02-22-2008, 12:01 AM
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#2 (permalink)
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MANRAM!
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: NORCAL
Age: 23
Posts: 18,070
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Re: Agent: Artest 'not likely' to become free agent
Quote:
MARK STEVENS (Artest's agent)
On the general approach even if Artest does opt out...
Whether it’s one summer or two summers (until Artest is a free agent), Ron still has to play for a contract because that’s the name of the business. Now of course if we can enter into a negotiating process with Sacramento this summer and we can both agree on a contract, it would be favorable because it’s security. Why would we wait an extra year to be put in the same situation that we’re in that same summer? If we can get something done, and it’s favorable and it’s honest, then of course we’d look to do it.
On the level of Artest's desire to remain with the Kings long term...
Ron is a Sacramento King. They took the risk on him in making the trade (from Indiana). That has gone a long way with Ron and myself. Ron is a loyalist. He appreciates the chance they took on him to help build his career back, and that will never be forgotten.
JOE MALOOF
On his present-day view of Artest...
With the exception of one or two problems, he’s been tremendous in our community. He’s given back. He spends a lot of time with kids. People like him. They genuinely like him. He has a nice following.
I think he’s had some pretty good years with us now. He knows the (Maloof) family, knows the city. I think he feels more and more comfortable. We want what's best for him, for his family, if it's good for the organization. I think basically, his future depends on him, what he does.
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http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs...es/010720.html
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