Blatche news and other stuff

by Jake Whitacre on Jul 28, 2007 8:45 AM EDT

According to the Times the Wizards have offered Blatche 3 years/$11 million to stay in D.C.

The offer is substantially smaller than the one Blatche and his agent, Eric Fleisher, are said to be looking for. Blatche, who turns 21 next month, has had his name mentioned as a player who might possibly receive the mid-level exception, which has a starting salary of $5.35 million in the first season.

One team that had been mentioned in connection with Blatche was Dallas. But the Mavericks, who are over the luxury tax, had not made Blatche an offer as of last night.

Should Blatche turn down the contract -- which one source said he was leaning toward signing -- he still can accept an offer from another team. If they so choose, the Wizards can match any deal made to Blatche.

I really can't see Blatche signing for so little, but I've been shocked before. It's also worth noting in that article that it appears that the Heat have dropped out of the Navarro sweepstakes after signing Smush Parker.

UPDATE:According to Wizards Insider, Blatche has received an offer, but it is less than the reported 3 years/11 million.

In completely unrelated news, it does appear that the Wizards are making the rumored bronze to gold switch based on this picture:

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Blatche will sign IMO

The kid most likely needs the money since he was not a 1st rounder and this would be a big contract for him. He has not gotten any other offers and it is getting late in the FA season and not many rosters spots or money left on other teams. You said you can't see him signing for so little? What is his alternative ? I think it is a done deal and he got a decent price and time enough to prove himself and get and lottery contract in the future if he develops. JMTC

by LoneWiz54 on Jul 28, 2007 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

The Luxury Cap Issue

Wizards have $4 mil and 3 players they must sign (12 active and 1 inactive). If they sign Blatche with a first year salary of, let's say, $3.150, and then give $450k to Dominic McGuire, that'll leave $442K under the luxury cap. That is only enough to sign a player with 0 years experience (NBA minumum $427,163). This might be a good thing for Aaron Miles to hear (especially after his excellent summer league play) but not too good for last year rookie Mike Hall or veterans Calvin Booth, Donnell Taylor, Roger Mason Jr.

Of course all this changes if JCN and Thomas are traded, which I am hoping for. This should be an interesting week.

by b rock on Jul 28, 2007 1:31 PM EDT reply actions