contact with Lewis confirmed

[NYMavFan]

<< Mavericks come courting Lewis
Frank Hughes; The News Tribune

Knowing that free-agent forward Rashard Lewis has been unhappy in his dealings with the Seattle Sonics, the Dallas Mavericks have contacted him about the possibility of arranging a visit to the Western Conference semifinalists, according to sources.

Meanwhile, the Sonics on Sunday lost forward Olumide Oyedeji, who signed a contract with the Orlando Magic, and the team is going to lose guard Earl Watson, who signed an offer sheet from the Memphis Grizzlies.


The most Dallas could offer Lewis is its mid-level exception, a $4.5 million salary. Lewis could take that and re-enter free agency next season, when six teams are projected to have money under the salary cap. Or, Lewis could accept a three-year deal for $15 million and obtain his Bird rights with Dallas, which would enable Dallas to give Lewis a maximum contract in the summer of 2005.


Watson signed a three-year, $4 million offer sheet with the Grizzlies on Friday. While Seattle has 15 days to make a decision on whether it wants to match the Grizzlies' offer and retain Watson, it would be required to get under the salary cap to do so.




Frank Hughes

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