SJMN (Kawakami blog): Ellis gets his $67M deal, Biedrins p..

Ellis gets his $67M deal, Biedrins possibly mulls Europe, I think both will
be Warriors for a long time

Posted by Tim Kawakami on July 24th, 2008 at 10:04 pm

Spent all day driving up to Napa, watching practice, talking to Raiders,
writing a column.

Heard about the Warriors matching Kelenna Azubuike's three-year, $9.3M offer
sheet from the Clippers. Not a surprise. It was either him or Maurice Evans
for slightly less (or whatever he was asking) and I think Azubuike's
experience in Don Nelson's system, even if Nelson isn't his biggest fan, is
worth the extra cash.

Then heard about Monta Ellis signing a six-year, $67M deal with the
Warriors-right at the $11M+ figure I was presuming.

Then I read my buddy Marcus Thompson II's blog that Andris Biedrins was
getting heavy interest from European teams, possibly for more than $10M a
year, which means he could depart the Warriors for nothing. Interesting.

I could go on and on about these three things and believe me, I know I
usually do. But I won't. 'Cause I'm exhausted. I should be blogging about
the Raiders but I didn't have 'net access in Napa I don't quite have the
energy to type anything new on the Raiders now that I'm home.

Sorry.

So some quick reactions to the Ellis/Azubuike/Biedrins news/chatter:

* I think Andris Biedrins' deal will be announced next. And not with a
Russian team. With the Warriors, maybe by next week. He was always going to
come right after Ellis, so once Chris Mullin formalized the Ellis terms, I
think Biedrins is next up.

I think Biedrins' agent, Bill Duffy, is hoping and talking about Europe to
get every dollar possible out of Mullin, and that's wise agenting. After
Josh Childress vaulted to Greece, that's a very good card to play.

But I doubt Biedrins is worth $10M a year in Europe. HE CAN'T SHOOT. THAT'S
A SHOOTERS' LEAGUE. If he is worth that, the Warriors probably won't and
shouldn't say, fine, here's another $20M added to our six-year offer-maybe
$58M to $65M altogether. Too much.

Nope. I think Biedrins is valuable and he's their only legitimate
center-type right now. But if I'm the Warriors, and I know Biedrins wants to
make it in the NBA, I cannot deliver him a $20M bonus just because he might
go to Russia.

If he wants to go, then he has to go. If the Warriors have to edge up $10M
or $12M because of the threat from Europe. that might be acceptable.
Especially if they're low-balling now.

But if it's the difference between six for $45 and six for $65. then the
Warriors probably shouldn't get in the way of that, if Biedrins truly wants
to do that.

I don't think he really does. And I don't think the Warriors are as dumb or
inflexible or cheap as the Hawks-who let Childress go. This can be worked
out. I think it will be worked out.

Next week. (Unless I'm wrong.)

* Never thought there was much chance either Ellis or Biedrins was going
anywhere but right back to the Warriors, despite what my favorite tabloids
in New York urged and reported.

Restricted free-agency is tough: A mid-level guy like Ronny Turiaf moved
from the Lakers to the Warriors in RFA and Azubuike got a Clipper offer. but
for near-top-tier guys like Ellis and Biedrins (and Josh Smith and Andre
Igoudala). their current teams are going to match, no matter what. Unless
they're completely over-run by the salary cap.

A guy like Childress, who doesn't have the normal NBA mindset, can escape to
Europe as a RFA. But there aren't many very good players who will consider
that. yet. Even Biedrins, from Latvia, is an NBA guy now and I don't think
wants to play anywhere else.

* Ellis had to get paid. Even before Baron Davis bolted, Ellis was going to
get paid-he's a 20-point scorer at a very high percentage and he's young.
You keep those guys if you know what you're doing.

But once Baron bolted, forget about it: Monta was an absolute Warriors
must-keep. Without question. Forget his defensive liabilities and size
issues and debate whether he'll ever be a true point guard.

He had to be kept or else the Warriors aren't a real franchise anymore.

* But there are some concerns about Ellis' attitude-he is awfully confident,
which is good; will that verge towards arrogance and selfishness once he has
the big money?

Will he start to believe he's entitled to Baron Davis Treatment, which the
Warriors don't want ANYBODY to get any more, now that he is making BD money?

I think those are fair questions to ask. I think we give Ellis the benefit
of the doubt for now, but he has $67M in his future, and we do not know if
he is ready to accept the responsibilities that come with that.

That's why Mullin wants to surround Ellis with workmanlike players. I don't
know if Corey Maggette is the quintessential workman, but that's what Mullin
is hoping-a gym rat and a physical specimen to give Ellis an archetype to
follow.

Enough. I'm done. Raiders stuff is in the column. Good night.