Grizzlies Want Bonuses Attached To Rookie Contract

[Tony.]

Xavier Henry is currently in a contract stalemate with the Grizzlies.

Arn Tellem, agent for Henry, says the Grizzlies are trying to make his client meet performance bonuses, such as making the rookie challenge at All-Star weekend or being named to one of the all-rookie teams. He says only one player out of more than 450 since the rookie salary scale was instituted in 1995 has agreed to a performance bonus.

"Basic fairness and equality are fundamental aspects of every positive organization-player relationship, and those concepts are totally absent from the Grizzlies' current proposal to Xavier," Tellem said.

Tellem said Henry would agree to bonuses that are frequently offered to reach the full 120 percent, such as taking part in conditioning programs or playing in the summer league, but said no other team in this draft had asked a player to accept a performance incentive.

 

[.GR]

True. I wouldn't sign either.

 

[DJT]

He'll sign soon. Probably a different deal, but they want him on the team.