CCT: Warriors sign Ellis, but may have trouble keeping Bie..

Warriors sign Ellis, but may have trouble keeping Biedrins

By Marcus Thompson II
Staff writer
Article Launched: 07/24/2008 06:07:11 PM PDT

The Warriors locked up restricted free-agent guard Monta Ellis with a
six-year deal worth $66 million, according to an NBA insider. However,
Golden State could be in danger of losing Andris Biedrins, their remaining
restricted free agent.

The fourth-year player out of Lanier High in Mississippi is now the
highest-paid Warrior, and is expected to be the starting point guard.

Meanwhile, a source close to Biedrins said the fifth-year center is being
pursued heavily by European teams.

The Latvia native is drawing strong interest in a couple of Russian clubs,
according to the source, who added that teams are willing to sign him for
3-5 years for what amounts to more than $10 million per year.

This would be the best news for Biedrins' in months. The only team with
salary cap space that was reportedly interested in him, other than the
Warriors, was Philadelphia. But the 76ers spent their cap money on Elton
Brand. So leverage of a fat offer from overseas is Biedrins' best hope of
getting the money he wants from the Warriors, or anywhere in the NBA.

Biedrins' camp, which was rumored to have its sight set on the ballpark of
Chris Kaman's contract (five years, $55 million), likely won't be elated
about the offer they're likely going to get from the Warriors. It would be
surprising if Biedrins' offer even equaled Corey Maggette's average of $10
million a year. A six-year, $48 million offer may be what Golden State
presents Biedrins.