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TMS
Posts: 60684
Alba Posts: 617
Joined: 5/11/2004
Member: #674
USA
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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2004/11/01/SPG019JRNT1.DTL','81 J-Rich, Murphy on cusp
Agent says if no deal set, each wants out
Brad Weinstein, Chronicle Staff Writer
Monday, November 1, 2004
With time running short for the Warriors' Jason Richardson and Troy Murphy to sign contract extensions, their agent said Sunday night that the two fourth-year players advised him to "get them in another organization'' if no deals are reached.
The deadline for extensions was supposed to be 11:59 p.m. Sunday, but the two sides, who were allowed to start discussions Aug. 1, could have a few extra hours to negotiate because it's typical for the league to approve transactions the next business day when a deadline falls on the weekend.
Barring 11th-hour agreements, Dan Fegan said his clients want out.
"I've been instructed by Jason and Troy to do everything in my power to get an extension done this summer,'' Fegan said. "It was our understanding we would get a market extension. Failing that, they've instructed me to do everything I can to get them in another organization.''
Fegan would not elaborate. Warriors vice president Chris Mullin was unavailable for comment.
Earlier Sunday, after the Warriors' early-afternoon practice, neither Richardson nor Murphy gave such an ultimatum. Murphy did say he would have trouble getting past not receiving a deal.
"I think it would be difficult,'' Murphy said. "It would be a difficult thing because they mentioned that they want to have the young guys be the nucleus of the team. You get the chance to have the guys here, myself and Jason. If we're not able to come to an agreement, it will be difficult to understand.''
Richardson, who on Tuesday called it "mind-boggling'' that the Warriors had not signed him yet, said: "If it gets done, great. If not, I'm not worried about it. I'm not going to sweat it. ... I did everything I could to put myself in position to get signed back. Now it's up to my agent to get me paid. ''
The Warriors are believed to be offering Richardson a six-year contract worth considerably more than $60 million and Murphy a six-year contract worth significantly more than $50 million. Without extensions, both would become restricted free agents after the season, meaning the Warriors would have the right to match any offer from another team.
Richardson led the team in scoring and was the NBA's top rebounding guard last season. When asked Tuesday what he considered fair market value, Richardson said he was seeking "somewhere around the area'' of the $72-plus million contract small forward Richard Jefferson signed with New Jersey in August.
Murphy, the starting power forward, averaged 11.7 points and 10.2 rebounds two seasons ago but was limited to 28 games during an injury-plagued 2003-04. He declined to name his asking price.
Richardson acknowledged concern about uncertainty with the NBA's labor situation -- one reason why he said on the eve of training camp that "any person in their right mind'' would want to sign an extension now.
The collective bargaining agreement expires after the season, and players are aware that owners want to shorten both the maximum length of guaranteed contracts and the annual raises a player can receive.
Richardson called his pursuit of a new deal "really stressful,'' but nothing he has not experienced before.
"I was in the same situation last year. I knew if I played well, I had a chance to get an extension,'' said Richardson, who will make $3.5 million this season. "I just have to think the same way I did last year: Go out there, just play with no worries and let everything be taken care of.'' wouldn't it be ironic if the T'Wolves traded Spree back to Golden State for J. Rich in a sign & trade? GS would stand to gain some good salary cap relief with Spree's expiring deal that would allow them to afford to pay Troy Murphy the extension that he is looking for as well as make a run at Yao Ming or Michael Redd for example...then Spree would find out what his true value is in this market...i'd be surprised if anyone gave him more than the MLE. [Edited by - TMS on 11/01/2004 12:01:22]After 7 years & 40K+ posts, banned by martin for calling Nalod a 'moron'. Awesome.
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11/1/2004 10:16 AM
