No contract extension for Biedrins
By Marcus Thompson
Sunday, October 28th, 2007 at 4:44 pm in Uncategorized.
This just in from Bill Duffy, Andris Biedrins’ agent: There will be no contract extension this month given to the Warriors’ starting center.
The two sides began far apart — more than $10 million in total value over five years — and never got close to making a deal. Biedrins thus will become a restricted free agent this summer, with the Warriors retaining the all-important right to match any offer sheet he signs.
“I think just philosophically, they’re taking a different position than they have in the past,” Duffy said, referring to similar extensions given in recent years to Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy and Jason Richardson. “And we’re taking a very aggressive opinion of where Andris should be.”
Because the Warriors have matching rights, they didn’t feel the urgency to lock up Biedrins now – even though his value could shoot up past the $12 million per year mark.
“Not too many 21-year-olds with his kind of skill set, attitude, size and work ethic are walking down the street,” Duffy said. “You don’t replace the big guy in the middle that easily.”
More to come later…
– Geoff Lepper
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October 28th, 2007 at 5:49 pm
To me this is pure stupidity but certainly in keeping with the “new” Warrior management mentality of hardball; or should I say pennyball.
Marcus, I’d like to know your candid thoughts and thanks to Geoff for posting this info.
October 28th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
I agree. W’s may think this is the best way to negotiate as they have matching rights, but they forget the human side of negotations and that is alienating an irreplaceable player in Biedrins.
This is beyond smart money managing and moving towards Donald Sterling of old.