The Detroit Pistons and restricted free agent Rodney Stuckey are struggling to come to terms on a long-term contract, sources said.
Stuckey, the Pistons' top free agent this offseason, is balking at what the team is prepared to pay him. The Pistons have discussed a deal that would pay Stuckey between $40 million and $45 million over five years, according to sources.
By comparison, Mike Conley agreed to a five-year, $40 million extension with the Memphis Grizzlies in November.
Stuckey's representatives, seeking an even bigger deal, have been contacting other teams the past few days, looking to broker a sign-and-trade deal. However, the Pistons are telling teams they won't agree to one, sources said.
If the impasse continues, Stuckey's representatives are threatening to take the Pistons' one-year, $3.87 million qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2012.
Stuckey, the Pistons' top free agent this offseason, is balking at what the team is prepared to pay him. The Pistons have discussed a deal that would pay Stuckey between $40 million and $45 million over five years, according to sources.
By comparison, Mike Conley agreed to a five-year, $40 million extension with the Memphis Grizzlies in November.
Stuckey's representatives, seeking an even bigger deal, have been contacting other teams the past few days, looking to broker a sign-and-trade deal. However, the Pistons are telling teams they won't agree to one, sources said.
If the impasse continues, Stuckey's representatives are threatening to take the Pistons' one-year, $3.87 million qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2012.
Someone should remind Rodney Stuckey as to what happened when Joe Smith turned down a $90M contract. I know what I would do as the Joe Dumars - let him play out the qualifying offer and start developing Brandon Knight. I know what I would do as a rival GM receiving a call to give more than 5 years and $40-45M - laugh hysterically and hang up.
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