Mr.Bottomtooth
07-02-2006, 10:00 AM
Wire Reports
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Although NBA teams were allowed to begin negotiating with free agents Saturday, they cannot officially sign players until July 12.
Still, the Spurs wasted no time in contacting Portland Trail Blazers free-agent center Joel Przybilla on the first day.
The six-year veteran is one of the most coveted free agents on the market, because he's a versatile big man, a valuable commodity.
Przybilla averaged just 6.1 points in 25 minutes a game for the Blazers last season, but the Spurs like the seven rebounds and 2.3 blocks he averaged in those games.
"He's interested in going to a successful team," said Bill Duffy, Przybilla's agent. "But he's also excited about what Portland did on draft night (making six trades) so he's not in any hurry."
The Chicago Bulls, who have plenty of salary-cap space are interested suitors along with the Spurs, but they have an advantage, because they can offer more money.
The Blazers, Spurs and Cavs only have their $5.3 million mid-level exception to offer.
"Signing for the (mid-level) may be an option," Duffy said. "That's going to be his decision."
A sign and trade is always a possibility as well.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Although NBA teams were allowed to begin negotiating with free agents Saturday, they cannot officially sign players until July 12.
Still, the Spurs wasted no time in contacting Portland Trail Blazers free-agent center Joel Przybilla on the first day.
The six-year veteran is one of the most coveted free agents on the market, because he's a versatile big man, a valuable commodity.
Przybilla averaged just 6.1 points in 25 minutes a game for the Blazers last season, but the Spurs like the seven rebounds and 2.3 blocks he averaged in those games.
"He's interested in going to a successful team," said Bill Duffy, Przybilla's agent. "But he's also excited about what Portland did on draft night (making six trades) so he's not in any hurry."
The Chicago Bulls, who have plenty of salary-cap space are interested suitors along with the Spurs, but they have an advantage, because they can offer more money.
The Blazers, Spurs and Cavs only have their $5.3 million mid-level exception to offer.
"Signing for the (mid-level) may be an option," Duffy said. "That's going to be his decision."
A sign and trade is always a possibility as well.