From today's Seattle Times: Lewis seems to be leaning toward a two-year deal worth about $8 million, but he hasn't ruled out a one-year contract, which makes him eligible for a maximum contract in 2001. "We gave Rashard all the options," General Manager Wally Walker said. "That's his call." Under the collective bargaining agreement, if Lewis signs a one-year deal he must use Seattle's $2.25 million exception. That would prevent the Sonics from using their higher exception for a free-agent big man, but that scenario could benefit Seattle in the long run. If Lewis signs a one-year contract, he will become a restricted free agent after next season, giving the Sonics the right to match any offers he would get from other teams and retain his services. Isn't he an unrestricted free agent in 2001 if he signs for the the $2,250,000 exception for a year? The CBA FAQ says: It (restricted free agency) 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. Any thoughts? ------------------
Yes - that makes perfect sense and I'm not sure anyone around here (certainly not me) had considered that Rashard signing a 1 year mid level exception deal with Seattle would make him a restricted free agent next year. It's a bit disturbing actually. ------------------ Current Rocket's Salary & Contract Info
If they're right about his continuing restriction, it'd be news to me. I haven't seen anything like that and tend to think they might be wrong. Aelliott? ------------------ Rockets Draft Obligations Summary http://www.gaffordstudios.cjb.net/
The key phrase is up until their third year in the league, n'est-ce pas? Next year will be after his third year in the league, so what is the concern? ------------------ The ClutchCity 500.
After three years with Seaatle, he will be considered a "Full Bird" player and matching other teams will be immaterial because Seattle can pay him the max. It is Rashard's choice if he accepts the max from Seattle or signs elsewhere in 2001 if he signs a one year contract in 2000. Mango ------------------ 1. Put new topics in the proper forum 2. Use clear wording for new threads 3. No duplicate threads 4. Conduct yourself as an adult The Serious Police are watching Donate Blood or be assimilated!
I think the paper just made a small oversight. A similar article was in the Toronto papers a few wks back that said Rashard would be UNRESTRICTED in 2001 if he signed a 1 yr deal. Also, I asked aelliott this question on this bbs some time back, and he was saying the same thing, that Rashard would be unrestricted. Plus, the thing from CBA FAQ says "up until" his third yr. On July 1, 2001, Rashard Lewis is considered to be in his 4th yr as his third yr will be expired by then. ------------------ Check out the Best Source for Draft Info Draftsource.net
