Rockets Signed Bowen for 6Y/54Mill? Is this an April1st joke from ESPN?

source: http://espn.clutchfans.net/nba/news/story/?id=2401778

Updated: April 1, 2006, 10:54 AM ET
Rockets sign Bowen to multi-year extensionESPN.com news services


After Friday night's 105-103 win over the Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy was in a good mood. Perhaps Saturday morning's news made him even happier.



Bowen
Rockets GM Carroll Dawson announced that the team has come to an agreement with forward Ryan Bowen on a multi-year contract extension. Inside sources confirmed to espn.com that the deal is a 6-year, $54 million pact, though terms were not officially announced by the club.

"Losing is not something I take lightly," said Van Gundy Saturday. "For us to compete year-in and year-out, we need to have the right people and Ryan has a winner's mentality. On Thursday I told [Dawson] that this needs to get done."

Out of The University of Iowa, the 6-9, 220 pound Bowen has averaged 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 425 career games with Denver and Houston. Last season he averaged 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds as a defensive specialist for Van Gundy. Some believe it was Bowen's defense on Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki in last season's Western Conference opening round playoff series that sparked the Rockets to take a 2-0 series edge.

"We are very fortunate to have Ryan," said Dawson. "During his seven years in the league, Ryan has distinguished himself as a tireless worker and that has really defined his career to this point. He's a strong defender who has added depth at the forward position."

Bowen's agent Guy Zucker said a deal has been worked on with Houston for months.

"February was not a fun month given how far apart we were, but all along Ryan wanted to remain in Houston," said Zucker in a conference call with reporters. "We had the chance to explore opportunities and were able to report back to the Rockets on what the market was dictating, and they essentially responded accordingly."

Happiest of all though was likely Van Gundy, who seemed relieved on Saturday.

"He's a career 1.4/1.4 guy and we're just happy to get this behind us," said Van Gundy.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.