[completely different] Dream's contract dispute in 92 and trade in 99

[tinman]

You know it's a different era in Clutch fans aka Clutch city.net when fans of another player try to bring past Rockets disputes as some weird justification for their beliefs.

However in their attempt to justify themselves, they have caused mass confusion for the newer fans.

there are two incidents:

Dream's contract dispute in 92

Thomas makes Hakeem a Rocket until '99/Four-year, $25.4 million extension puts lid on turbulent era
http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=1993_1117400


and

Dream's trade to the Raptors and refusal of a contract extension with the Rockets


End of a Dream in Houston / Center of Rockets' universe to leave after 17 seasons
http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2001_3323763

These two situations are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.

I believe many members on this board can tell you why Hakeem left the Rockets.

[htownrox1]

He dropped it.

[tinman]

situation #1.
Happy ending, because Dream wanted more money and he got it.


Less than six months after Hakeem Olajuwon hurled insults like "coward" and "fool" at Charlie Thomas, the Rockets' owner finally threw something back at Olajuwon that speaks louder than words.

Money.

On a day that proved even the most strained relationships can be salvaged, Olajuwon on Monday signed a four-year contract extension worth $25.4 million. He is under contract with the Rockets until 1999.

Moments after the announcement, Olajuwon and Thomas wore smiles and shared a hug.


situation #2.

Olajuwon, 38, turned down an offer from the Rockets worth a guaranteed $13 million over three seasons after the Rockets guaranteed the final $3 million Tuesday.

Instead, Olajuwon asked the Rockets to make a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Raptors that will be worth close to $17 million over three seasons.

After coming back from an asthmalike breathing condition in the 1999-2000 season, Olajuwon missed stretches of last season with a swollen right knee and with a blood condition in his right leg. But the more difficult time for Olajuwon might have been the first three months of the season when he believed he was not used enough and requested a trade.

[tinman]

He dropped it.

the 92 situation was ugly, but simply resolved. it was about money.


the 01 situation was different because he was on his last legs after playing 17 YEARS and that the organization was giving more time some dudes name Steve Francis and Cutino Mobley who tend to dominate the ball.

[htownrox1]

Olajuwon, 38, turned down an offer from the Rockets worth a guaranteed $13 million over three seasons after the Rockets guaranteed the final $3 million Tuesday.

Instead, Olajuwon asked the Rockets to make a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Raptors that will be worth close to $17 million over three seasons.



Wow, I didn't realize all that was over $4 million.. Why didn't he just accept Houston's offer and stay in Houston? Was it really about the money?

[heypartner]

Can anyone find video of the Knicks game in 2001, when Hakeem exploded back to the scene, and played inspiringly for a few weeks before the asthma.

I was at that game I recall the entire stadium going insane.

I'd also like to see the ClutchCity.net thread about that game. unfortunately, Hakeem's trade announcement killed the original clutchcity.net db, I believe. I don't think there are any cc.net threads that survived the Hakeem departure.

[RoxSqaud]

It's 2010.

[tinman]

Wow, I didn't realize all that was over $4 million.. Why didn't he just accept Houston's offer and stay in Houston? Was it really about the money?

I personally think it was about Rudy giving the keys of the offense to Steve Francis

and this..

http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2001_3288918
Center Kelvin Cato has been the player the Rockets point to most who needs to rise up and help fill the void. After all, he was anointed as Olajuwon's heir apparent when the Rockets signed Cato to a six-year, $42 million contract that began this season.
:(

[heypartner]

Wow, I didn't realize all that was over $4 million.. Why didn't he just accept Houston's offer and stay in Houston? Was it really about the money?
No, he had already decided. They had already pissed him off. The Knicks game is when he showed he still had it, and that's when they rethought about signing him, but it was too late, Hakeem felt like he had been insulted by the Rockets telling him when to retire.

Rockets wanted Hakeem to do a retirement tour, in each city. Or sign for one more year and do one, can't quite remember.

[waytookrzy079]

thanks tinman... i never knew the whole story of what happened between the Rockets and Hakeem in 2001.

[htownrox1]

I personally think it was about Rudy giving the keys of the offense to Steve Francis

and this..

http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2001_3288918
Center Kelvin Cato has been the player the Rockets point to most who needs to rise up and help fill the void. After all, he was anointed as Olajuwon's heir apparent when the Rockets signed Cato to a six-year, $42 million contract that began this season.
:(

Yeah I remember Cato supposedly was going to be the new big stuff on the court and they were high on him.. How dumb.. It just sucks that it had to end with Hakeem going to toronto. Eghh toronto..

[heypartner]

I personally think it was about Rudy giving the keys of the offense to Steve Francis
And the youngins took over the lockerroom, too. Remember Barkley's article a week or so before his quad injury.

[htownrox1]

No, he had already decided. They had already pissed him off. The Knicks game is when he showed he still had it, and that's when they rethought about signing him, but it was too late, Hakeem felt like he had been insulted by the Rockets telling him when to retire.

Rockets wanted Hakeem to do a retirement tour in 1999-2000, in each city. Or sign for one more year and do one, can't quite remember.

Ohhh, well that makes sense too.. Idk I guess Hakeem had a reason to be pissed..

[tinman]

thanks tinman... i never knew the whole story of what happened between the Rockets and Hakeem in 2001.

you know I'm actually pretty happy that others brought up this topic.
the good ole days of clutchfans! :) Clutch has been keeping it real for along time!

http://www.clutchfans.net/news/467/hakeem_wants_new_role/

Hakeem Wants New Role

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2000 10:40 PM CST
By Clutch
Copyright 2000 ClutchFans.net

Heading in to Tuesday's game with Dallas, the Rockets now have more to deal with than just the Mavericks. The Houston Chronicle reports Hakeem Olajuwon is not happy with his diminished role on the team. "If the Rockets won't use my talent this year, somebody else is going to use it next year," stated Olajuwon, clearly sending a signal that he has no plans on retiring after this year. Age isn't a factor says Dream. "There's a lot of excuses about maybe I'm old, but that's not true. I'm fit. I'm healthy. The other teams know that because they double- and triple-team me when I get the ball." Hakeem said he enjoys the Rockets new up-tempo style, but they shouldn't forget the post. "That's not winning basketball. If you don't use it this year, then that's motivation for next year to get someone (else) to use it." There have been quiet rumblings here at clutchcity.net since early in the season that Hakeem isn't happy with his role at all on the team, and at one point considered a play-me-or-trade-me stance... this kind of brings those rumors in to focus.

[tinman]

Yeah I remember Cato supposedly was going to be the new big stuff on the court and they were high on him.. How dumb.. It just sucks that it had to end with Hakeem going to toronto. Eghh toronto..

dude Clutch was THE MAN back in the day!!

check it out!

Hakeem mentions Lakers, Heat as possibilities next season

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2000 12:41 PM CST
By Clutch
Copyright 2000 ClutchFans.net
Got to love Dream. He's gone from "want to finish my career in Houston" to "not sure if I will retire this season" to "I want to play beyond this season" to "I may play elsewhere" and now to flat out mentioning other teams as possibilities. In the Vancouver Sun article Olajuwon Rejuvenated, Hakeem said he wouldn't play in Vancouver next season, but did mention the Heat and Lakers as possibilities. "I'll team with the Lakers and Shaq," said Dream with a big smile. "That would be good."

:eek:


dude check this one out!!!

Olajuwon contemplates joining Jordan and Barkley in Washington
FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2001 8:32 AM CST
By Clutch
Copyright 2001 ClutchFans.net
Could we see a Dream Team geriatric set on the floor next season? ESPN is reporting that Hakeem Olajuwon may be interested in playing with Washington next season if Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley make a comeback. "Who wouldn't?" was the response when he was asked if he would want to play with Jordan. There has been much speculation surrounding the Dream since he announced he wouldn't give Houston a hometown discount if he returned next season. ClutchCity.net reported 6 weeks ago that Jordan had contacted Olajuwon about possibly joining he and Barkley in Washington next season. One thing is for sure, it is shaping up to be a turbulent offseason for the Rocks. Stay tuned...

[htownrox1]

dude Clutch was THE MAN back in the day!!

check it out!

Hakeem mentions Lakers, Heat as possibilities next season

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2000 12:41 PM CST
By Clutch
Copyright 2000 ClutchFans.net
Got to love Dream. He's gone from "want to finish my career in Houston" to "not sure if I will retire this season" to "I want to play beyond this season" to "I may play elsewhere" and now to flat out mentioning other teams as possibilities. In the Vancouver Sun article Olajuwon Rejuvenated, Hakeem said he wouldn't play in Vancouver next season, but did mention the Heat and Lakers as possibilities. "I'll team with the Lakers and Shaq," said Dream with a big smile. "That would be good."

:eek:


dude check this one out!!!

Olajuwon contemplates joining Jordan and Barkley in Washington
FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2001 8:32 AM CST
By Clutch
Copyright 2001 ClutchFans.net
Could we see a Dream Team geriatric set on the floor next season? ESPN is reporting that Hakeem Olajuwon may be interested in playing with Washington next season if Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley make a comeback. "Who wouldn't?" was the response when he was asked if he would want to play with Jordan. There has been much speculation surrounding the Dream since he announced he wouldn't give Houston a hometown discount if he returned next season. ClutchCity.net reported 6 weeks ago that Jordan had contacted Olajuwon about possibly joining he and Barkley in Washington next season. One thing is for sure, it is shaping up to be a turbulent offseason for the Rocks. Stay tuned...

Wow, I've heard about the second rumor throughout the years, but not the first.. That would have been crazy!! In a way, I'm kinda glad he went to Toronto instead of any other city. Although I wish he could have stayed in Houston, and least it wasn't L.A. or one of our rivals, that would have stung.

Thanks tinman for clearing things up with past history.

[tinman]

Wow, I've heard about the second rumor throughout the years, but not the first.. That would have been crazy!! In a way, I'm kinda glad he went to Toronto instead of any other city. Although I wish he could have stayed in Houston, and least it wasn't L.A. or one of our rivals, that would have stung.

Thanks tinman for clearing things up with past history.

that would have sucked if he went to the Lakers, then they would have Horry and Dream. Who knows, maybe Dream playing 15 minutes a game as Shaq's backup, he would have stayed for the ride.

[tksense]

[B]situation #1.
Instead, Olajuwon asked the Rockets to make a sign-and-trade arrangement with the Raptors that will be worth close to $17 million over three seasons.

After coming back from an asthmalike breathing condition in the 1999-2000 season, Olajuwon missed stretches of last season with a swollen right knee and with a blood condition in his right leg. But the more difficult time for Olajuwon might have been the first three months of the season when he believed he was not used enough and requested a trade.

Thx. So did Toronto buy out the rest of the contract? Hakeem got all 3 yrs worth of money even after retirement right?

[tinman]

this was what I thought put clutchfans and it's member in the spotlight

Hakeem was the talk of the day
MONDAY, JULY 16, 2001 11:26 AM CST
By Clutch
Copyright 2001 ClutchFans.net
Hakeem was the talk of the day
A radio report Monday evening stated that Dan Fegan, the agent for both Hakeem Olajuwon and Shandon Anderson, was currently in negotiations with Rockets' VP Carroll Dawson in regards to a new contract for the Dream. Jonathan Feigen of the Chronicle also writes that Olajuwon is still keeping his options open, but wants the Rockets to stay intact. Hakeem sounds more and more like a guy willing to leave, saying, "You know, at the beginning of the season, I heard over and over and over and over how I don't fit in that situation. They know their situation. The ball is in their court. And that's why I have an agent." However, the biggest scoop of the day may have come this morning on the BBS as the poster rockHEAD spotted Dream at a grocery store and asked him point blank if Dream would give (Houston) another year. "I'm going to work another year, but it won't be here," said Hakeem. The BBS thread, which actually includes photos of Dream at the store, has sparked a wildfire of conversation. Teams can officially make deals and sign free agents this Wednesday, the 18th.


Dream told a member of Clutchfans first!!!! :eek:

[Zboy]

$25 million was a steal for the Rockets.

[tinman]

thanks tinman... i never knew the whole story of what happened between the Rockets and Hakeem in 2001.
:(

12:01 am - Rockets call Dream
MONDAY, JULY 2, 2001 9:33 AM CST
By Clutch
Copyright 2001 ClutchFans.net
Fox News interviewed Rudy T Sunday night, who said that he called Hakeem Olajuwon at 12:01am Sunday morning to tell him the Rockets wanted him back. Rudy reiterated that he wants Hakeem to retire as a Rocket. However, Rudy received information that Hakeem was home at that time, but that was incorrect -- he is out of the country. "I woke up the whole family and I want to apologize for that," said Rudy. Rudy T said they are thrilled with the progress the team made last year and want to keep their core players intact this season, and that includes the Dream.


SCOOP: Jeff Balke

[htownrox1]

this was what I thought put clutchfans and it's member in the spotlight

Hakeem was the talk of the day
MONDAY, JULY 16, 2001 11:26 AM CST
By Clutch
Copyright 2001 ClutchFans.net
Hakeem was the talk of the day
A radio report Monday evening stated that Dan Fegan, the agent for both Hakeem Olajuwon and Shandon Anderson, was currently in negotiations with Rockets' VP Carroll Dawson in regards to a new contract for the Dream. Jonathan Feigen of the Chronicle also writes that Olajuwon is still keeping his options open, but wants the Rockets to stay intact. Hakeem sounds more and more like a guy willing to leave, saying, "You know, at the beginning of the season, I heard over and over and over and over how I don't fit in that situation. They know their situation. The ball is in their court. And that's why I have an agent." However, the biggest scoop of the day may have come this morning on the BBS as the poster rockHEAD spotted Dream at a grocery store and asked him point blank if Dream would give (Houston) another year. "I'm going to work another year, but it won't be here," said Hakeem. The BBS thread, which actually includes photos of Dream at the store, has sparked a wildfire of conversation. Teams can officially make deals and sign free agents this Wednesday, the 18th.


Dream told a member of Clutchfans first!!!! :eek:

Wow.. We must find rockHEAD and thank him lol. Hell, thank Clutch and clutchfans!

[leebigez]

The last deal couldve been thanks for everything. The spurs gave robinson 2 yr at 10m his last contract and he retired a spurs. Thats what they shouldve done for dream. 2 yrs, good money and by that time, he wouldve really been done and we wouldnt have ever had tl look at dream in that ugly ass purple uniform. Some guys deserve to be overpaid for what they wer and dream was one of them. He brought this city their first ever ring in any major sport. He embodied houston from the time he said it was too cold and came to U of H.

[durvasa]

I wasn't surprised when Hakeem signed with Toronto.

I remember once in the mid-90s, don't remember the year but it was many years before his last one with us, there was a pregame interview between Hakeem and Calvin Murphy. Murph asked him about retiring as a Rocket, and at that time Hakeem said that he wouldn't mind retiring with another team. I think he might have even mentioned Vancouver then (he had a home there).

[Pizza_Da_Hut]

$4 mil over three years? That's it?.. In the grand scheme of things, we could have afforded it...

[Angkor Wat]

funny how hakeem and "another player" played for the same team......and of course its another thread in correlation with that other player.

[solid]

I get it, the dark before the dawn. But it never "dawns" around here anymore.

[Easy]

To me, Hakeem going to Toronto was the saddest moment in Rockets history.

[Dave2000]

funny how hakeem and "another player" played for the same team......and of course its another thread in correlation with that other player.

They didn't play together in Toronto though, that would've been REALLY odd if that happened, probably wouldve made Tmac the ONLY player to play with Yao and Dream, or is there one?

Just checked, nope, if anyone, thought it wouldve been Charles Oakley, but he left Raptors that year and went back to the Bulls, then played for the Wizards, then us for a few games during JVG's first year.

Carter can say he played with both Dream and Dwight Howard

[Rockets4279]

I watched dream every night and talked about the Rockets everyday at school man the good old days. I went to both championship perades in downtown houston and had Sports Illustrated Rockets championship magazine. I hated the Sonics, Jazz and Spurs back then today Lakers and Jazz, Mavericks. And Dallas used to be a bad team back then.

[Aleron]

Wow, I didn't realize all that was over $4 million.. Why didn't he just accept Houston's offer and stay in Houston? Was it really about the money?

it cant have been, after tax he would have been paying as much if not more in canada

[Aleron]

They didn't play together in Toronto though, that would've been REALLY odd if that happened, probably wouldve made Tmac the ONLY player to play with Yao and Dream, or is there one?


Steve Francis?

[Steve_Francis_rules]

They didn't play together in Toronto though, that would've been REALLY odd if that happened, probably wouldve made Tmac the ONLY player to play with Yao and Dream, or is there one?


Kelvin Cato, Jason Collier, Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, Moochie Norris, Maurice Taylor, and Kenny Thomas all played with both Yao and Dream.