Money, knee may be key factors in Manny Ramirez drama - BostonHerald.com

Another article mentions that Manny would want to be a free agent at the end of the year if he is traded. That point combined with the following tidbit makes sense.

You have the player, the club and two agents who have a fairly substantial stake in what happens between the first two entities. The latter might add up to nothing but a subtle subplot, but it is one that must be mentioned.

According to a person familiar with Ramirez’ situation, the left fielder’s agent, Scott Boras, contacted his client yesterday for the first time since the latest rift between the player and the Sox developed last week. Boras updated Ramirez on potential trade destinations since he had talked with the club since it said it was willing to deal him.

A group that has kept a keen eye on how Boras interacts with Ramirez during these days is the Legacy Sports Group, the player’s former representation. If the Sox, or whichever team trades for him, picks up Ramirez’ $20 million option, Legacy garners the five percent (or cool $1 million), while Boras works for free until another deal is made.