jay dubb
G-League
http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060727/SPORTS/607270347/1006
article says that six teams want Bonzi's service and it has more on a sign & trade through the Kings.
Bonzi Wells waiting for NBA contract
By PHIL BEEBE
pbeebe@muncie.gannett.com
MUNCIE -- Bonzi Wells is taking care of himself and helping take care of about 100 Muncie kids this week.
While waiting for a new NBA contract that could land him in his fourth NBA city, Wells is taking part in the third annual Bonzi Wells Youth Basketball Camp that concludes today. He's careful not to turn an ankle or otherwise diminish his value to prospective employers.
"I just want to get it done so I can start playing again," Wells said of the contract situation that has played out since the free-agency period started July 1. Teams could negotiate with players July 1-11, and contracts could be signed beginning July 12.
The former Central High School and Ball State University star played for the Sacramento Kings last year after being traded there from Memphis in the offseason.
Wells's agent, William Phillips, said Wednesday that six teams are still in the mix. He declined to name all six teams, but he said the Indiana Pacers are still among them.
Wells, 29, likes the idea of playing in his home state and doesn't think being so close to family and friends would be a distraction.
"I'd love to come home," he said. "When I was younger, I would have told you it wouldn't have been a problem, but I would have been lying. Now, I'm older, more mature. I understand who my friends are, and at this point in my life it would be fine."
Wells and Phillips said money is the main factor holding up negotiations, which could include a sign-and-trade deal that would allow the Kings to get something in return for their free-agent guard.
"That is the scenario that would be most beneficial to Bonzi," Phillips said. "Bonzi has handled this well. He was clear to me from the beginning with where he wanted to be (salary-wise). He wants to play in an opportunity that has a chance to win, but salary is an important factor."
The Kings had hoped to re-sign Wells, who seemed to boost his free-agent status during a six-game playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs. He led the league in offensive rebounds (4.2) and total rebounds (12.0), the first guard in NBA history to do that. He also shot 61 percent from the field and averaged 23.2 points per game during the six games. For the season, Wells averaged 13.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game for the Kings, his seventh season in the NBA.
But Sacramento on Tuesday signed free agent John Salmons. The Sacramento Bee reported that Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie spent money he was reserving for Wells on Salmons, and the Bee also reported that a sign-and-trade was unlikely because it would put the Kings over the league's luxury tax threshold.
Wells's youth camp is actually in its seventh year, but organizers call 2006 the third annual because the format was changed in 2004. Wells says he has enjoyed seeing Muncie children improve as basketball players.
"Some of these kids have come to all seven camps," he said. "You can see their game get better."
And he hopes the camp plays a role in improving the lives of the participating kids.
"You see so many adults in the community, my father, Carl Malone, they've done a great job of keeping them focused on life and away from the streets, drugs."
Contact sports editor Phil Beebe at 213-5810.
article says that six teams want Bonzi's service and it has more on a sign & trade through the Kings.
Bonzi Wells waiting for NBA contract
By PHIL BEEBE
pbeebe@muncie.gannett.com
MUNCIE -- Bonzi Wells is taking care of himself and helping take care of about 100 Muncie kids this week.
While waiting for a new NBA contract that could land him in his fourth NBA city, Wells is taking part in the third annual Bonzi Wells Youth Basketball Camp that concludes today. He's careful not to turn an ankle or otherwise diminish his value to prospective employers.
"I just want to get it done so I can start playing again," Wells said of the contract situation that has played out since the free-agency period started July 1. Teams could negotiate with players July 1-11, and contracts could be signed beginning July 12.
The former Central High School and Ball State University star played for the Sacramento Kings last year after being traded there from Memphis in the offseason.
Wells's agent, William Phillips, said Wednesday that six teams are still in the mix. He declined to name all six teams, but he said the Indiana Pacers are still among them.
Wells, 29, likes the idea of playing in his home state and doesn't think being so close to family and friends would be a distraction.
"I'd love to come home," he said. "When I was younger, I would have told you it wouldn't have been a problem, but I would have been lying. Now, I'm older, more mature. I understand who my friends are, and at this point in my life it would be fine."
Wells and Phillips said money is the main factor holding up negotiations, which could include a sign-and-trade deal that would allow the Kings to get something in return for their free-agent guard.
"That is the scenario that would be most beneficial to Bonzi," Phillips said. "Bonzi has handled this well. He was clear to me from the beginning with where he wanted to be (salary-wise). He wants to play in an opportunity that has a chance to win, but salary is an important factor."
The Kings had hoped to re-sign Wells, who seemed to boost his free-agent status during a six-game playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs. He led the league in offensive rebounds (4.2) and total rebounds (12.0), the first guard in NBA history to do that. He also shot 61 percent from the field and averaged 23.2 points per game during the six games. For the season, Wells averaged 13.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game for the Kings, his seventh season in the NBA.
But Sacramento on Tuesday signed free agent John Salmons. The Sacramento Bee reported that Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie spent money he was reserving for Wells on Salmons, and the Bee also reported that a sign-and-trade was unlikely because it would put the Kings over the league's luxury tax threshold.
Wells's youth camp is actually in its seventh year, but organizers call 2006 the third annual because the format was changed in 2004. Wells says he has enjoyed seeing Muncie children improve as basketball players.
"Some of these kids have come to all seven camps," he said. "You can see their game get better."
And he hopes the camp plays a role in improving the lives of the participating kids.
"You see so many adults in the community, my father, Carl Malone, they've done a great job of keeping them focused on life and away from the streets, drugs."
Contact sports editor Phil Beebe at 213-5810.
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