AKRON, Ohio -- Danny Ferry's contract with Cleveland could earn the 6-foot-10 forward from Duke $34 million over 10 years, although the deal contains a clause that allows either side to terminate the agreement after five seasons if certain conditions are met.
The Akron Beacon Journal Thursday published details of the contract Ferry signed June 1 after playing one year in Italy.
According to the newspaper, Ferry received a $1 million signing bonus, and will receive $2 million this year, $2.2 million in 1991, $2.5 million in 1993, $3 million in 1994, and $3.3 million in 1995.
After that, Ferry is scheduled to make $4 million per season, but this is where the mysterious clause comes in. The conditions that would allow either side to terminate the deal at this point are unknown.
The deal makes Ferry the highest-paid player on the team. That could change if the team resigns John 'Hot Rod' Williams, who is a restricted free agent.
Cleveland obtained the rights to Ferry from the Los Angeles Clippers in November in exchange for Ron Harper, two No. 1 draft picks and a second round choice.
Ferry played last season in Italy, where he earned a reported $2 million.
Later Thursday, Ferry showed up at the Coliseum to go through his first workout at the Cavaliers facilities. He spent most of Wednesday looking for an apartment, and plans to stay in northeast Ohio about a week before returning home to Maryland. He then will be back in the Cleveland area for the Cavaliers rookie camp in July.
Ferry has been working on his shot, riding a stationary bike and lifting weights. He shoots and rides the bike six times a week and lifts four times a week.
'I've been happy with my progress so far,' Ferry said. 'I'm not looking to gain weight. That's not my objective. I just want to get stronger.'
Ferry is suffering from tendinitis in his left knee -- it is not thought to be serious -- but that will keep him from playing in any competitive games in the near future.
