The Nets are getting Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
The only question is how.
The Nets, multiple league sources said, have received assurances from Abdur-Rahim, the 6-9, 28-year-old Portland free agent they have at the top of their wish list, that he will accept their mid-level exception, worth about $27-30 million over five years, to play in New Jersey.
The Nets, though, remain hopeful that they can convince the Blazers to do a sign-and-trade for Abdur-Rahim using a trade exception as part of the deal. That would give Abdur-Rahim a sixth year (total package worth $38 million with 10.5 percent increases). But more importantly, the Nets would have the mid-level to spend on additional free agents. Miami guard Keyon Dooling and Charlotte forward Malik Allen rate as the prime secondary targets. The Nets’ own free agent, Cliff Robinson, remains in the mix.
The Nets directed all inquiries to Abdur-Rahim’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, who did not immediately return calls.
“It might still be premature to say anything but everything about New Jersey looks good,” Abdur-Rahim said yesterday.
In a determined effort to work a sign-and-trade, the Nets upped their offer to a future first round pick and the trade exception for the Blazers, who remained adamant in their demands. They want the Nets’ second round pick from last month’s draft, 7-1 center Mile Ilic.
“We asked for Ilic, the player they selected with the 43rd pick,” said Portland GM John Nash, who suggested there is no wiggle room in negotiations – no Ilic, no deal.
“They are focused on something we’re not prepared to do,” said Nets team president Rod Thorn, who by league mandate cannot comment on any specific aspects of negotiations. “We’ll do what we have to do.”
And one step the Nets were in the process of taking was an increased courtship of Memphis free agent power forward Stromile Swift. The Nets were in discussions, league sources maintained, about sending their trade exception and a pair of second round picks to the Grizzlies to facilitate a sign and trade.
The Nets have until July 29 – one year from the date of acquiring the trade exception – to use it or lose it. Teams can begin signing free agents on July 22 when the moratorium over the new Collective Bargaining Agreement ends.
But while all that was going on, the Nets got assurances from Abdur-Rahim and his camp that he would at least take five-years for less money to be in a place he wanted to be. The Nets had put a full court press on Abdur-Rahim as coach Lawrence Frank visited him at his home in Atlanta. The Nets also made up a video with a New Jersey uniform superimposed on Abdur-Rahim.
Abdur-Rahim, whose relationship with Frank dates to their days in Portland, also has a strong relationship with fellow Cal-product Jason Kidd. Abdur-Rahim is a 19.8 point career scorer.
—
New Shareef in town?
The Nets are on the verge of acquiring free-agent forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim (right), who most recently played with Portland. Here are the career averages of the nine-year veteran:
YEAR TEAM G MIN FGP REB PPG
1996 VAN 80 35.0 45.3 6.9 18.7
1997 VAN 82 36.0 48.5 7.1 22.3
1998 VAN 50 40.4 43.2 7.5 23.0
1999 VAN 82 39.3 46.5 10.1 20.3
2000 VAN 81 40.0 47. 9.1 20.5
2001 ATL 7 38.7 46.1 9.0 21.2
2002 ATL 81 38.1 47.8 8.4 19.9
2003 ATL 53 36.9 48.5 9.3 20.1
2003 POR 32 22.8 44.7 4.5 10.0
2004 POR 54 34.6 50.3 7.3 16.8
CAREER 672 37.0 46.9 8.2 19.8