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djsunyc
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Abdur-Rahim signs with Kings
Deal worth less than reduced offer from Nets
Saturday, August 13, 2005
BY DAVE D'ALESSANRO
Shareef Abdur-Rahim rebounded quickly yesterday, signing a deal that can run as long as five years with the Sacramento Kings, though agent Aaron Goodwin conceded it wasn't as lucrative as the Nets' offer once the numbers are crunched.
The 6-9 forward was still deciding last night what terms he wanted from his deal with the Kings, who were offering the midlevel exception, the extra fund capped-out teams can use on free agents. If he went for the limit, he'd get a $29 million deal over the maximum five seasons.
"We're still talking about what we want to do," Goodwin said last night. "But he can (get five years)."
Here's the rub: The Nets' original offer to Abdur-Rahim was for six years and $38 million, but it was scaled back after medical reports indicated that he might experience knee problems. Both Goodwin and team president Rod Thorn confirmed that the second offer included four guaranteed seasons, but that the last two years would be guaranteed if Abdur-Rahim showed "no significant problems" through the first three years of the contract.
"And if he played two years without a problem, the fifth year would be guaranteed," Thorn said. "Basically, he only had to show up. But we're happy for him that he got a deal with Sacramento. Good for him. He's a terrific guy."
Goodwin said his client couldn't agree to the Nets' terms, and that the Kings were more amenable to removing stipulations.
"If there was something wrong with Shareef's knee, a team would want to protect itself on the back end (of a contract). You don't want to base it on performance in the first two years," he said. "So (the Nets' offer) didn't match the fear they had. It just made no sense.
"In fact, the Kings' physician (Richard Marder) said there's nothing wrong with his knee. He said he's seen a lot worse."
Washington and Chicago were also in play for Abdur-Rahim, while the Knicks tried without success to make a sign-and-trade deal for him.
"Isiah (Thomas) wanted in," Goodwin said, "But Shareef wanted to be in a position to compete and play his natural position."
Aaron McKie was waived by Philadelphia, perhaps enabling the Nets to fill another roster spot with an experienced swingman if the 11-year veteran is inclined to move a few hours East. McKie, cut under the amnesty provision (which enables teams to cut one player and avoid paying a luxury tax on his salary), still will be paid $19.5 million by the Sixers over the next three seasons. But the Nets can sign him for the veteran's minimum ($1.13 million) if he finds a role as backup to Vince Carter and mentor to Antoine Wright to his liking.
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8/14/2005 3:23 PM