http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2933472 Milicic, Grizzlies agree on three-year deal By Chad Ford Free-agent center Darko Milicic agreed in principle to a three-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, the player's agent Marc Cornstein told ESPN.com Insider Chad Ford. Cornstein refused to disclose the amount of the deal, but the starting salary is believed to be for substantially more than the $5.3 million mid-level exception. "We are extremely excited for this new opportunity," Cornstein said. "Darko's going to a team that really wants him. He's going to a young team with an exciting bright future much like his own. We're very excited Darko gets to learn from coach Marc Iavaroni. We believe he's one of the best big men coaches in the game. And we couldn't be happier that he has found a new home where he's appreciated." Milicic was recently waived by the Orlando Magic to clear the cap room necessary to sign Rashard Lewis. "Memphis has really pursued Darko since the moment he became an unrestricted free agent last week," Cornstein said. "And I'm grateful for the opportunity they'll be providing for Darko at this stage of his career." Milicic was the second pick in the 2003 NBA draft. He was taken ahead of All-Stars like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade and was widely regarded as a draft bust heading into his third season. Milicic was traded to the Magic in February of 2006 and began to turn around his career. He averaged eight points and 5.5 rebounds in 23 minutes per game for the Magic last season. But he upped his averaged 12.3 points per game in the playoffs this year. Magic general manager Otis Smith said that the team's top priority in the offseason was signing Milicic, but he reversed course after it became clear that signing Lewis would take all of their cap room. Milicic should address the Grizzlies' biggest offseason need -- adding a center to play with Pau Gasol. His game appears to complement Iavaroni's up-tempo system.
It makes sense. His manager wants him on a team where he's the starting center. The Grizzlies need a center and are under the cap.
The other bad part about this, in addition to a team in our own division getting stronger, is that Cleveland will be able to re-sign Varejao for much cheaper since Memphis won't be bidding against them. As such, we probably won't be getting Gooden in a trade, either.
Well, this sucks. I was hoping for either Varejao or Darko, but with Cleveland likely to match MLE offers for Varejao, it looks like we won't get either of them. Say hello to Joe Smith...
Damn, it sure as hell is all about money these days isn't it. So much for signing for to a decent team. At least he is young I guess, so he'll make his money while sucking.
That's what the salary cap is all about. It spreads out talent throughout the NBA. Money, not winning, has always been the primary factor in free agent signings and will continue to be. When NBA fans finally realize this, they will stop getting mad at free agents who don't sign with their team, as with Rashard Lewis.
