Every NBA free agent this offseason seems to have faced the same dilemma: Play alongside LeBron James, or play for the money.
Why should center Erick Dampier be any different?
The Charlotte Bobcats released Dampier on Tuesday to free up cap space. Now he is in the midst of auditioning for several clubs.
According to CBSSports.com, the Rockets, Jazz, Hawks and Heat all are reportedly interested in signing the 14-year veteran.
Houston has offered the free-agent a two-year, $4 million contract to back up Yao Ming. Yao is going to be on a strict playing-time schedule this year, so Dampier could see a lot of minutes. And that’s before you figure in Yao’s inevitable annual injury.
The Heat have the same recruiting campaign they have had all offseason, an opportunity to join James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Miami can offer Dampier the veteran league minimum, $1.4 million, but it is not clear if this is enough.
Dampier averaged six points and 7.3 rebounds for Dallas in 2009-10.
