Re: Fox for 2mil. for 2 yrs.

[Adam Suchocki <Twilight@world.std.com>]

A lot of these details are different from what I've read on the web from 
different newspapers.  In LA, their reporting that it is a 1 year 1 
million dollar deal, as Fox's agent only wanted a one year deal when it 
became clear they weren't happy with the other options.

Cleveland newspapers, and Fox's agent, confirm that Fratello offered a 
large multi-million, multi-year deal.  No exact figures where given, but 
the number of over 3 million a year was thrown out.

Supposedly both New York and Atlanta offered the maximum 1 million that 
LA also offered.  Also, Philly made the same offer.  Fox made the same 
choice that several other players have, of playing for a likely 
contender for less money instead of playing for a weaker team with a big 
offer (Cleveland).

As to why Fox opted out, he had an agreement with the Celtics that he 
would opt out and they would resign him.  This was an agreement dating 
back to when he signed the deal with ML.  The idea was to get Fox more 
money while allowing room for a quick salary cap manuever.  
Unfortunately for Fox, soon after opting out the Celtics signed Pitino - 
who decided not to honor the verbal agreement with Fox, as it was with a 
different management team.  In Fox's defense, Pitino had publicly turned 
down the Celtics position when he opted to go free agent - and he really 
 had no reason to belive what did happen would.

I also wouldn't say the reast of the league is ignoring the numbers MLs 
team put up.  Despite the 1 million Fox receives, he was one of the most 
highly sought after players in the off season.  LA, New York, and 
Atlanta publicly courted him, with both LA and Atlanta stating he was 
their number one off season goal - this is from direct interviews with 
the teams GM.  Jerry West went so far as to say the Lakers will make 
know moves until they know whether or not Fox will sign with them, and 
will not negotiate with other free agents until the matter is settled - 
despite the likes of Cliff Robinson and Malik Sealey also being 
available for similar money.

The other Boston free agent also received a lot of respect.  David 
Wesley was the first free agent signed in the off season for a 6 year 22 
million dollar deal.  Charlotte, a 54 win team made it clear that he was 
their top priority and made it clear that he would be the starting point 
guard for a contending team).  He was pursued over the likes of Sam 
Cassel.

These are the only two Boston free agents who put up good numbers in MLs 
system, and they were treated well by all suitors.  Being so heavily 
courted by 50+ win teams is not being treated like jokes.  It will be 
interesting to see what sort of year both Fox and Wesley have with their 
new teams - and I'll be happy to see thrive.

I hope that in the next couple of years Boston can be in the same class 
as Charlotte (good it hurts to say that) and LA, but we have a long way 
to go (at least 30 wins more).  I hope Pitino's magic is still going 
strong, because it seem like a lot of the top teams are getting stronger 
by picking up good players with the million dollar exemption and such.

Adam

Sashi Kumar wrote:
> 
> So Fox has signed on with La Lakers !! The salary a paltry
> 1 million per year and only 2 years. Clearly, Fox lost out
> by declaring for free agency. Most of us liked Fox for his
> levelheadedness, leadership and most of his plays..........
> But could anyone clearly say the reason why Fox opted for
> free agency ?? Reading other newsgroups and websites, it
> was quite evident that Fox was not a hot commodity. [The
> Pacers declined him despite Bird being supportive of Fox
> and Fratello didnot bite at all.]
> 
> It is for Fox to prove his worth on good Laker team.[?!/]
> May be improve his acting career, along with Shaq.
> 
> It seems to me that the numbers that Celts put up under
> ML are being ignored by others as just a joke. Let us
> wait and see Walker's real-stuff this year under the plan
> and discipline of Pitino.
> 
> Despite some questionable moves, Pitino is surely a welcome
> change and good for possibly some future champioships.
> 
>                                 Sashi.