Two sources have told me that the Memphis Grizzlies are going to make the first major move in the Summer of 2010 free-agent bonanza by taking their emerging star small forward and restricted free agent Rudy Gay off the market,
Dwyane Wade jersey agreeing to terms with Gay on a five-year deal that could be worth about $82 million.
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The surprise decision came as Gay was prepared to start visiting teams Thursday. Gay had scheduled a visit Thursday afternoon in Minnesota with the Timberwolves, who had make no secret of their interest in the 23-year-old.
yankees jerseys But the Grizzlies contacted Gay''s agents Thursday morning and said they now would be willing to match any offer sheet another team gave him. Gay then cancelled his trip to Minnesota.
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The Grizzlies'' decision came after owner Michael Heisley consulted with general manager Chris Wallace and other team officials. Memphis decided it made more sense to just pay Gay rather than wait for another team to come forth with an offer sheet that would have
los angeles dodgers jerseys almost certainly included a front-loaded salary structure and signing bonus designed to make it harder for Memphis to match. Such front-loaded deals usually have language that forces the team looking to retain its player to write a huge up-front check for most of the player''s first-year salary in the new deal.
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Once Memphis made its offer, there was no incentive for him to look elsewhere, as the most any other team could offer him would be a five-year deal for around $78 million.
