| Swift Joins Houston Authored by Jason Linnard - July 18, 2005 - 8:54 pm
After nearly three weeks since free agency negotiations began, Rockets fans shall wait no longer.
According to his agent Andy Miller, free agent forward Stromile Swift has agreed to terms on a contract. It’s been two weeks since Swift originally met with the Rockets. During that time span, Swift also met with New York and New Jersey officials and New Jersey was serious about acquiring Swift after talks began to dwindle with their number one target, forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
The Rockets, who are over the salary cap, could offer only the midlevel exception, expected to be worth between $28 million and $32 million over five years. He probably received greater offers, particularly in a sign-and-trade deal, but decided to end his free agency. Swift is expected to start along side Center Yao Ming, creating one of the most talented, young frontcourts in the league.
"He has decided to become a Houston Rocket," Miller said. "He's absolutely excited about playing with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. The Houston organization has been very consistent and adamant about getting him."
Swift spent his entire career in Memphis prior to this summer. Swift spent all but one year in Vancouver/Memphis behind Spanish sensation Pau Gasol. Last summer he was a restricted free agency, and Memphis was expected to match any offer he received. He decided to accept their qualifying offer and return to Memphis for one more year. He became an unrestricted free agent this summer. |
