2006 - 12:00 AM
Permission to reprint or copy this article or photo, other than personal use, must be obtained from The Seattle Times. Call 206-464-3113 or e-mail resale@seattletimes.com with your request.
Chris Wilcox
Sonics trying to sign Wilcox
By Michael Ko
Seattle Times staff reporter
Sonics general manager Rick Sund and the agent representing Chris Wilcox met face-to-face Thursday to talk about the power forward's future in Seattle.
And while no agreement was reached on a contract for Wilcox, a restricted free agent, Sund described Thursday's four-hour meeting as "meaningful," while Jeff Fried, Wilcox's agent, said it was "productive" and "worthwhile."
Both sides have committed to continue their discussions today. Fried was accompanied at Thursday's meeting by his business partner, Nate Peake, while Sonics legal counsel Rich Cho sat with Sund.
Wilcox is in Houston for the summer.
Fried said after the meeting he felt a three-year deal would be "a win-win" for both his client and the team.
"If Chris turns out to be a true superstar and continues in his progression, he'll be 26 years old (at the end of the deal) and have the ability to make substantial dollars," Fried said. "If Chris doesn't continue to progress, Seattle's position is protected."
Fried also said he came away from Thursday convinced that the Sonics are committed to keeping his client in Seattle. Wilcox believes he is a good fit for Seattle's up-tempo style of play, Fried said.
"Chris takes tremendous pride in his professional career, and Rick confirmed today he is a supporter of Chris' talents," Fried said. "We feel good about Rick's view of Chris as a player."
Sund had no comment on the negotiations.
An NBA source said a three-year deal could be in the range of "$20 million plus." Previous reports had said the two sides were about $5 million apart, with the Sonics offering $19 million and Wilcox asking for $24 million.
Wilcox, who turns 24 on Sept. 3, averaged 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds and shot 59 percent from the field in 29 games for the Sonics. He came to Seattle after a February trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for Vladimir Radmanovic.
As a restricted free agent, Wilcox can sign an offer sheet from any NBA team. But the Sonics have the right to match that offer.
Copyright © 2006 The Seattle Times Company
