confirmed: raef signed, russell to dallas, buckner gone

[NYMavFan]

<< Posted on Wed, Jul. 17, 2002

Mavs keep their big man
LaFrentz, Mavs' top priority, agrees to 7-year, $60 million deal
By DWAIN PRICE
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

DALLAS - The Mavericks have agreed to terms with restricted free-agent center Raef LaFrentz on a seven-year contract worth approximately $60 million, owner Mark Cuban said.

NBA free agents can begin signing contracts today. Mavericks officials are hoping LaFrentz will return from his off-season home in Iowa and sign the contract by the end of the week.


Don Nelson, the Mavericks' coach and general manager, is at his off-season home in Maui, Hawaii, and could not be reached for comment.


Nelson and Cuban had called signing LaFrentz their No. 1 off-season priority. Acquired Feb. 21 in a trade with Denver, LaFrentz averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.22 blocked shots per game in 27 games with the Mavericks last season.


He also played 29.1 minutes per game and shot 43.7 percent from the field.


Though LaFrentz didn't receive the $90 million contract he was seeking while with the Nuggets, he will receive $7 million next season.


&quot;I can't talk about specifics,&quot; Cuban said, citing league rules.


The 6-foot-11 LaFrentz mostly played center for the Mavericks last season. However, Nelson said he plans to move him to power forward, shift 7-foot power forward Dirk Nowitzki to small forward and alternate 7-6 Shawn Bradley and 6-11 Evan Eschmeyer at center.


That would give the Mavericks, one of the NBA's poorest rebounding teams last season, a taller front line and possibly increase their chances at grabbing more rebounds.


With LaFrentz in the fold, the Mavericks now shift their attention to re-signing restricted free-agent forward Eduardo Najera. They also expect to re-sign restricted free-agent center Wang Zhizhi but anticipate losing restricted free-agent swingman Greg Buckner.


Mavs court Russell


Jazz swingman Bryon Russell may be on the verge of signing a multiyear contract with the Mavericks.


Owner Mark Cuban has talked to Russell's agent, Dwight Manley, about acquiring the nine-year veteran. The Russell negotiations could be completed as soon as today.


Cuban would not disclose what type of contract Russell is seeking. Last season, Russell, the 45th pick of the 1993 NBA Draft, earned $5,142,856 with the Jazz.


&quot;I can't talk about contracts or specific players yet,&quot; Cuban said. &quot;But we have talked to his agent about several things.&quot;


Last season was one of the roughest of Russell's career, as he averaged only 9.6 points per game and shot a career-low 38 percent. He reportedly rushed back too early after missing 16 games with a pelvic injury.


With Tariq Abdul-Wahad playing well in the summer league, and the Mavericks also expected to re-sign restricted free agent Eduardo Najera, the signing of Russell would effectively end the Mavericks' pursuit of one of their other restricted free agents, Greg Buckner.

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