<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Charlotte has inquired about Jeff McInnis, dangling Melvin Ely in return. But the Bobcats have asked for a fortune: $1 million cash and a first-round pick. That's not happening. . </div> Source Are you serious....
Ely Willing to Waive 'Bird Rights' to Join Nets <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Neither the Bobcats nor the Nets can comment publicly on trade rumors concerning a Melvin Ely-for-Jeff McInnis trade...but Ely can. Under the collective bargaining agreement, Ely would have to consent to a trade since it would mean him losing his "Bird rights". Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer says Ely is willing to do just that. Bonnell hints that a second round pick is the sticking point, but the Post's Fred Kerber reports the Bobcats want a first rounder and $1 million as well as McInnis.</div> Source
Of course Ely would consent to losing his bird rights. It would be very good for Ely to go to NJ. 1) Going to NJ with a depleted front line would mean more minutes, and with Jason Kidd, Carter, etc. to get him open looks. So he would get better contract offers. 2) If he still had his bird rights, teams would be less agressive to get him knowing the Bobcats could match every offer. The only reason why he wouldn't want his bird rights waived would be I guess for sign and trade purposes, but the Bobcats are under the cap and could do a sign and trade even if he went to New Jersey and played for the remainder of the season. As well I don't know if he is going to be making more than 5-6 mill a year.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">2) If he still had his bird rights, teams would be less agressive to get him knowing the Bobcats could match every offer.</div> Not what Bird rights are...that is what restricted free-agency is. Bird rights refer to having a contract over three years, the team that he is currently is signed to can sign him for the most money. I hope Rod keeps the first rounder.
