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Rentzias free to join sixers, Phily on minds of Rogers and Billups?Phil Jasner of the Philadelphia Daily News reports: FC Barcelona, Efthimios Rentzias' team in Spain, decided against picking up an option on his contract yesterday, clearing the way for him to open negotiations with the Sixers. "They had to notify me in writing by 6 p.m. [yesterday] if they were exercising their option," said Keith Glass, Rentzias' agent. "That didn't happen." Instead, Barcelona was required to pay Rentzias a buyout fee that will net him nearly $200,000. Had he remained in Spain, his contract for next season would have been worth nearly $1 million. "I think the people over there think he'll still re-sign with them, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen," Glass said. "I hope things work out," Sixers general manager Billy King said via e-mail. "They look good right now." In other news: NBA teams can begin speaking with free agents Monday, and players can begin signing July 16. It remains to be seen whether the Sixers consider either Boston forward Rodney Rogers or Minnesota guard Chauncey Billups as priorities. "Rodney thinks a lot of Philly, and wants to stay in the East," said James "Butch" Williams, Rogers' agent. "I think Philly is one place he'd seriously consider." Andy Miller, Billups' agent, said, "From our perspective, Philadelphia would be on a short list. If they don't call, I'll call them. I will definitely inquire." Billups, who opted out after the second year of a three-year contract, is thought to have an interest in returning to Denver, his hometown. Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Claxton Warming Up to Being a Spur"I just couldn't believe it," Claxton said. "I was like, 'What?' It took a while for it to sink in." On Thursday, Claxton was beginning to warm to the deal that sent him to the Spurs in return for Mark Bryant and the draft rights to John Salmons and Randy Holcomb. After living in the Northeast his entire life, a move west couldn't be all bad, he said. "I'm kind of looking forward to it now," Claxton said by phone from Philadelphia. "It gives me a new city to experience." Claxton will meet his new team for the first time next week when the Spurs bring him in for a physical. Saying good-bye to Philadelphia won't be easy. San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Spurs Trade Salmons, Holcomb, Bryant for ClaxtonJohnny Ludden of the San Antonio Express News writes that the Spurs had hoped Yugoslavian center Nenad Krstic would fall to them at the 26th pick, but was taken two slots before by New Jersey. So, they pulled the trigger on a pre-arranged trade with Philadelphia to shore up the point guard position. The Spurs traded the John Salmons (#26), Randy Holcomb (#57), and veteran Mark Bryant to Philadelphia for point guard Speedy Claxton. The Spurs hope Claxton can fill in the backup point guard spot for Terry Porter who may retire. The Spurs also picked Luis Scola with the 56th pick in the draft. He is a friend of guard Emanuel Ginobili who will sign a contract with the Spurs this offseason to come to the States. Scola will likely remain in Europe for now. San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, NBA Draft Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Sixers Jun 2002 Archive
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