Swift Inks One Year Deal With Grizzlies

ESPN is reporting that the Memphis Grizzlies have signed free agent forward Stromile Swift to a one year deal. Swift, who now becomes a one year bird player, will not be able a tradeable commodity for Memphis during the next season.

Grizzlies president Jerry West said negotiations with Swift's agent were difficult, and the pressure is on the four-year veteran to prove he is worthy of a long-term deal.

"Obviously, this is a very important year for Stromile," West said. "We expect Stromile to go out and have a great year, and pressure us to sign him to the type of contract he is seeking. Even though he will be an unrestricted free agent next year, we can bid on him and we definitely want Stromile to remain a Grizzlie."

Swift was selected by the Grizzlies out of LSU as the second overall pick in the 2000 draft.

Via ESPN

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Swift Ready to Accept Grizzlies' Qualifying Offer?

According to Fox Sports it appears that high flying Grizzlie Stromile Swift is set to follow in the footsteps of Michael Olowonkandi and sign a one-year qualifying offer for this season and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The two sides remain far apart on a contract, and the Grizzlies have not gotten an acceptable sign-and-trade offer from the half-dozen or so teams who have inquired about Swift.

By accepting the qualifying offer Swift will become untradeable for the 2004-05 season, having twelve months in a Grizzlies uniform to increase the value of his stock before hitting the open market free to join any team he desires. Memphis has the right to match any contract offer this offseason.

Via Fox Sports

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Eschmeyer Kept Dampier out of Memphis

Jerry West was very keen on acquiring Erick Dampier this summer in a sign-and-trade deal, but according to ESPN's Marc Stein, the deal breaker was Chris Mullin's insistance that Evan Eschmeyer be included in any such deal.

The Mavs pulled the trigger on Dampier and are now trying to buy out the remaining three years and $10.8 million of Eschmeyer's deal.

The Grizzlies went on to match the offer sheet given to Jake Tsakalidis by the Cleveland Cavaliers, to fill out the center position.

Via ESPN

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