Jim Beseda of the Oregonian reports that Arvydas Sabonis has agreed to return to the NBA. According to a Lithuanian newspaper, Sabonis has agreed to a one year contract worth $7 million. He is expected to sign the contract as early as Monday.
"Once I received Portland's offer, everything was very clear," Sabonis told Lietuvos Rytas. "It might be one of the last contracts in my career, therefore I have to use this opportunity."
Both the team and Sabonis? agent, Herb Rudoy have said that the contract has not been completed, but Sabonis spoke as if the only thing missing was his signature.
"We remain optimistic that we will get a deal done with Arvydas," Blazers president Bob Whitsitt said. Said Rudoy: "We are very close. I expect to have it done early next week. Arvydas is really excited about returning to Portland and he has instructed me to get it done as quickly as possible.?
Apparently, Sabonis insisted on a one-year contract. Said Sabonis: "After one year, we will see if there is sufficient health, desire or any demand for me to continue playing."