Interesting Lewis Article; Clears Up a Lot of Questions

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/sports/sonics/html98/soni11_20000711.html

Lewis schedules talks with Raptors today


by Nunyo Demasio
Seattle Times staff reporter
LONG BEACH, Calif. - Rashard Lewis, a Sonic free agent, plans to visit Toronto today to explore playing for the Raptors. The 6-foot-10 Lewis is expected to meet with Raptor General Manager Glen Grunwald and Coach Lenny Wilkens.

Although Lewis has said he is leaning toward re-signing with the Sonics, the third-year Seattle player accepted an invitation late last week to visit Toronto.

After being contacted by the Raptors initially, Lewis wasn't sure how he would make the trip because of the summer-league schedule.

But Thursday, Lewis was inadvertently kicked in the shin during the second day of a three-day Sonic minicamp, which is a prelude to the Fila summer league in Southern California. He decided against playing in the summer league.

Tracy McGrady, free-agent Toronto forward, has said he won't re-sign with the Raptors. Without McGrady, Toronto can offer Lewis a contract worth about $41 million over six years.

"I don't really know too much about the team," Lewis said last week, referring to the Raptors, "and not too much about the city. . . . But that's where the visit comes in, to learn a little bit more about the team and the city."

Lewis has said that if he re-signs with the Sonics, he probably would sign for one year with the team's $2.25 million exception. Under that scenario, he would qualify in 2001 for the NBA maximum contract worth $87 million.

Orlando, the Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago and now Detroit - after losing Grant Hill to Orlando - have enough room under the salary cap to circumvent Seattle's right of first refusal on Lewis. The forward is a restricted free agent, meaning that he must return to the Sonics if a team offers him less than $3.9 million.

After receiving an oral commitment from Hill, the Magic has targeted McGrady. The Clippers have a glut of small forwards, and Lewis said he wouldn't even bother making a visit if they were interested.

The Bulls have expressed an interest in Lewis but only if they can't land the top remaining free agents. Despite losing Hill, the Pistons haven't shown any indication they will court Lewis.

The Raptors can clear close to $6 million under the salary cap to sign a free agent. Indiana's Jalen Rose and Houston's Cuttino Mobley already have visited Toronto.

The Raptors also are considering a sign-and-trade involving McGrady, which wouldn't allow them to sign Lewis.

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My Observations: The Cat was on to something when he gave us his scoop about Rashard signing a 1 yr deal. Taking the 2 yrs 8.4 mil from Seattle just makes absolutely no sense. Also, if Lewis does not sign with Toronto, and they offer Cuttino 6 yrs 41 mil and a starting spot, it will be awfully tough for him to turn that down.




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cuttino, yes, from Seattle, Rashard can get 7 yrs 87 mil in the summer of 2001 if he signs a 1 yr deal. The Rockets can give Rashard up to 6 yrs 67.5 mil next yr. When the money is this high, unless you are extremely greedy, you usually pick based on your preference, and I think The Cat's info is very accurate and credible thus meaning the Rockets have a legit shot at Rashard in the summer of 2001. Tim Duncan's choosing of the Spurs had very little to do with the money and more with loyalty and his "aversion for change". Duncan is giving the Spurs a chance with a 3-4 yr deal, and if they do end up going south, he can become a free agent again in a few seasons.

As to how much Rashard is worth.... It will all depend on what kind of season he has this yr. If he continues to improve, playing like he did in the playoffs, then he could really command a ton on the open market.

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Maybe I'm cheap, but would we even want Lewis for 6 years 67 mil? Would Seattle want him for 87 mil? He's nice, but superstar nice?

It all depends on what kind of season Lewis has. The max is being handed out like its nothing. In his second season, Tracy McGrady averaged 9-6, then last season he went 15-6 and now he is commanding the max. Lewis was a 15-6 player in the playoffs after an 8-4 reg season; if he can carry that into next season, I could see him commanding the max on next yr's free agent market. Nowadays, teams are spending a lot based on potential. Whether or not he deserves it is one thing, but I think teams will be willing to pay it if he has a strong season.

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