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West doing best to patch GrizJerry West spends his days overseeing construction projects. But the Griz president of basketball operations will tell you that the remodeling of his Los Angeles-area home is nothing compared to his attempts at refurbishing the team's roster this offseason. "I've been working extremely hard," West said from California. "If they knew the volumes of phone calls I've made . . ." His voice trailed off. West sounded as determined as he did exasperated by the nature of free agency. Some discussions had merit while others proved fruitless. West said - without offering specifics - he nearly drove the final nail in at least two coveted deals but neither held firm. What's set in cement is a two-year deal that secured summer league standout Theron Smith, and an offer sheet for the services of swingman James Posey. The Houston Rockets' unrestricted free agent signed a contract for the full $4.9 million midlevel exception over four years. Houston has 15 days to match but likely won't. So happy with the prospect of Posey joining the club is West that he contends Posey could start at shooting guard if Michael Dickerson doesn't recover. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Posey appears set to join GrizThe Grizzlies entered this offseason in dire need of front court bulk and backcourt defense. They attempted to bolster the latter Wednesday by signing Houston Rockets free-agent swingman James Posey to an offer sheet worth $23 million over four years. Posey, 26, received a contract that pays the full $4.9 million midlevel exception in the first year. Because Posey is a restricted free agent, the Rockets have 15 days, or before Aug. 7, to match the deal. However, Posey's Chicago-based agent Mark Bartelstein said he believes his client will wear a Grizzlies uniform this season. "Houston wanted him back. But they couldn't make a financial commitment until next year," Bartelstein said. "They're contemplating (a match). But they have a major luxury-tax burden." The Rockets made Posey a qualifying offer of $2.445 million but likely won't pay nearly $5 million to retain him. Should Houston pass on Posey as expected, the Griz would add immediate help at shooting guard in the event Michael Dickerson (sports hernia) can't play for a third season. Posey also would see action at small forward. Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets $24 million offer to Posey puts Rockets in quandaryThe Rockets had long since made keeping James Posey their top free-agent priority. Wednesday, they found out what he will cost, a price tag they likely will consider beyond their means. Posey, a 6-8 forward, signed an offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday worth $24 million over four years, according to Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein. To offer that contract, the Grizzlies would have to put together a deal worth all of their $4.9 million midlevel salary-cap exception and the largest annual raises allowed. Because Posey, 26, is a restricted free agent, the Rockets have 15 days to match the offer to keep Posey. General manager Carroll Dawson said the Rockets would not decide whether to match the offer until he officially receives it today and considers the team's other free-agent options. But because the Rockets' payroll is in excess of $55 million before signing Posey and other players needed to complete the roster, keeping him likely would cost the Rockets his salary and as much money in luxury taxes, a price they are unlikely to pay. This season's luxury tax is assessed when teams' annual salaries exceed $52.9 million. "We have to look at all the options," Dawson said. "We have two weeks. We'll have to see. We have time." Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Grizzlies Jul 2003 Archive
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