The big fish in the free-agent market had basically all been snapped up. After the early-July frenzy, the entire offseason had begun to settle down.
Although several signings still happened every day, they were all minor, inconsequential players.
Then, an unbelievable piece of news suddenly emerged.
"Dwight Howard has joined the Memphis Grizzlies on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract worth just $2.6 million! The former superstar center will assist Link!"
The news shattered the summer calm and once again sparked heated discussion.
Of course, Howard no longer had the influence he once did, nor was he still a franchise-caliber star. His joining the Grizzlies was not some earth-shaking personnel move.
The reason this drew so much attention was that the signing was simply too bizarre!
First of all, $2.6 million for one year was practically a bargain-bin price for a former superstar center like Howard. Especially in an era when the salary cap had skyrocketed.
Howard had made $4.18 million in his rookie season. Last season with the Wizards, even after falling from grace, Howard had still earned an annual salary of over $5 million.
And now, just one year later, he could not even get $3 million!
More importantly, Howard's $2.6 million was still a "summer contract."
A so-called summer contract meant that not a single cent of Howard's deal was guaranteed. Once the regular season began, Howard's salary would be calculated by the day.
In other words, if the Grizzlies told Howard to get lost the next day, he would not receive any salary for that day or any day afterward.
Such a contract gave the Grizzlies absolute control.
If Howard got injured, disrupted the locker room, or performed poorly, he could be sent packing at any time.
If he was waived before the regular season, he would not