It appears Baron Davis will sign a 5 year, $65 million contract to join Elton Brand and the Los Angeles Clippers (story from ESPN here). Whoop-de-doo, right? What does this have to do with the Bobcats? Well, I hope it might act as an example to a certain Bobcats player (that would be you, Emeka).
The only reason the Clippers were able to offer Boom-dizzle such an attractive package (one that will still be a pay cut for him) is because Elton Brand is looking at taking a pay cut as well. Both players opted out of the final year of their current deals, giving up bigger money for the season ahead. Why? Well, partly for the security of a longer contract, I am sure. But, it would seem another reason might have an impact as well: The desire to win.
Giving up a bigger payday to improve the team? A more typical reaction might be that of Ron Artest (from SportsByBrooks):
Ireland: “Would you be willing to take less money to go to a contender?"So, Emeka, who are you going to be like? Elton Brand and Baron Davis or Ron Artest? We all know that you are a valuable player and deserve to be compensated for your skills. We also know that we would like to see a winning team in Charlotte sooner rather than later, and if you chose not get every dime you could from the franchise, we would reach that goal sooner.
Artest: “Oh, never. Not in a million years. Actually, not in 10 million years.”
Following last season, I made the case that Emeka should expect a contract in the range of $12 million to $13 million annually, based on his comparables. Charlotte supposedly offered a 5 year, $60 million deal last summer, that was rejected. Well, Emeka's numbers did not change much this year, so I stand by the prediction I made then. With few teams under the cap, and Emeka a restricted free agent, Emeka's leverage is lessened. Ideally, this situation will be settled soon, with Emeka a continued fixture for the Bobcats.
Click here to comment/view comments for this post.
