Jefferson gets $65M deal from Wolves, says he's not worth max deal yet
By Jon Krawczynski, AP Sports Writer
November 1, 2007
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Al Jefferson could have waited until next summer to sign a contract extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
In fact, that was what his agent advised him to do, hoping that a big season and his status as a restricted free agent would have brought the 22-year-old power forward the highest contract allowable under league rules.
Jefferson ignored that advice and signed a five-year, $65 million deal just before the deadline Wednesday night. In the era of "Show me the money!" and "bling bling," Jefferson's reason was stunningly humble.
"I didn't even think I was worth max (money) this year anyway," Jefferson said at a press conference on Thursday. "I would've been a fool to go up there and ask for max, having not really proved myself for that. So the number I got was the number that was my goal from Day 1. And I think it was a win, win situation."
At an average salary of $13 million per season that starts next year, Jefferson certainly won't be starving. But Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale said that had Jefferson signed a max deal, he would have been entitled to 25 percent of Minnesota's salary cap.
"I can tell you around the league, 85 percent of the people feel they're worth max," McHale said with a chuckle. "Al's in the minority of 15 percent that doesn't believe he deserves max."
McHale adoringly calls him "truly a throwback, low-post, offensive rebound, punch-you-in-the-mouth and score around the paint type guy."
"I knew Al was good," McHale said. "Al's better than I thought he was. When you're around him every day, you see his character, you see his personality, you see his work ethic and you see his ability. It's really a package that's very, very impressive."
With KG gone to Boston, it's Jefferson's team now. After four years with the Celtics, Jefferson thinks he is ready to become a star.
"I told Kevin I'm prepared for this. I'm ready for this," Jefferson said earlier in training camp. "This is what I want. Every guy in the NBA wants to get the opportunity that I have right now and I want to take advantage of it."
The Wolves again have a player they can build a franchise on who has a good character as compared to most of the league.
I just hope McHale doesn't screw it this time. Again.
The Wolves are lucky to have him on board and in place of Garnett (Big shoes to fill). He sounds smart and loyal; what any team needs.
