Richard Jefferson Opts Out
Spurs swingman Richard Jefferson has opted out of the final year of his contract and will become a free agent.
Spurs spokesman Tom James said the nine-year veteran informed the team Thursday. Jefferson was due to make about $15 million next year after underachieving in his first season in San Antonio.
Jefferson averaged 12.3 points last season, his lowest since his rookie year. He struggled to adapt to coach Gregg Popovich's system, at one point losing his job in the starting lineup.
The Spurs traded for Jefferson and his hefty contract last summer in a deal with Milwaukee.
over 1 year ago
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If they can't land a vet in free agency, wouldn't be shocked to see them shopping Hill
Hey! What're you kicking me for? You want me to ask? All right, I'll ask! Ma'am, where do the high school girls hang out in this town?
This is obviously...
of the free agency season.
Truth is, on talent alone, and nothing else, I’d rank DMC 1st.
PookeyGuru- June 1, 2010.
***Update***
Cousins can be a major star.
PookeyGuru- June 23, 2010.
how big was the gun they held to his head?
This makes absolutely no sense from a personal financial standpoint.
What keeps teams from telling a guy: please opt out, we will get you half the money we owe you – just gives us a the number of a Swiss bank account.
Unless he believes he can get a longer contract at less per year which he couldn’t get in the after CBA market: say 4 years for $32M, I don’t get this. But I have to admit to having an Anti-Jeffersonian bias.
Hey! What're you kicking me for? You want me to ask? All right, I'll ask! Ma'am, where do the high school girls hang out in this town?
by wallywagon11 on Jun 30, 2010 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Is that Foxy Brown or Cleopatra Jones?
Either way, I would do what the lady told me to do
by betweentheeyes on Jun 30, 2010 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Believe it or not, that is actually Spurs GM R.C. Buford
Hey! What're you kicking me for? You want me to ask? All right, I'll ask! Ma'am, where do the high school girls hang out in this town?
by wallywagon11 on Jun 30, 2010 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not necessarily
While it’s a safe bet Jefferson won’t make that kind of money next season, especially coming off a disappointing year in San Antonio, the small forward could take advantage of a seller’s market. With at least eight teams out there with significant cap room and only so many star players to go around, Jefferson could easily be seen as a safe fallback.
Even after LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Amar’e Stoudemire, Joe Johnson and Carlos Boozer come off the board, there’s going to be money out there to spend and clubs who were shut out of the above.
Remember the $80 million combined Detroit spent last summer on Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva? Some team is going to panic — Clippers or Knicks, perhaps — and reach out to RJ to make sure its summer isn’t a total washout.
Jefferson is hardly damaged goods. He just turned 30 this month and even though he averaged just 12.3 points as a bad fit in the Spurs’ system last season, he’s still got a career scoring average of 17.0 and has been reasonably durable. He was productive for so many years in New Jersey and during his Milwaukee stopover, can get out on the break, is considered coachable and doesn’t make waves in the locker room.
big gamble
though I agree that so many teams are undercutting the minimum that there is a good chance that a mad scramble will take place.
The Knicks: “We didn’t get LeBron but we managed to snag Richard Jefferson”. No.
by betweentheeyes on Jun 30, 2010 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions
How come none of these guys has considered
That these teams are just after that top class of free agents and if they don’t land them they will just keep the money and figure it after the new CBA. Teams under the cap doesn’t mean they will spend up to the cap.
hahaha. Yep.
Truth is, on talent alone, and nothing else, I’d rank DMC 1st.
PookeyGuru- June 1, 2010.
***Update***
Cousins can be a major star.
PookeyGuru- June 23, 2010.
I really, really want this to happen.
Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order and Originator of the "Brock Ness Monster".
Richard Jefferson is a moron
Like Dwyer said over at BDL, he could have made his 15 million this year and probably gotten the same contract he’ll get now, which won’t be much more than an MLE level.
The Spurs are probably laughing their asses off.
Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order and Originator of the "Brock Ness Monster".
Or Jefferson's agent is a moron I should say.
Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order and Originator of the "Brock Ness Monster".
Bonzi Wells finds this move questionable.
by bignerd on Jun 30, 2010 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 7 recs
Comment of the week
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Jul 1, 2010 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions
the only thing that makes sense is he hates it there
But damn hates it enough to give up 5 to ten mil?
LaMarcus Aldridge is the most over rated and over paid player in NBA. Tyreke Evans will be better than Brandon Roy this year.
by KingsFanInPortland on Jun 30, 2010 7:39 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
What the f#ck am I missing?
This makes absolutely no sense. You make your $15 million and get to play on a damn good team…and you opt out?
I guess it makes sense if Jefferson knows he’s washed up and wants to milk a 4 year, $20 million deal out of someone before they figure it out.
"Matt Cain's better at this than I've ever been at anything in my life. He's better at this than you'll ever be, at anything. Matt Cain has a gift. He has a gift, and when you acknowledge that, then maybe we will have something to talk about."
Which is only a total of $5mil more than he's making nowfor one year
naw, someone will give him 4yr/$40mil
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Jul 1, 2010 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Jefferson needs his own NBA cares commercial:
“In San Antonio, Richard Jefferson cares about the community by giving 15 million dollars back to Spurs. The NBA, where where bad math skills happens.”
smell the ashes
by iamstern'skippah! on Jun 30, 2010 8:55 PM PDT reply actions
I have a feeling it has little to do with bad math skills.
Hey! What're you kicking me for? You want me to ask? All right, I'll ask! Ma'am, where do the high school girls hang out in this town?
by wallywagon11 on Jun 30, 2010 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions
everyone is smashing on RJ, but i think its a good move
Richard Jefferson is no idiot. He did not fit in with the Spurs. He has already made a ton of money over his career, so its not about the money for him anymore. If he was happy with the Spurs, he wouldnt leave his 15 mill on the table and go. Richard Jefferson obviously was unhappy in San Antonio. Now before you guys all start bagging on the guy about the money, just realize one thing.
Richard Jefferson is a person just like us, he has feelings. If he wasnt happy, I APPLAUD him for leaving San Antonio. Do what makes you happy RJ.
"I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot...and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why... I succeed." Michael Jordan.
Baloney
These guys don’t leave 15 mill on the table just because they are unhappy.
I remember when Elton Brand was the Mr. Nice Guy who was going to be the one to eschew the money for a better situation. Yeah, that didn’t happen either.
"Matt Cain's better at this than I've ever been at anything in my life. He's better at this than you'll ever be, at anything. Matt Cain has a gift. He has a gift, and when you acknowledge that, then maybe we will have something to talk about."
Richard Jefferson is a human too.
I dont know why you refer to him as “these guys”.
And the reports are that he may stay in San Antonio but re-negotiate a smaller contract. In that case, I applaud him even more for taking a paycut to help his team win.
"I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot...and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why... I succeed." Michael Jordan.
by Surprise Team on Jun 30, 2010 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I am with you, ST
I can understand how someone passes up more money in order to find a situation which makes him happier. And if that is resigning with the Spurs in order to vindicate himself and help the Spurs win, even more so.
Money is not everything in life. And besides, he has made enough to be comfortable, I’m sure.
If he takes the gamble in order to get more money elsewhere, that is fine too. He did his math, and will know the possible risks and rewards.
In any event, good for him.
Dunking Dutchman
Yeah, it doesn't appear he's looking for anything other than MORE MONEY
Jefferson’s agent, Todd Eley, said the decision is a way to take advantage of a sellers’ free-agent market this summer and to hedge against the uncertainty of the next collective bargaining agreement, which will start next summer.
“It’s not an issue of not wanting to be in San Antonio,” Eley said. "It’s maximizing as many opportunities as you can. The Spurs will be one of those teams we talk to in this process.
“He wants to see if there’s a long-term opportunity,” Eley added.
"Matt Cain's better at this than I've ever been at anything in my life. He's better at this than you'll ever be, at anything. Matt Cain has a gift. He has a gift, and when you acknowledge that, then maybe we will have something to talk about."
I wouldn't sign him to a 3 year $15 million contract, but that's just me.
Don't say stupid shit. You won’t be perceived as stupid. - pookeyguru
by Kfan in Korea on Jul 1, 2010 7:41 AM PDT up reply actions
thats why we have David Kahn
to make stupid decisions for us.
"I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot...and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why... I succeed." Michael Jordan.
by Surprise Team on Jul 1, 2010 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
ok well its only 2 options
1) Jefferson re-signs with the Spurs for less money
2) Jefferson signs a contract somewhere else
So either way, It is either about helping his team out, or leaving because he wasnt happy. You never trust what an agent says.
"I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot...and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why... I succeed." Michael Jordan.
by Surprise Team on Jul 1, 2010 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
I guess it's easier to think his agent isn't telling the truth
Than concede that this is nothing more than a money grab by Richard Jefferson.
History tells us the latter is way more likely than the former.
"Matt Cain's better at this than I've ever been at anything in my life. He's better at this than you'll ever be, at anything. Matt Cain has a gift. He has a gift, and when you acknowledge that, then maybe we will have something to talk about."
"These guys"
Meaning NBA players.
"Matt Cain's better at this than I've ever been at anything in my life. He's better at this than you'll ever be, at anything. Matt Cain has a gift. He has a gift, and when you acknowledge that, then maybe we will have something to talk about."
well there is nothing different from "those guys" and "us"
last time I checked, we are the same species.
"I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot...and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why... I succeed." Michael Jordan.
by Surprise Team on Jul 1, 2010 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh good lord
You really want to get into a semantic discussion over my use of the term “these guys” instead of “NBA players” or “human beings”? Get real.
"Matt Cain's better at this than I've ever been at anything in my life. He's better at this than you'll ever be, at anything. Matt Cain has a gift. He has a gift, and when you acknowledge that, then maybe we will have something to talk about."
well you used it in a different way
These guys don’t leave 15 mill on the table just because they are unhappy
I dont see how you know that NBA players wouldnt do that. Would you take a job for 50k/yr to clean up sewers, or a job for 45k/yr taking pictures of Hooters girls?
Yes the comparison is not the best, but Im just trying to get my point across
"I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot...and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why... I succeed." Michael Jordan.
by Surprise Team on Jul 1, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
The comparison sucks, to be honest
Because Richard Jefferson isn’t facing a change of careers to get more money. He’s playing NBA basketball either way.
"Matt Cain's better at this than I've ever been at anything in my life. He's better at this than you'll ever be, at anything. Matt Cain has a gift. He has a gift, and when you acknowledge that, then maybe we will have something to talk about."
alright new comparison time
clean up sewers for 50k/yr
or
clean up Playboy Mansion for 45k/yr
In the end, Richard Jefferson is doing what is best for him. If that means more money, well hes still doing what is best for him in his mind. I will applaud him for whatever choice he makes because it will make him happy.
"I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot...and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why... I succeed." Michael Jordan.
by Surprise Team on Jul 1, 2010 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
As will I
And your comparison still is apples and oranges.
Let’s just keep it real here. It’s about money. Richard Jefferson is no more noble in his hunt for the almighty dollar than LeBron James or Chris Bosh. These guys are businessmen, and they are doing business.
More power to them, as far as I’m concerned.
"Matt Cain's better at this than I've ever been at anything in my life. He's better at this than you'll ever be, at anything. Matt Cain has a gift. He has a gift, and when you acknowledge that, then maybe we will have something to talk about."
Sorry. It is about the money.
"If you're going to lead the orchestra, you have to turn your back on the audience." -Geoff Petrie
by AnotherStupidSN on Jul 1, 2010 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions
I initially thought that this was a bad move by Jefferson,
but given the impending CBA, he might secure more money in the long term by opting out now and entering the free agent fray, especially when you consider the number of teams that have cleared cap space but ultimately won’t land the prize players. If Jefferson lands a five year deal worth $40 million or more, he may have made a solid choice. And he could very well land a deal far in excess of that. Time will tell.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
I'll be really surprised and at the same time not surprised if RJ signs a 40 mil contract. Too many stupid GMs
If he didn’t opt out, don’t you think he would likely get his 15 mil + a 3 year 15 mill contract, next season?
Don't say stupid shit. You won’t be perceived as stupid. - pookeyguru
by Kfan in Korea on Jul 1, 2010 4:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Milwakee just signed Drew Gooden to 5 and 32
Suddenly, the notion of Jefferson getting 5 and at least 40 seems less ridiculous.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
I dunno
I think Gooden is a better, younger player. Jefferson had a huge dropoff this past season (PER of 10.9 versus career of 14.6) and he just turned 30.
Plus, I don’t know that you can’t get what Jefferson brings for a much cheaper price (and a younger player).
It will be interesting to see how this turns out for him though…
"Matt Cain's better at this than I've ever been at anything in my life. He's better at this than you'll ever be, at anything. Matt Cain has a gift. He has a gift, and when you acknowledge that, then maybe we will have something to talk about."
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