Gooden camp to remain patient

Cleveland — General manager Danny Ferry and Cleveland Cavaliers fans are not alone when it comes to waiting on LeBron James' decision to sign a five-year extension with the Cavs.

James' decision could also determine the future of Cavaliers forward Drew Gooden, a restricted free agent.

"I can't say if LeBron's not going to re-sign that Drew isn't going to re-sign, but one of the main reasons why Drew wanted to go to Cleveland is because of LeBron," said Calvin Andrews, Gooden's agent.

"Drew thinks the Cavaliers are a championship-caliber team. If LeBron's not in the mix, that will impact how Drew views the team."

The Cavs offered James a five-year contract extension worth about $80 million on Saturday. That was the first day NBA teams could negotiate contract extensions with free agents.

July 12 is the first day players can sign. So far, there has not been any word from James or from his agent Leon Rose on whether James intends to sign sooner or later.

Andrews, who also represents Carmelo Anthony, said Anthony intends to sign a five-year extension with the Denver Nuggets.

The league does not allow teams to make any public statements during the free-agent signing period. Organizations can confirm their intent to begin discussions, and the Cavs have made their intention clear for weeks.

If James does not sign, he would become a restricted free agent next summer and an unrestricted free agent in 2008.

James has made recent comments about his desire to remain with the Cavs.

Ferry also has made comments about his desire to keep Gooden, a former Kansas University standout, but the Cavs did not make Gooden an offer on Saturday.

Because Gooden is a restricted free agent, the Cavs can match any offer made to Gooden.

"We had good conversations with the Cavs on Saturday," Andrews said.

"They called shortly after midnight (last Saturday) and expressed an interest. We're working pretty hard, especially this coming week. We know they have to take care of LeBron first."

While the Cavs wait, Andrews will seek a long-term deal for Gooden: six years in Cleveland or five years at another address. A long-term deal could mean $8 million to $10 million a year. If that scares the Cavaliers, Gooden could receive that money from Phoenix, Atlanta or Chicago - teams in need of a low-post scorer.

However, the waiting game continues until James makes his intentions known.

"We almost have to wait because the Cavaliers want to see if (James will sign), and we understand that," Andrews said.

"We're not going to say we're not doing anything until LeBron makes a decision, but we obviously can't wait too long.

Gooden, is not the only big man in whom the Cavs have interest.

They contacted Portland Trail Blazers free-agent center Joel Przybilla on the first day. The six-year veteran is one of the most coveted free agents on the market, because he's a versatile big man, a valuable commodity.

More like this

Gooden antsy about contract 4 comments / July 15, 2006
Gooden focus for Cavs 10 comments / July 11, 2006
Gooden signs extension with Cavs September 12, 2006
Gooden steps up for injured Cavs January 31, 2005
Cavs send Gooden to Bulls 4 comments / February 22, 2008

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tis4tim (anonymous) says...

The "Vanilla Gorilla" over Gooden? No way.

It would be sweet to see Gooden and Hinrich reunited in Chicago with soon-to-be-signed Ben Wallace, Ben Gordon and Luol Deng. That team would have speed, defense, rebounding and scoring to spare.

Basically, the Bulls would be Gooden Plenty, opposing teams would suffer from the Bens, and Kirk would resuscitate the team's championship aspirations with his Hinrich Maneuvers.

July 5, 2006 at 1:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawkdan78 (anonymous) says...

Man, you're too much!!!
is Ben Wallace really signing w/chicago?
They will be in the hunt if this is true.

July 5, 2006 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

gthejayhawk (anonymous) says...

Yes, Ben Wallace is a Bull. I too would love to see Gooden and Sir Hinrich reunited. The NBA is a tough game to watch, but I do enjoy watching former Jayhawks play. Two on the same team is a bonus...

July 5, 2006 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tippy (anonymous) says...

With the style of ball the Suns play, it would be interesting to see Drew in Phoenix.

July 5, 2006 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tis4tim (anonymous) says...

From what I understand, Detroit offered Wallace a 4-year 48 million dollar deal and the Bulls topped it by some 10 million more. Detroit wouldn't match it though they said that re-signing Wallace was a priority. Last I heard, the Bulls and Wallace agreed to terms but can't officially sign him for a few weeks yet. Things could change as Wallace, I believe, was just a restricted free agent and Detroit has the right to match the offer. Detroit was so adamant about their offer being final that I think it's a done deal with Chicago.

The Bulls shipped Tyson Chandler and his huge, new contract to the Hornets and I believe got P.J. Brown (last year of his contract and 38 years old) and, if I'm not mistaken, J.R. Smith too in return.

July 5, 2006 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

phoga15fan (anonymous) says...

I thought I read somewhere that Aaron Miles was going to play for the Bulls in the NBA Summer League.

July 5, 2006 at 2:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JJHawq (anonymous) says...

Drew in Phoenix, Chicago, or Cleveland is fine with me.... Phoenix is the most fun to watch, and Chicago and Cleveland are towards the top with LeBron and Kirk...

July 6, 2006 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawkdan78 (anonymous) says...

I love the bulls chances of atleast a second round of playoffs if they pick up drew...Kirk has been phenomonal...even though the bulls have been stock-piling guards like their going to IRAQ...and look at the patience of kirk...all these draftees who play his position, and yet he has remained humble (not to mention quietly stacking up the stats) I think you could see kirk in an allstar game some time in the next couple of years...OH and I looooove tyrus thomas...he was my first pick in the draft...watch this kid be special...I think their spending quite a lot on big ben though...32 yrs old and they locked him up for 5 years...could be another karl malone...or ZO for that matter...

July 6, 2006 at 9:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

tis4tim (anonymous) says...

The Bulls are really not spending a lot on Wallace when you look at it. Tyson Chandler signed a new 6 year 60 million dollar contract last September after his rookie one expired. Now that he's been shipped to the Hornets, that comes off the books. In return they get PJ Browns hefty contract, a 4 year 40 million one signed in 2003, but he's in the last year of it and that also comes off the books after next season. J.R. Smith is in the last year of his 3 year 3.1 million dollar contract he signed as a rookie. Whether or not they will resign JR will depend on many factors. With quality centers being so scarce, I think Ben is worth the money.

July 6, 2006 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lee3022 (anonymous) says...

Neither Chicago or Phoenix have the money to sign Gooden. Atlanta does but has been prohibited from signing new free agents (except Speedy Claxon) by a court order. That means he signs for the mid-level exception or stays in Cleveland either for restricted tender for one year or a new contract for enough to get it done for longer.

Hey - and don't be knocking my boy Joel. He is a rare guy with class and loyalty in a narcisstic league. That is not to dis Drew who is great also.

July 6, 2006 at 11:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )