I'm not sure if the Clipper's should sign Kaman... but regardless it is very encouraging to see further proof that the Sterling perhaps has changed his ways.
Quote:
Clippers Offer Kaman Long-Term Extension
The center, who would get $50 million over five years under deal, has until Oct. 31 to decide.
By Jason Reid, Times Staff Writer
October 16, 2006
SANTA BARBARA — The Clippers moved to reach a long-term contract agreement with Chris Kaman on Sunday night, offering the productive 7-foot center a five-year, $50-million extension, team sources said.
Coach Mike Dunleavy made the guaranteed offer to Kaman's agent, Rob Pelinka, after the team's final day of training camp at Santa Barbara City College. Attempts to contact Dunleavy, Pelinka and Kaman late Sunday were unsuccessful.
ADVERTISEMENTIt was unclear whether Kaman and Pelinka had discussed the offer and informed the Clippers of a decision. Under NBA rules, Kaman has until Oct. 31 to accept.
If the offer is rejected, Kaman would become a restricted free agent after this season, and the Clippers could match any offer he received from another team. Kaman, who has a salary of almost $3.5 million in the final season of his contract, also could decline the offer, sign a one-year deal with the Clippers this summer and become an unrestricted free agent after the 2007-08 season.
The Clippers waited until All-Star power forward Elton Brand and swingman Corey Maggette signed offer sheets with other teams before matching. They decided, however, to take a proactive approach with Kaman.
Owner Donald T. Sterling, General Manager Elgin Baylor, Dunleavy and Andy Roeser, executive vice president, agreed last week on a proposal that would average $10 million, and Dunleavy made the Clippers' pitch. Kaman's salary would increase to about $8.5 million next season, and the offer also includes bonuses tied to Kaman's performance, the sources said.
Despite their hope to retain Kaman, the Clippers probably would not offer Kaman a much bigger contract because of their salary-cap strategy.
The team is positioned to offer backup point guard Shaun Livingston a similar multiyear extension before the 2007-08 season, and it would approach the luxury-tax threshold if Kaman had more than a $10-million average on the books.
Last season, Kaman, 24, had personal-best averages of 11.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.38 blocked shots. In 32.8 minutes, he shot 52.3% from the floor and 77% from the free-throw line. The team's 2003 first-round draft pick, and sixth overall, has increased his averages each season under Dunleavy.
Based on recent contracts signed by centers with comparable statistics, Kaman might receive as much as $12 million a season on the open market, but there could be risks to rejecting the team's proposal. Kaman could suffer an injury or might not receive offers more lucrative than what the Clippers have on the table.
Moreover, Kaman also has a good relationship with the coaching staff, especially Dunleavy and assistant Kim Hughes. Kaman and Hughes are so close that some in the organization refer to Kaman as Hughes' son, and Kaman has credited Hughes with much of his development.
Dont think he is worth it then again I dont think a lot of players are worth what they are getting. But lookin at other $10mil per players? Ok, good reup.
Sterling changing his ways? Dont make me laugh please.
Considering the dearth of legitimate big men in the league, especially one like Kaman who rebounds, plays defense, and has an extensive repetoire of offensive post moves, it sounds like a good deal for both the Clipps and Kaman.
good for kaman, but IMO for $10 million a season i would expect him to average 15/10 and 2 blocks a game
there's a serious problem in this league with overpaying players if the salary cap is around 60 million that leaves 12 million per position and each positons requires at least one back up. i thnink the league needs a serious reality check and make going over the slary cap more serious.
Considering the dearth of legitimate big men in the league, especially one like Kaman who rebounds, plays defense, and has an extensive repetoire of offensive post moves, it sounds like a good deal for both the Clipps and Kaman.
Honestly, compared to what other Center's have gotten recently (and that's what it comes down to)... I think Kaman is worth this and it would be a good deal for both sides.
A 25 year old center who put up 12 & 10 and seems to be improving, he's worth it in today's NBA market.
i know but im saying thats the way it should be, or if your spending more on one position spend less on another, it would make things fairer in my opinion
whats the point of having a cap if you can go over it
i know but im saying thats the way it should be, or if your spending more on one position spend less on another, it would make things fairer in my opinion
whats the point of having a cap if you can go over it
yup.. if you are a 7 footer, have good athletic ability, can block a few shots per game.. have a decent post game, offensively and defensively.. you are bound to be paid...
and kaman is actually a pretty good player... 10 million dollars good? i don't know.. i think if he was to play in the 90s when Hakeem, Patrick, Shaq, TD, David Robinson were in the league.. he is probably not even close to sniff a few million/yr.. but since the league is lacking big men.. it's not that hard to figure out why he is getting paid...
He's a lot closer to being worth $10 million than Nene or Dalembert are.
As coaches always say, you can't teach height, and it is an unfortunate reality that he is this generations version of legit center. Outside of Shaq, Yao, Ben Wallace, Dwight Howard, or Marcus Camby, is there anyone else that you would want on your team right now playing center??
Clipper's Offer Kaman 5yr/50 Million
