When AK told the Jazz that he would be willing to play for a discount, that was all and good. We tend to forget though that agents don't like to give discounts. So if you're thinking you're going to get AK for $5 million or so, think again. From Chad Ford,
Kirilenko's original asking price -- four years, $40 million -- came as major sticker shock to a lot of teams. He's lowered the price significantly over the past few days (three years, $26.5 million), but now that the Pacers moved on to David West, he's in a bit of a quandary. The Jazz would like him back and other teams, like the Nets and Kings, have shown interest. But so far no teams are biting.
The most recent price come out to $8.8 million a year. Considering Caron Butler just got a three-year, $24 million deal from LA, it's not completely out there. They're pretty similar in stats even if their styles of play are different.
On the other hand, what would you pay Josh Howard?
Kirilenko is also being courted by the Kings and Nets. He has yet to decide if he will come to the NBA or stay in Russia.
Chad Ford was also on ESPN 700 yesterday talking about the Jazz (mp3) and free agency. One of the interesting thing he says about Enes Kanter is that when he was back in Kentucky playing against the likes of DeMarcus Cousins, Kanter was killing him. Take that for what it's worth.
This is significant for Hayward. From Jody Genessy,
The daily devotion's results: 10-plus pounds of muscle. His matured 6-foot-8 frame now weighs 220, up from a rookie listing of 207. He's even got some guns - no controller needed.
For as much as we talk about Evans's skinny frame, Hayward wasn't that far behind. This next statement reiterates what John Hollinger said about Hayward in his player previews. This time it's from Earl Watson,
Gordon's such an unselfish player ... (and) has to learn to be more selfish offensively scoring the ball, and he has the ability and skill to do it," Watson said. "He's so talented and so quick, way more athletic than people think.
Let's hope for a for assertive Hayward this season.
Looks like Ronnie Price is officially gone now. From Alex Kennedy,
@AlexKennedyNBA
Alex KennedyRonnie Price will officially sign with the Suns later today. It's a one-year deal.
6 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
Good luck to Ronnie Price. He didn't always have the stats but he was everything a Jazz fan could want in a Jazz player.
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