couldn't we just sign Vince, if we really wanted to?

[dingo]

I may not be a cap expert, and please correct me if I am wrong, but won't we have about $15mil worth of cap space during summer 2001 when Hakeem retires, which we could just throw at Vince, if we really wanted to get him? What's the deal with the cap room left over by Hakkem, i may be wrong but doesn't Vince's three-year rookie contract expire then?

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[outlaw]

Vince and the other 1998 rookies signed 4 year deals not 3. so he will be a free agent in 2002.

[JuanValdez]

MManal, I think you're right. First round picks will be restricted. However, I think there is a strategy to get around it: Odom can make a wink-wink deal with the team he wants to play for. They'll sign an offer sheet for only one season. The Clippers can match the offer and keep him, but the following year he'll be unrestricted and go to the team he tried to sign with the year before (who will be holding open their salary cap).

Also, Odom could tell the Clippers he'll sign a one year deal so that he can get out of his restriction unless they sign-and-trade him first. The Clippers may well prefer to have him the extra year and then continue to suck, but Odom won't be a Clipper his whole career.

Aelliott, according to FAQ #33 (last paragraph), first round picks who have had their team-option fourth year become restricted FAs, while those who are not optioned are unrestricted.

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[This message has been edited by JuanValdez (edited May 18, 2000).]

[aelliott]

The Clips would hold the right of first refusal on Odom after his 4 year deal is up. Since they'd have his Bird rights, they could match any offer. So, basically he's locked up for five years if the Clips are willing to pay him. Same for Stevie.

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[JuanValdez]

Aelliott, was I hallucinating?

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[davo]

JV,

Following is quoted from FAQ # 31

The current CBA provides restricted free agency on a very limited basis. It is allowed following the fourth year of rookie "scale" contracts for first-round draft picks (see question number 33). It is also allowed for all veteran free agents who entered the NBA in 98-99 or later, up until their third year in the league. All other free agency is limited to unrestricted free agency.

I would think this covers players (like Odom) even if the team did not exercize the 4th year option.

But it doesn't matter anyway - why would the team NOT exercize the option for the 4th year, if they wanted to restrict and ultimately retain the player? The only reason would be so they can sign a bigger, long term contract with the player after 3 years instead of waiting until after 4, OR because they don't want the player anymore.

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[MManal]

A question for the cap experts. All the rookies like Vince Carter, Lamar Odom etc that were drafted in the new CBA, arent they restricted free agents? Thus in 2002 if the Raptors are willing to pay Carter the max there is no way he can leave Toronto because the Raptors could match any bidder right? Isnt this how it works now b/c the NBA does not want rookies just playing for 3 yrs and walking?

Thus if this is true, the only way Lamar Odom can walk from the Clippers after his current contract is up is if they are not willing to match the highest bidder (which is possible knowing Sterling), but if he is willing to match to keep his franchise player then there is no way Odom can walk. That argument that "well Odom will walk after his contract is up so why dont they just deal him and atleast get something" would not hold.

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