Swift nets qualifying offer from the Sonics.....WOW

[wiff]

Here you go reported by Percy Allen for the Seattle Times...

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2008022040_websoni27.html

Oft-injured Robert Swift has received a one-year qualifying offer by the Sonics, which makes him a restricted free agent.

The $3.6 million qualifying offer allows the Sonics to match any deal given to the 7-foot-1 center by another team.

Despite several setbacks, Sonics general manager Sam Presti said the team "still believes" in the fourth-year player who has played just 71 games and missed most of the past two seasons because of knee injuries.

Wow Sam must like the kids never say die work ethic.

[Big_Mac79]

Hopefully Sam Presti knows something about his status and isn't projecting him to come back

[djthesonicsfan]

First, Presti says Swift's been working out & doing well. Second, no center drafted in the first round. Third, Swift given a qualifying offer that's contrary to what we can only theorize would be Bennett's position if Swift wasn't completely recovered.

To me, all this can only mean Hippie will soon bless us all with more tales of the legend that is Robert Swift.

[pr0wler]

YES!!!! Woooo this is great news for the Sonics. Now all we need is Danny Fortson and we're all set

[djthesonicsfan]

First, Presti says Swift's been working out & doing well. Second, no center drafted in the first round. Third, Swift given a qualifying offer that's contrary to what we can only theorize would be Bennett's position if Swift wasn't completely recovered.

To me, all this can only mean Hippie will soon bless us all with more tales of the legend that is Robert Swift.

[wiff]

If he is healthy and can run up and down the court without pain I'd love to see the guy in the Green and Gold. If the kid is truly healthy I think he has earned an opportuntiy to prove he can play in the league and see what he can do.

PG Westbrook, Watson, Ridnour
SG Durant, Wilkins
SF Green, Marshall
PF Wilcox, Collison, DJ White
C Petro, Swift, Sene, Hardin

14 players, 8 on rookie contracts plus Wilkins who only makes 3.3mil so closer to 9 rookie contracts.

Since it has been reported that Swift has recieved a qualifying offer but they made no mention of Gelly... I'd imagine that is the last we have seen of Gelly wearing the green and gold.

[Ex-hippie]

First, Presti says Swift's been working out & doing well. Second, no center drafted in the first round. Third, Swift given a qualifying offer that's contrary to what we can only theorize would be Bennett's position if Swift wasn't completely recovered.

To me, all this can only mean Hippie will soon bless us all with more tales of the legend that is Robert Swift.

Sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how huge Robert Swift is.

[jenn_gp]

Eh. I'm through with him.
*Ducks--please don't throw anything at me!*

[m23uza1hem36]

[big L]

What do we have to lose? He's got one more year to prove himself... I only hope that PJ can come up with a stable rotation.

Plus, the truly continental Robert Swift shakes off defenders as if they were little fleas wearing tiny skirts.

[sonictecture]

I think I read, that the Sonics could renounce the qualifying offer at some point in the future. Basically if Swift received no interest from other teams and hadn't signed the offer yet, the Sonic could retract the offer and attempt to sign him to a lower contract. The qualifying offer ensures that a team like the Celtics, as Swift is rumored to be Ainge's man crush, to a minimum deal and the Sonics get nothing in return.

Swift should be available to participate in training camp.

[djthesonicsfan]

I read that... "A team can withdraw its qualifying offer to a restricted free agent, in which case the player becomes unrestricted. This happened with Toronto and Keon Clark in 2002. The qualifying offer cannot be withdrawn after July 23 without the player's approval."

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm

[shmin1234]

swift coming back is a good idea IMO but only for a one year contract. we shouldnt wrap any money up in this guy long term until he proves hes not so injury prone. more than one year would be a mistake

[Chi Dynasty12]

I would develop Hardin and give not pick up the qo on Swift, partly because of the way he presents himself.

[BrandonE]

Everyone on the Sonics should be playing hockey instead of basketball cause they suck.

[Troy McClure]

Everyone on the Sonics should be playing hockey instead of basketball cause they suck.

Good point.


No, you don't understand....really good point.