Charlotte Bobcats part ways with Dampier
After failing to find a trading partner, the Charlotte Bobcats was forced to waive center Erick Dampier on Tuesday, which kept them below the luxury tax threshold in the upcoming NBA season.
The 14-year NBA veteran, who was acquired by the Bobcats from the Mavericks along with Matt Carroll and veteran forward Eduardo Najera in exchange for Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca, was in the final year of the seven-year, $73 million contract.
Dampier’s $13-million contract this year was not guaranteed after failing to meet the playing time clause in the deal.
The Bobcats are desperate to get their salary cap below the $70.3 million luxury tax limit, but they were not content to just waive the 6ft 11in centre. The Michael Jordan-owned Bobcats tried to include Dampier in a trade that will boost their point-guard depth, but they failed to receive a reasonable offer on the table.
"We explored several trade possibilities involving Erick, but ultimately we have been unable to find a viable option that we felt made our team better," Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins said.
"Out of respect to Erick, we have decided to release him at this time so he may pursue opportunities with other teams prior to training camp." He added.
Dampier, who averaged 7.8 points and 7.4 rebounds for the Dallas Mavericks last season, will now have the opportunity to ink a deal with any NBA team.
The Miami Heat, which is trying to find a veteran centre to solidify their frontline, will be a possible destination for Dampier, but the Dallas Mavericks are also in the run for re-acquiring the former Mississippi State standout.
The Bobcats are now $5 million below the threshold, but they are still in a dilemma of finding a starting point guard and center, after losing Chandler, and Raymond Felton, who opted to join forces with Amare Stoudemire in New York.
Tags: