http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/bulls.asp?intID=37895143 <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">John Paxson has until Oct. 31 to change his mind, but for now, the Bulls general manager doesn't plan to pursue contract extensions for Jamal Crawford and Marcus Fizer. Unless the strategy changes, Crawford and Fizer will become restricted free agents next summer. The Bulls could match any offer the two players receive, so there is little danger of losing either of them. There could be a downside, though, to not signing the team's 2000 draft picks. If Crawford or Fizer plays well this season, a team with salary-cap room could conceivably make a generous offer and force the Bulls to spend more money than they would by negotiating a new contract now. "Both sides, obviously, take a risk," Paxson said. "In Jamal's case, he's really got to prove that he can play a full year at a high level. Marcus is coming off a knee injury. The fact of the matter is, we can match an offer." Crawford began last season backing up Jay Williams at point guard. Crawford eventually started the final 20 games of the season and flashed some star potential, averaging 23.0 points and 6.5 assists in April. Fizer also started slowly last year. But he was arguably the Bulls' second-best player in December and January before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a Jan. 31 game at Portland. When last season ended, both Fizer and Crawford were hoping to sign extensions and commit long term to the Bulls. "If nothing gets worked out, it's not a big deal," Crawford said last week. "Just focus on the year and get ready to deal with that at the end of the season." </div> I think it might be a good idea to give Crawford an extension. I expect that next season, plenty of teams are going to want him to play for them & might offer outrageous amounts of money. We should try and get him an extension before he's out of our range (Paxson will probably sign both Tyson and Eddy to contract extensions)
wonder what he'll be asking for. Same with Tyson and Eddy. I hope they can keep these guys together till they're at least 30.
