Bonzi Wells Future

Wells's future to be known by weekend

NBA's bargaining agreement will not affect negotiations

By Ronald Tillery
Contact
July 20, 2005

Speculation that the NBA will extend a moratorium on signing free agents from Friday to next month will not affect Bonzi Wells's contract status, according to the Grizzly guard's agent.

League sources indicated Tuesday that the collective bargaining agreement won't be finalized this week and the delay could prevent teams from signing free-agent contracts until Aug. 1.


The Grizzlies and Wells agreed to extend the deadline for deciding on an $8 million team option to coincide with ratification of the CBA. That was supposed to happen by Friday.

But Wells will either have the option picked up with a trade on the table or become an unrestricted free agent by the weekend.

Wells is not interested in prolonging the process beyond Friday.

"We expect a resolution," said William Phillips, who Wells retained as his agent following the season. "At the end of the day, Bonzi will be fine. The closer we get to the 22nd, the more serious the discussions get."

At least seven teams have expressed interest in Wells. The Grizzles have had more than cursory conversations with Boston, Dallas, Washington, Sacramento, Detroit, Utah and the Los Angeles Clippers regarding Wells.

A Grizzly insider indicated that team president Jerry West is close to consummating a deal with one of those teams. It is believed that Sacramento and the Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as the strongest suitors.

Wells, 29, is considered the best guard available now that Ray Allen, Michael Redd, Bobby Simmons, Larry Hughes and Cuttino Mobley have agreed in principle to sign new deals.

Wells can be traded at anytime once his option is picked up. The NBA's moratorium only applies to free agents.

West has shopped for deals since Wells was unceremoniously and inexplicably removed from the team during the playoffs. If the Griz pass on the option and allow Wells to become an unrestricted free agent, the team would seek to consummate a sign-and-trade deal to receive compensation.

The Griz also are attempting to execute a sign-and-trade transaction with free agent guard Earl Watson. But that scenario becomes more unlikely if the league extends its moratorium.

On Monday, five-year veteran Stromile Swift announced his intention to sign with the Houston Rockets without the Grizzlies receiving anything in return.

Swift, an unrestricted free agent, will sign a five-year deal worth around $30 million.

-- Ronald Tillery: 529-2353

Ok, I noticed that the Grizzlies didn't get nothing in exchange for Swift, but how do you think the Bonzi and Watson situation will go? Do you think Memphis will be able to get something for at least one of them by the Clippers or Kings? I have a feeling Watson will leave without Memphis getting anything and Grizz can get something for Wells mainly because he is the only SG option available that causes attention in the FA market. Something will go down Friday either way.

I'd like to see Bonzi in Dallas, since Mike Finley is most probably going.

I hope he comes to the Clips. We could use him.

Bonzi is only fit as a backup, and a potential 6th man of the year award candidate if placed in the right team and rotation. I just can't think of any good fit for him right now.

Do you guys think that dallas can do some kind of deal so dallas get Bonzi and memphis will get finley? I know that dallas is not giving Finley up for free.

Do you guys think that dallas can do some kind of deal so dallas get Bonzi and memphis will get finley? I know that dallas is not giving Finley up for free.

I would love for a deal like that to happen, and maybe Memphis can give them Wright and maybe another player for Dampier as well.

I doubt a trade with Dallas will work, still think Dallas will keep Dampier as Dirk's bodyguard. Also can't see any sign and trades going down concerning Bonzi/Watson, because the Grizz would need a big man in exchange. There could be a move where the Grizzlies aquired Chris Wilcox, but I don't think he's the inside force they need.

Detroit would be a great fit for Bonzi. Him and Dyess off the bench will give them the scoring they lacked, since they loss Okur and Williamson.

I read one article that said he wanted to play in either Detroit or Indiana. Please choose Detroit Bonzi... PLEASE.

Why sould he chose the Pistons?

Bonzi doesnt have the greatest "attitude" in the world.

Why sould he chose the Pistons?

The Pistons lack a scoring punch off the bench after they lost Corliss and Memhet, so adding a versatile scorer like Bonzi is probably a good idea.

I wouldn't want Bonzi though, he's gotten a reputation as a player with a lot of baggage. He was pretty effective and piped down when Hubie Brown was coaching him though.

Why sould he chose the Pistons?

He wants to get a ring.

Bonzi doesnt have the greatest "attitude" in the world.

ya think? how did you arrive to that