Zen-like Todd
June-21st-2003, 11:14 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A17530-2003Jun20.html
By Steve Wyche
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, June 21, 2003; Page D08
Washington Wizards forward Bryon Russell elected not to exercise his option on the final year of his two-year contract, leaving the team with unexpected savings of $1.54 million and an open roster spot.
"He has decided to become a free agent," said Dwight Manley, who represents Russell.
Though Russell could land with another team, he likely would not garner the money he would have received from the Wizards this season. With Russell opting not to come back, the Wizards could be as much as $13.5 million under the salary cap this summer should guard Jerry Stackhouse opt out of the final two years and $15 million of his contract.
That surplus would be enough for Washington to try to lure some of the more prominent free agents on the market, such as point guard Jason Kidd, who has a strong relationship with new Wizards coach and former New Jersey Nets assistant Eddie Jordan, Andre Miller, Gilbert Arenas or P.J. Brown.
Even if Stackhouse, who has until July 1 to decide, opts to stay, Washington will be roughly $6.5 million under the projected $40 million salary cap. That could be enough to lure a solid free agent, such as Spurs point guard Speedy Claxton or Corey Maggette. Washington also could have enough space for Washington to re-sign its own free agents, Tyronn Lue and Bobby Simmons.
Russell started for the Wizards to open the season but was replaced in the starting lineup after 14 games by Michael Jordan.
As the season progressed, his playing time diminished and he finished as one of the more disgruntled players on the team, with most of his focus on former coach Doug Collins.
Russell, 32, started 23 games, played in 70 and averaged 4.5 points, tying the second-worst scoring mark of his 10-year career.
By Steve Wyche
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, June 21, 2003; Page D08
Washington Wizards forward Bryon Russell elected not to exercise his option on the final year of his two-year contract, leaving the team with unexpected savings of $1.54 million and an open roster spot.
"He has decided to become a free agent," said Dwight Manley, who represents Russell.
Though Russell could land with another team, he likely would not garner the money he would have received from the Wizards this season. With Russell opting not to come back, the Wizards could be as much as $13.5 million under the salary cap this summer should guard Jerry Stackhouse opt out of the final two years and $15 million of his contract.
That surplus would be enough for Washington to try to lure some of the more prominent free agents on the market, such as point guard Jason Kidd, who has a strong relationship with new Wizards coach and former New Jersey Nets assistant Eddie Jordan, Andre Miller, Gilbert Arenas or P.J. Brown.
Even if Stackhouse, who has until July 1 to decide, opts to stay, Washington will be roughly $6.5 million under the projected $40 million salary cap. That could be enough to lure a solid free agent, such as Spurs point guard Speedy Claxton or Corey Maggette. Washington also could have enough space for Washington to re-sign its own free agents, Tyronn Lue and Bobby Simmons.
Russell started for the Wizards to open the season but was replaced in the starting lineup after 14 games by Michael Jordan.
As the season progressed, his playing time diminished and he finished as one of the more disgruntled players on the team, with most of his focus on former coach Doug Collins.
Russell, 32, started 23 games, played in 70 and averaged 4.5 points, tying the second-worst scoring mark of his 10-year career.