."http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-sptmagic03120304dec03,1,7244708.story?coll=orl-magic By Brian Schmitz | Sentinel Staff Writer Posted December 3, 2004 NEW YORK -- Johnny Davis' future as head coach is not the only contractual curiosity being monitored by the Orlando Magic. Davis, chosen NBA Coach of the Month on Thursday, has this season remaining on his deal. The club's biggest priority will be trying to re-sign starting shooting guard Cuttino Mobley. Mobley can opt out of his contract and become a free agent at the end of the season. Mobley told the Sentinel that he'll explore his options after the deal he originally signed with the Houston Rockets expires. "You definitely have to . . . You got to think about your future," Mobley said. "I mean I love these guys here, but you got to think about your future. "If it fits me here, and everything is right . . . I took pay cuts in Houston, but I'm 29 now. I can't be taking pay cuts." Mobley has been a relative bargain by NBA standards. A former second-round pick from Rhode Island in 1998, he signed a six-year deal for $31 million (player option after five years) with the Rockets in 2000. Houston traded him to Orlando this summer. He averaged 17.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in Houston while ranking among the league leaders in minutes played. Mobley missed nine consecutive games this season because of a strained groin. He returned Wednesday night and had an immediate impact, scoring 16 points in the Magic's victory against the Toronto Raptors. Magic General Manager John Weisbrod said of Mobley, "I consider that our No. 1 contractual issue going into the offseason at this point. Obviously, things can change based on what happens to different players, but he's an important part of our team. I like Cuttino a lot." The issue for the Magic would be just how long a contract to offer the seven-year veteran. His age might come into play. "I have a good body," Mobley said. "I don't smoke or do drugs or all that crazy stuff. I'm not that type of dude. I can run all day. The groin thing was a minor setback to me." Mobley likely will be looking for at least a four-year deal worth between $35 million to $40 million. The Magic signed Hedo Turkoglu to a six-year free-agent deal for $39 million this summer, and he comes off the bench. "They'll show you how much they appreciate you," Mobley said. He said he hasn't allowed his contract situation to affect his recuperation timetable -- or his play. "I'm never worried about that. That will take care of itself," Mobley said. "If it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be. Can't miss what you never had. You know? I just love basketball. "A lot of guys concentrate on contracts and things like that. It never bothered me, man." Weisbrod said the club could offer Mobley a contract extension before the season ends. As far as extending Davis' deal during the season, Weisbrod said, "I haven't thought about it. "I know Johnny hasn't talked about it." Davis led the Magic to an 8-5 record in November. Last season, the Magic were winless in November (0-14). Davis replaced Doc Rivers on Nov. 17 after the club fell to 1-10. The Magic finished a league-worst 21-61 and revamped the team over the summer. "It's not about me; it's about the guys we have here," Davis said. He said it was like "every day was a rainy day last season," but now, "You look forward to coming in and working with the guys. You know they are going to work hard. It makes everything better. I've been on the other side of it
Anybody feel Mobley is worth 9-10M a year? Keep in mind Q Richardson just signed a deal where he is making around 8M a year.
I agree, no team will give him 9-10M. If he got 6-7M that would be inline with what Stephen Jackson got in Indiana.
Mobley is better than Richardson. I doubt he will get a 6 year contract but I don't doubt that his contract will average more than 8 million per year.
I think Mobley is right on par with Richarson personally. And Richardson is younger. Also keep in mind Cory Meggette signed a similar deal to Q last year. And Cory in my opinion is much better than Mobley, especially at his age.
I think Mobley is better than Q and that's not just from looking at stats but at his age a 4yr deal around the 6M per range would be good
But last year, everyone got crap offers because of the luxury tax. Remember Steven Jackson got a 1 million dollar contract and Jim Jackson is only making 2 million a year. Last year was a owners market where as this year and next year, it will be a players market.
Also Mobley is scheduled to make 6.5 million next year if he doesn't opt out. So why would he take any less. I see Orlando just extending thatcontract with him starting at 6.5 with raises so the average of the contract being in the 7-8 million range. It will really depend on the negotiations of the cba this offseason.
We can only offer the mle and the magic will offer more. Plus, I'm sure he will be pissed at us. He will either be a magic next year or a team desperate for a good 2 guard like Denver or Twolves after Spree leaves.
doubt it. He signed a small contract with Houston in order to stay here, and he got a larger offer from Toronto but kept the smaller one. And to repay him we ship him out to Orlando....doubt he wants to return.
Talk about perfect timing, Mobley goes for over 30 tonight. Magic beats the Knicks on the road. That team is getting better.
It was an exciting game. I like how Steve hit the winning points from the FT line in a clutch situation. Then seconds later Marbury is in the same exact situation and misses his FT's.
The Magic would be foolish not to lock Mobley up for atleast another 4 years. And besides, you can't break up Francis and Mobley.
Yeah they're probably gonna end up dishing out the money...even if Mobley didn't earn it Francis is gonna fight to keep Mobes in Orlando.
I agree with what mobley said in that interview that if they had the same defense but with a different offense. That's what everybody wished. I know that Francis, Mobley, and Cato are now gone but I would have wished that they left after a good exciting offense year.
