San Jose Mercury News

August 14, 2007
by Marcus Thompson II

Warriors, Foyle Agree on Buyout
Deal Will Bring Savings Against Cap

The Warriors and veteran center Adonal Foyle reached a buyout agreement Monday, continuing the gradual roster overhaul that Chris Mullin started when he became the team's executive vice president of basketball operations in 2004.

Just over a month after trading star guard Jason Richardson, the Warriors unceremoniously severed ties with their longest-tenured player, the 32-year-old Foyle, who played all 10 of his NBA seasons for Golden State.

According to a person with knowledge of the negotiations, Foyle agreed to accept $13 million of the nearly $20 million he was due.

"I love the people of the Bay Area and I will miss them the most," Foyle wrote on his Web site, www.adonalfoyle.com. "They opened their arms and welcomed me to their community. And I will forever be grateful for their support and I will continue to make the Bay Area my home."

Mullin said in a statement: "We will certainly miss Adonal's presence, both on and off the court. However, we think this move is in the best interest of both parties as we move forward. Adonal was a true professional in every sense of the word during his decade-long tenure with the Warriors. We wish him the best as he begins the next phase of his career."

Foyle must clear waivers first - any team that picks him up would be on the hook for his pre-settlement salary - so he will not be a free agent until Aug. 21. The 6-foot-10, 270-pound center has averaged 4.4 points and 5.0 rebounds for his career.

Foyle's departure not only clears up a roster spot, it also gives the Warriors some immediate salary-cap relief. He was under contract for $29.25 million over the next three seasons, but the Warriors had an option to buy out the final year of the deal for $1 million. Assuming the Warriors would have exercised that option, Foyle was set to make $19.7 million over the next three seasons - $8.9 million, then $9.8 million and $1 million for 2009-10.

Next season, when the Warriors would presumably have to start paying starting center Andris Biedrins and guard Monta Ellis big money, the savings will be $3.4 million.

Since being drafted No. 8 overall in 1997, Foyle made his mark off the court as much as he did on the court. He was nationally known for his political acumen and highly regarded for his work in the community.

Ellis was scheduled to practice against Team USA this week in Las Vegas but will pull out because of a strained back. A team official said the injury is not serious and that Ellis is just being cautious.

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