http://www.sportsline.com/u/ce/multi/0,1329,4089335_54,00.html Raptors agree to seven-year, $40.8M contract with Williams July 12, 2001 TORONTO -- Forward Jerome Williams and the Toronto Raptors agreed Thursday to a seven-year deal worth $40.8 million. The agreement, which cannot become official until Wednesday -- the first day free agents are allowed to sign contracts -- comes a day after the Raptors reached a deal with center Antonio Davis worth more than $ 60 million. "They made a terrific presentation to Jerome. They really hit all the right buttons," agent Lon Babby said. "They made a pre-emptive strike in a very impressive and effective way so that Jerome was able to move very quickly toward a decision." Babby said Williams wanted to sign quickly, hoping that would convince Davis and guard Alvin Williams to stay. "Jerome really had committed as early as last week, but his decision was very much predicated on his belief that the Raptors would not only be successful in re-signing Antonio, but hopefully Alvin Williams as well," Babby said. According to published reports, Alvin Williams is close to reaching agreement on a five-year deal with Toronto. A Raptors spokesman has refused to comment on the report. Jerome Williams, also known as 'Junk Yard Dog,' quickly became a fan favorite in Toronto after being acquired from Detroit on Feb. 23. Williams and Eric Montross came from the Pistons for Corliss Williamson, Tyrone Corbin, Kornel David and a draft pick. "Jerome's decision reflected the extraordinary reception and enthusiasm with which he was met once he was traded to Toronto," Babby said. "That gave them a huge leg up going into the process." The 6-foot-9 forward averaged five points and four rebounds and 14.5 minutes last season for the Raptors. He has averaged 6.2 points and 6.4 rebounds in his career. The deal, which averages $ 5.8 million a year, has a mutual option for the fifth year. Babby said 10 to 12 other teams were interested. The signing of Williams and the drafting of power forward Michael Bradley means the Raptors probably will trade forward Charles Oakley, who has demanded to be dealt. AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service I want to know what the hell the Raptors are doing. They are spending some major dough leaving little left to try and resign Carter next year. ------------------ Question about a Tree? Go to the 5th Ward and tell Daryle I sent you.
If I am not mistaken, the Raptors can go above the cap to resign Carter. Not sure of the official CBA wording, but they can pretty much offer Carter a deal better than any other NBA team may offer. ------------------
Carter is a restricted FA, as someone had mentioned a few days ago, after that they'll have his bird rights so paying Carter isn't a problem at all. Besides Antonio Davis gives them a solid big man for the next 5 years, and keeps them as a contender in the East. ------------------ "Instruments are like women: After a while, you want to make love to another." - Nicolas Godin of the musical duo Air
I am also under the impression the Raptors can go over the cap to sign Carter because he his one of the types of "Bird rights". Toronto may have overpaid slightly, but it was a cost of doing business given that the USD/CAD exchange rate is a disadvantage for them. The Raptors were 28-26 prior to the arrival of JYD Williams. He played 3 minutes in an OT loss to the Kings. Toronto was 19-8 the rest of the way! They're keeping together a #5 EC playoff seed team that has a marquee player and now some good role players. They gave NY and Philly all they wanted in the playoffs and the 20,000+ fans in attendance loved it. IMHO, the Raptors management has done a fine job this offseason. Now if they can get Alvin Williams, they have really had a productive summer. ------------------ Raef to Rocks in '01-'02! [This message has been edited by GATER (edited July 12, 2001).]
