While the final touches were being applied to a new deal that will keep coach Lawrence Frank locked up until the team’s move to Brooklyn, Nets brass prepared met with free agent center Jamaal Magloire in Orlando last night to gauge his interest in New Jersey.
Magloire could become a prime target if the Nets lose Mikki Moore to free agency. They drafted Sean Williams for frontcourt insurance but he is, after all, a rookie, so the Nets seek a veteran athletic, offensive presence. The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Magloire, 29, could fit that need.
“We have been having conversations,” team president Rod Thorn said of discussions with Magloire’s camp. “He’s made the All-Star team, is a low post scorer, a tough player.”
The sit-down over dinner, was a feeling-out, get-to-know-each-other meeting. Free-agent signings can begin today.
Magloire, with career averages of 9 points and 7.5 rebounds, averaged 6.5 points and 6.1 boards while earning $8.4 million in Portland last season.
Whatever roster moves eventually are made – and they will include Vince Carter re-upping for four more years – the finished product will be handed to Frank, whose extension is expected to be announced next week. Frank has one year remaining and with the two years he’ll be getting, his total package will be worth over $11 million, according to league sources. Frank would be under contract through the 2009-10 season, when the team is expected to move to Brooklyn.
“We’ve been in discussions,” Thorn, who repeatedly has praised Frank’s work ethic, attention to detail and preparation, said of extension talks.
Another key signing is Carter, whose deal for four years at nearly $62 million has been agreed upon, but needed to wait for signatures until the league’s moratorium ended yesterday. The signing is expected to come Friday. Carter has been tied up with previous commitments – although he opened his Florida home and personal court Sunday to the Nets’ summer league team for practice.
Moore’s situation stayed pretty much the same. A deadline passed for accepting the Nets’ initial three-year offer – worth at least $11 million, sources said – so Moore met with representatives from Chicago and Memphis.
“Mikki hasn’t rejected any offers. We talked to the Nets and there were a couple of teams that wanted to meet with him,” said Moore’s agent, Mark Bartelstein. “This is a moving process. From the outset, Mikki made it clear the Nets are his preferred choice. He had his visits and he had to listen to what teams had to say. He is not looking for or demanding X amount of dollars. He is listening to what’s out there. Mikki has a great heart and he loves New Jersey and the fans.”
Though the Nets indicated their desire to retain Moore, they must be prepared if he gets a better deal, although sources close to the Bulls indicated the Chicago pitch was less than what the Nets offered.
“There’s really not much to say,” Thorn said. “He’s looking, making visits as he should. And we’re looking at all options as we should.”