Erick Dampier widens his wish list, includes Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers
Former Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier has further broaden the list of his possible destinations Monday, as he added the Toronto Raptors and the Portland Trail Blazers to the mix.
The 35-year-old Dampier is still looking for his next team after attending meetings with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Houston Rockets.
The Mavs used Dampier as the centerpiece of the trade that sent him to the Charlotte Bobcats for center Tyson Chandler in August. The cap space-saving Bobcats immediately disposed Dampier and his non-guaranteed
contract last September 14.
In spite his advanced age, Dampier remains a hot commodity on the free agency market. Several sources reported that even the vaunted Miami Heat squad is interested to acquire the service of the 6-foot-11,
265-pound center.
The Rockets and Bucks have already made aggressive moves to enlist Dampier, but the free-agent insisted he’s still open for other possibilities.
In an ambush interview this weekend, Dampier told reporters that four teams are in the running to acquire his service for next season.
Dampier viewed the Bucks, Rockets, Blazers, and Raptors as his possible destinations.
"I've talked to Milwaukee, Toronto, Portland, and one other team," he said after confirming talks with the Rockets as well. "There's no one in the No. 1 spot. I'm not in a rush. I just want to find the
perfect fit and give myself an opportunity to compete for a championship,” said Dampier, who averaged 6 points, 7.3 boards, and 1.4 blocks last season.
Dampier, who is entering his 14th NBA season, previously said he’s willing to welcome a bench role, if possible.
In six seasons with the Mavs, Dampier became the team’s main defensive player and a perfect complement to Dirk Nowitzki’s playing style.
Dampier’s breakout year came in 2003–04 season, where he posted 12.3 points and 12 boards as a member of the Golden State Warriors.
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