Wells Joining Rockets

Bonzi Wells, the last significant free-agent talent on the market, agreed to a two-year, $5 million deal with the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, according to his agent.

Wells holds a player option for the second year and fully plans to re-enter the free agent market next summer, Ric Bucher of ESPN writes.

"This isn't about the money, this is about being in the right place," said Wells' agent, Merle Scott of BDA Sports.

After turning down a five-year, $36 million offer from the Sacramento Kings last month, Wells fired his agent, Bill Phillips, and hired Scott a few weeks ago. Attempts to work a sign-and-trade that might've allowed Wells to match or improve the Kings' offer failed because Sacramento refused to take back any salaries after signing John Salmons with the money refused by Wells.

"We never talked about the Sacramento offer because that was gone and that wasn't going to change," Scott said.

Wells' loss is clearly Houston's gain. Wells left both Portland and Memphis after being portrayed as a malcontent, but his 13.6 points and 7.7 rebounds in 52 games with the Kings last season and a strong first-round playoff performance against San Antonio restored some of his luster. Wells and Ron Artest were a devastating forward combination and Artest personally lobbied for the Kings to re-sign Wells. Sacramento held Wells' Bird rights, meaning they could've paid him whatever they chose but drew the line with their offer slightly better than the mid-level exception.

Wells, a source said, originally wanted Phillips to land him a $50 million deal.

Denver, Boston, Charlotte and Miami also made offers but the Rockets did the best job of convincing Wells he was needed. The recruiting contingent included Yao Ming, GM Carroll Dawson, assistant coach Tom Thibodeau, coach Jeff Van Gundy, personnel director Keith Jones and Tracy McGrady, who called Bonzi directly to make his pitch.

Via ESPN

Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings

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Bonzi To Meet With Bobcats Today

Free-agent swingman Bonzi Wells will visit the Charlotte Bobcats today, to meet the coaching staff and discuss the possibility of signing here, coach-general manager Bernie Bickerstaff confirmed Wednesday.

Via Charlotte Observer

Charlotte Bobcats, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets

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Wells' Agent Talking To Heat

Merle Scott, the Miami-based agent for Bonzi Wells, said Wednesday he has spoken to the Heat regarding the free-agent guard.

Wells, who turned down a five-year, $36 million offer to return to the Kings earlier this offseason only to have it pulled off the table, recently switched agents and began exploring his remaining limited options.

"We've spoken to the Heat, yes," Scott said. "And we will talk again."

Via South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Bobcats, Houston Rockets

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