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**talula** · 07-08-2004, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Unless he lowers his expectations because of a desire to play elsewhere or a team ups the ante, Stromile Swift likely will re-sign with the Grizzlies.

The 6-9 power forward/center is being valued at no more than the midlevel exception ($5 million) based on early feelers in the free-agent process.

The Griz remain somewhat in control of Swift's future because of their veto power. West is reluctant to part with Swift without compensation because of his athletic potential and trade value.

It appears that the Griz won't have to worry about Swift's worth in the open market. Although the team is prepared to match most offers, Memphis wouldn't hold on to Swift for an astronomical figure, especially, given impending talks about a contract extension with 7-foot Pau Gasol, the franchise's main building block.

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**Cinco de Mayo** · 07-08-2004, 12:25 AM

With guys like Adonal Foyle getting $8 million/year this offseason, I'm shocked that GMs, on the whole, are only valuing Swift at the MLE.

I don't think that West will let Swift leave without any compensation. He may even keep him for, if anything, trade value for a future deal.

grizzhoops · 07-08-2004, 05:17 AM

The interior guys that are getting the big money are physically stronger than Stro. If Stro puts on about 20 pounds of muscle, he will be a dominating power forward and give Pau a real run for his position. The problem is that Stro has had 3-4 years to add weight and hasn't.

His mid-range jumper looked a lot better last year. If we get a true center that would allow Stro to play more power forward, small forward, and less at center, he could really become a force.

**MemphisX** · 07-08-2004, 05:24 AM

Stro is better than Okur and Foyle, I don't really care what they bench press. If we get Swift for any thing within $1 million of the MLE starting salary it is the best FA signing of the offseason.

Blue Bear · 07-08-2004, 09:24 AM

Looks like Sto's agent messed up last year when he advised him not to take the Grizz offer of $20Mil for 3 years.

hobojoe · 07-08-2004, 09:54 AM

Wow, Swift for only the MLE? Foyle gets over $8 Million a year, Okur gets $50 Million over 6 years, Manu is getting a deal starting at $9 Million for 6 years, and Hedo Turkoglu gets the full MLE for 6 years worth almost $40 Million, but no one will give Swift more than the MLE? I find that hard to believe.

**talula** · 07-08-2004, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Bill (Knoxville, TN): Chad, how come nobody is talking about Stromile Swift? Is he just a second tier free agent that will get offers after the big names get signed or is he simply going to resign with the Grizz? Thank you.

Chad Ford: (1:41 PM ET ) The Grizzlies are telling everyone who will listen that they'll match any offer for Swift, who is a restricted free agent. That tends to have a cooling effect on your free agent stock. He'll either re-up with the Grizz or he could be part of a sign-and-trade for Dampier.

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