The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Juan Dixon to Detroit

Why it should happen - The Pistons' lack of depth and subpar perimeter shooting were exposed during the post-season and had a lot to do with why the Pistons looked shaky (though they did come within a minute of repeating as champs) throughout much of the Playoffs. There's no question that they're going to address both of these issues whether Larry Brown returns as coach or not. Dixon is an unrestricted free agent who would love to stay in Washington if it means a chance to start (which is a possibility now that Hughes is gone), but more than likely the Wiz will look to fill Hughes' void with a bigger 2 than Dixon. If Dixon is willing to take less than the mid-level, there could be a huge market for a proven winner, a slick shooter, and an energetic spark off the bench like Dixon. He could be a great fit in Detroit for years to come, but would have to accept splitting minutes with Carlos Arroyo and Lindsey Hunter next season (Hunter's an unrestricted FA in '06).

Why it could happen - Dixon loves to win and so Detroit would be an enticing situation for him, but he's also reached a point in his career where most players take the money and playing time over the opportunity to win. If Detroit is willing to offer him the full mid-level then I'd expect Dixon to jump ship, but I'm not sure anyone believes a smallish 2 who's better suited for a bench role is worthy of the MLE.

Likelihood of Happening: Unlikely

JansenFan wrote:The reason I post this is because I saw this picture this morning.



New Sonics coach Bob Weiss (at right), team Chairman Howard Schultz and Wizards free agent Juan Dixon enjoy WNBA action Saturday in Seattle.

:lol: Juan hardly looks like he's "ENJOYING" anything. He's probably on the phone with his agent booking a flight to Detroit or Miami.

Thanks for the thread, JF. I'd like to see Juan return to the 'Zards, but I'm ready to accept his wearing another uniform. Best wishes to Juan.

JansenFan wrote:I just wonder what the other two guys are laughing at. Did one of the ladies try to dunk and get jammed on the rim or something?

These guys are just goofballs. Think about it. You want to attract an NBA free agent by taking him to a WNBA game????!!!

Perhaps it was a free Starbucks coffee night at the game. otherwise, they were doing a poor job of courting Dixon.

JansenFan wrote:... I thought it would be good to start a thread to track his movements for those of you who, like me, will root for Dixon no matter what uniform he puts on.

Sonics go after free agent Dixon

By Percy Allen
Seattle Times staff reporter

The Sonics entertained free agent Juan Dixon, who left town over the weekend without receiving a formal offer. The former Washington Wizard, however, has a clearer understanding of where he'll play next season.

Chances of Dixon returning to his old team are slim, but Seattle is high on a list of suitors that includes Sacramento, Portland, Cleveland and Miami. The winning team likely will have to pony up a three- to five-year deal with an average salary of $3 million.

"We're not so much concerned with the years and financial package as much as the situation," said Calvin Andrews, Dixon's agent. "Is it a good fit and a good role? We want to know that he's going to have a contributing role and be able to make a significant contribution to a winning squad."

Dixon, a 6-foot-3 guard taken No. 17 in the 2002 draft by Washington, has averaged 8.2 points and 1.6 assists during his three-year career. The 26-year-old has played primarily as a backup but has started 23 games.

The Sonics are seeking an understudy to Luke Ridnour and are considering Dixon, as well as restricted free agent Ronald Murray and unrestricted free agent Mateen Cleaves.

Seattle also is interested in re-signing restricted free agent Vladimir Radmanovic to a long-term deal, but the team extended him a qualifying offer and would not be opposed to having him return with just a one-year deal.

The same holds true for Murray and forwards Reggie Evans and Damien Wilkins, who were extended qualifying offers.

Copyright © 2005 The Seattle Times Company

John N. Mitchell of the Washington Times wrote:Dixon, Portland agree to contract
By John N. Mitchell
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
July 28, 2005

Free agent guard Juan Dixon, who led Maryland to a national championship in 2002 and went on to play a key role for three seasons with the Washington Wizards, will sign a contract with the Portland Trail Blazers when the NBA's moratorium on signings is lifted.

"Juan reached the decision that he will sign with Portland as soon as he is allowed to do so by the NBA," Dixon's agent, Calvin Andrews, said yesterday.

Although the terms of Dixon's contract were not disclosed, he reportedly will sign a three-year deal for about $8-9?million. Dixon was courted by several other teams, including Miami, Indiana, Cleveland and Seattle.

With the Wizards' flurry of acquisitions at the guard positions in the past month, it became clear Dixon, the 17th pick overall in the 2002 NBA Draft, would not be back next season.

First, Washington acquired Chucky Atkins and Caron Butler from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Kwame Brown deal. And last week the Wizards agreed to a five-year, $30?million contract with Antonio Daniels, formerly of the Seattle SuperSonics.

Dixon averaged 8.2 points and 1.6 assists and shot 39.6 percent from the floor in three seasons with the Wizards.

Dixon averaged 11.3 points in last season's playoffs. He scored a career-high 35 points in the fourth game of the first round as the Wizards evened their series with the Chicago Bulls. The Wizards went on to win the series 4-2, marking the franchise's first trip to the second round of the playoffs in 23 seasons.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and just 164 pounds, Dixon was an All-American and the NCAA tournament MVP in 2002. He finished his career as the Terrapins' all-time leading scorer with 2,269 points. He holds the school's all-time 3-point record with 239 and is the only player in NCAA history to have collected more than 2,000 points, 300 steals and 200 3-pointers.

Dixon's departure soon could be followed by the exit of former Maryland teammate Steve Blake. Blake, a restricted free agent, also has drawn interest from Cleveland and Miami among other teams.

JansenFan wrote:I know several people in San Antonio, and they all had nothing but good things to say about Daniels.