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http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/12451947p-13308087c.html
Such a big move, but it came together quickly
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Friday, February 25, 2005
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DALLAS - The trade that changed the face and direction of the Kings began as an innocent investigation but quickly evolved into a deal the team hopes will have impact for years to come.
Philadelphia general manager Billy King said Thursday afternoon that acquiring five-time All-Star power forward Chris Webber as the centerpiece of a six-player deal came with relative ease.
"There really only were a couple of (telephone) conversations," King said from Madison Square Garden in New York before the 76ers lost 113-101 to the Knicks. "I think (Kings vice president of basketball operations) Wayne (Cooper) called me while I was out of town (during the All-Star break), and I had Tony (Dileo, the assistant GM) call him back.
"I don't think anything serious was discussed. At that point, it was more calling to talk about any and everything."
King said the conversations became serious Tuesday before the Kings played the Atlanta Hawks.
"When you're having conversation and discussing different players," King said, "sometimes (the other side) says yes, and then it becomes, 'Do we want to do it?' "
King said Tuesday was about exploring the available options.
"The Kings were playing that night," the 76ers GM said, "so we watched the game and talked to the coaching staff, our owners and figured out where we wanted to go from there."
While the Sixers weighed the major decision of accepting the $62-plus million remaining on Webber's contract following this season, the Kings clearly had decided to make the trade.
Sacramento was looking to change the direction of its franchise and believed other teams might not be as willing as the Sixers to deal.
Kings assistant coach Pete Carril said the deal changes the focus of the team.
"I don't know what to say," Carril said. "It was very much of a surprise, but I'm sure there is a commitment on the part of (president of basketball operations) Geoff (Petrie) and 'Coop' and Rick (Adelman) that the future belongs with some of our younger players and that we're just going to grow with them."
The new Kings' salaries add trading flexibility, Petrie said after making the deal. Webber stood to make $19.1 million in 2005-06, $20.7 million in 2006-07 and $22.3 million in 2007-08. Smaller payments are due to Corliss Williamson, Kenny Thomas and Brian Skinner, making them more appealing to other teams.
Williamson can opt out of his contract after this season, Thomas can do so following the 2007-08 season and the team has the option on Skinner's deal after the 2006-07 season. All that was required of the Sixers after watching the game Tuesday night was a little more conversation Wednesday afternoon. The clause in Webber's contract that would pay him more money if he was traded was a major holdup only because the Kings had to wait the four hours of travel from Sacramento to Dallas before they could address the situation from him and see if he would waive it.
Such a big move, but it came together quickly
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Friday, February 25, 2005
Get the latest news in sacbee.com's Kings Alert newsletter. Sign up here.
DALLAS - The trade that changed the face and direction of the Kings began as an innocent investigation but quickly evolved into a deal the team hopes will have impact for years to come.
Philadelphia general manager Billy King said Thursday afternoon that acquiring five-time All-Star power forward Chris Webber as the centerpiece of a six-player deal came with relative ease.
"There really only were a couple of (telephone) conversations," King said from Madison Square Garden in New York before the 76ers lost 113-101 to the Knicks. "I think (Kings vice president of basketball operations) Wayne (Cooper) called me while I was out of town (during the All-Star break), and I had Tony (Dileo, the assistant GM) call him back.
"I don't think anything serious was discussed. At that point, it was more calling to talk about any and everything."
King said the conversations became serious Tuesday before the Kings played the Atlanta Hawks.
"When you're having conversation and discussing different players," King said, "sometimes (the other side) says yes, and then it becomes, 'Do we want to do it?' "
King said Tuesday was about exploring the available options.
"The Kings were playing that night," the 76ers GM said, "so we watched the game and talked to the coaching staff, our owners and figured out where we wanted to go from there."
While the Sixers weighed the major decision of accepting the $62-plus million remaining on Webber's contract following this season, the Kings clearly had decided to make the trade.
Sacramento was looking to change the direction of its franchise and believed other teams might not be as willing as the Sixers to deal.
Kings assistant coach Pete Carril said the deal changes the focus of the team.
"I don't know what to say," Carril said. "It was very much of a surprise, but I'm sure there is a commitment on the part of (president of basketball operations) Geoff (Petrie) and 'Coop' and Rick (Adelman) that the future belongs with some of our younger players and that we're just going to grow with them."
The new Kings' salaries add trading flexibility, Petrie said after making the deal. Webber stood to make $19.1 million in 2005-06, $20.7 million in 2006-07 and $22.3 million in 2007-08. Smaller payments are due to Corliss Williamson, Kenny Thomas and Brian Skinner, making them more appealing to other teams.
Williamson can opt out of his contract after this season, Thomas can do so following the 2007-08 season and the team has the option on Skinner's deal after the 2006-07 season. All that was required of the Sixers after watching the game Tuesday night was a little more conversation Wednesday afternoon. The clause in Webber's contract that would pay him more money if he was traded was a major holdup only because the Kings had to wait the four hours of travel from Sacramento to Dallas before they could address the situation from him and see if he would waive it.
